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Ludington, Michigan Travel Guide
A harbor town, Ludington is located on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River. It has been called a vacation paradise and here are some of the reasons for that appellation.
Sudington has an abundance of beaches. There are miles of soft sandy beaches along Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. The most popular beach is Stearns Park. It features free parking, Skate Park, a playground, concession stand, shuffleboard, and mini-golf.
Enjoy all manner of watersports including including swimming, boating, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, tubing, boating and more. There’s always something fun to do!
Attracting anglers from all over the Midwest, Ludington is the #1 salmon port on Lake Michigan. Hamlin Lake is full of northern pike, bass, perch and blue gill. Ice fish in the winter for walleye and panfish.
The Pere Marquette River is a National Wild & Scenic River and covers 66 miles. It’s a popular destination for anglers because of the abundance of rainbow trout. Steelhead can also be caught here. You can save on rods and reels by clicking here.
Lighthouses
Lighthouse enthusiasts will love the area’s two beautiful and historic lighthouses.
Ludington’s North Breakwater Light is ranked #1 lighthouse to visit in Michigan. The Weather Channel named it one of the top 10 lighthouses in America. There are 53 steps to the top. It was first lit in 1871. The name is Light not lighthouse because a house was never attached to it.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse was first lit in 1867. The black and white striped 112 foot lighthouse was honored as 2013 Featured Lighthouse of the Year for the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival. There are 130 steps to the top.
Other Ludington Attractions
Launched in 1952, the S.S. Badger (named for the University of Wisconsin mascot) is the last of 14 Ludington based car ferries still crossing Lake Michigan. From mid-May to mid-October, the ferry makes its voyage from Ludington to Mantowoc, Wisconsin, carrying up to 620 passengers and 180 vehicles. The S.S. Badger is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ludington’s Historic White Pine Village is a living history tour of a 19th century pioneer village. See the original Mason County Courthouse that is on the State Register of Historic Places. Take a trip back in time and stroll through historic buildings that are filled with a historic artifacts including a blacksmith shop, sawmill shed, post office and more.
Ludington State Park was voted #1 state park by the readers of Midwest Living. Enjoy boating, swimming and fishing. Hike on one of 8 marked trails that wind through the park and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Michigan. The park is home to forests, wetlands and marshslands. Three modern campgrounds offer electrical and nonelectrical campsites.
How to Save Money on Ludington Vacations
If you’re interested in renting an RV, Green Vacation Deals recommend RVshare.
Green Vacation Deals can share ways to save money if you’re interested in buying a tent, a tipi, or camping cookware.
If your preference is for a hotel, you can save money. if you book your stay now through Hotels.com, you can save up to 72% off the best available rates.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Pentwater 72% Discount
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham 71% Discount
- Viking Arms Inn 57% Discount
- Comfort Inn 41% Discount
- Cartier Mansion Bed & Breakfast 40% Discount
- The Inn at Ludngton 40% Discount
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ludington 38% Discount
- The Dempsey Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn 33% Discount
- Ludington House Bed & Breakfast 28% Discount
- Ludington Pier House 25% Discount
- Best Western Lakewinds 24% Discount
- Summers Inn 21% Discount
- The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast 18% Discount
- Dunes Express Inn & Suites 14% Discount
- Lighthouse Motel 13% Discount
- Nader’s Motel & Suites 11% Discount