Discover Ludington in West Michigan
Beaches Galore!
There are so many Ludington beaches to discover! You’ll find miles of clean, sandy beaches along Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, just minutes from wherever you are in the area. Stearns Park in downtown Ludington is the most popular beach, with FREE parking, concessions, playground, Skate Park, mini golf, and shuffleboard.
Whether you enjoy swimming, skiing, tubing, boating, or fishing–Ludington’s beaches and lakes provide hours of relaxing enjoyment and exhilarating adventure.
Two Lighthouses to Explore!
These beautiful and historic structures are an integral part of the Ludington experience. The North Breakwater Light is in downtown Ludington at the end of Ludington Avenue and the Big Sable Point Lighthouse is within the Ludington State Park just north of town. These lighthouses are open for tours in the summertime, however, with the recently higher water levels of Lake Michigan, the North Breakwater Light Pier will be closed frequently. This is for your protection, as the higher lake levels will cause the wave to wash over the pier in windy conditions. Please be aware, and be sure to enjoy the calmer days whenever you can!
Lake Michigan & Inland Lake Fishing
Anglers from all over choose Ludington as their #1 salmon port on Lake Michigan. Numerous Ludington charter captains have years of experience on the big lake and are eager to take you on a fishing excursion. The area’s largest inland lake, Hamlin Lake, is full of northern pike, bass, perch, and bluegill–and a great place to ice fish in the winter for panfish and walleye. Especially in the fall, don’t miss the world class fishing on the local Pere Marquette River.
Check the current and archived Fishing Reports — and catch your limit!
Ludington State Park
Midwest Living magazine voted the Ludington State Park the #1 state park in the Midwest, with seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Enjoy camping, boating, fishing, swimming–or hike on one of eight marked trails that wind through the park and bring you face to face with nature’s beauty. Two highlights of the Ludington State Park are the Hamlin Lake Dam and the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. While you’re at the Lake Michigan Beach be sure to visit the Beach House for concessions and a great view…or head over to Hamlin Beach and rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or paddle boat for hours of fun. S.S. Badger Carferry Ludington is the home port of the largest carferry to sail the Great Lakes.
S.S. Badger Carferry
The S.S. Badger carferry makes its voyage from Ludington to Manitowoc, Wisconsin mid-May to mid-October. This 410′ ship carries up to 620 passengers and 180 vehicles. Onboard you can play Badger Bingo, watch a movie, shop, or enjoy a meal in one of their two restaurants. Kid’s activities include a video arcade, coloring contests, and playroom. The best part of the journey is sitting on deck and enjoying the view–including spectacular sunsets. The S.S. Badger is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Read about the best places to watch the carferry sail and helpful hints when arriving by the carferry.
Ludington’s Top Events:
Ludington Businesses:
For more travel information about Ludington, Michigan, please contact these tourism resources:
Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
5300 US-10
Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 845-0324
Pure Ludington Website
Ludington & Scottville Chamber of Commerce
5300 US-10
Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 845-0324
Chamber of Commerce Website
Additional Ludington area websites by the publisher of this Lake Michigan Destinations website: