Photos by Todd and Brad Reed
Visit Ludington, Michigan
Ludington Points of Interest
Ludington Beach Sunsets Are Spectacular!
photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
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.
Ludington’s North Breakwater Light
photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
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.
The fishing is great in Ludington!
photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
Fantastic 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.
Ludington State Park Sand Dunes & Big Sable Point Lighthouse
photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
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.
SS Badger Car Ferry Leaving the Port of Ludington
photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
S.S. Badger Car Ferry
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.
For more travel information about Ludington, Michigan, see VisitLudington.com.
Travel Northwest Michigan
Destinations Around Lake Michigan
Escanaba, Michigan
Escanaba is the site of the Upper Peninsula State Fair and is popular for fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Lake Forest, Illinois
Lake Forest began as a town in 1857 and is a convenient destination for visitors travelling south to Chicago.
Zion, Illinois
Sitting on Illinois’ border with Wisconsin sits Zion. One of the only cities in the world to be fully planned before being built.
Evanston, Illinois
Evanston, just north of Chicago, is alive with diverse entertainment options, courtesy of the creative students at Northwestern University.
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
On the western shore of Lake Michigan lies Manitowoc, a community of roughly 35,000 and rich in maritime history.
St. Ignace, Michigan
Located in the Straits of Mackinac, and known as the “Gateway” to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace has more than 300 years of history.