Places to visit in Ludington, MI.
Ludington is a town with a lot to offer. It’s an ideal location for an overnight getaway or a vacation for the entire family. You can take in the sights and sounds of Lake Michigan, and you can even check out some of the local museums.
If you’re traveling to Ludington, Michigan, there are many things to do and see. First are the Amber Elk Ranch, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, and Stearns Park. Then there’s Ludington State Park and the beaches.
Here are some of the spectacular things to do in Ludington, Michigan.
- Stroll Along the Beach: One of the most popular things to do in Ludington is visit Lake Michigan’s beaches. The famous Stearns Park Beach is a great place to start and features a playground, picnic areas, and a large sandy beach.
- Explore Ludington State Park: Ludington State Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 5,300 acres of forest, lakes, and dunes, the park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The park’s Big Sable Point Lighthouse is a popular attraction, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding areas.
- Take a Lighthouse Tour: The Ludington area is home to several historic lighthouses, including the Big Sable Point Lighthouse and Little Sable Point Lighthouse. Visitors can take a guided tour of these iconic structures and learn about their history and importance to the local community.
- Visit the Mason County Historical Society Museums: These fascinating museums showcase the area’s Native American history, early settlers, and the lumber and shipping industries that helped shape the region.
- Enjoy Local Cuisine: Ludington offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Visitors can sample local cuisine and taste what the area offers, including fresh seafood, locally-grown produce, and artisanal cheeses.
Stearns Park
The city of Ludington is one of West Michigan’s favorite summer destinations. There are plenty of things to do, from lighthouse tours to delicious dining. This is especially true at the famous Stearns Park and Beach.
On the western shore of Ludington, there’s a gorgeous white sand beach. A nearby concession stand offers snacks, water, and mini golf. Several restrooms are available, too. In addition, you can rent a boogie board or a sand castle building during the summer.
In addition to a relaxing beach, Ludington has several great hiking trails. The trails vary in length and difficulty, but all are accessible. If you enjoy biking, the School Forest offers a variety of routes. A bike rental is also available.
You’ll find free parking on Stearns Drive, public lots, and downtown area streets. Getting around is easy, too, thanks to the bicycle lanes.
For some outdoor fun, the city also hosts a skate plaza. Kids of all ages can play at this fun and popular spot. On the other side of the skate plaza, there’s a Ludington Area Jaycees mini golf course.
S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry
If you’re heading to Michigan for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, consider taking the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry from Manitowoc to Ludington. The boat sails two round-trip crossings each day during the summer.
SS Badger is the last coal-fired passenger steamship operating in the United States. Since reopening in 1992, the ship has transported millions of passengers. It is also a National Historic Landmark.
It’s a unique, enjoyable, and relaxing ride across Lake Michigan. While on board, you can enjoy various amenities, including a children’s play area, a video arcade, and a stateroom with a private bathroom.
There are two restaurants onboard the boat. On the second deck, you can relax in the passenger lounge. You can also browse onboard movies and watch live entertainment.
Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park is a great place to get in touch with nature. You can enjoy a variety of activities. From swimming to fishing, you’ll find what you need here. And for those who like to spend a little extra time, you can try to spot a few of the many animals that call this park home.
One of the best ways to see this area is by bicycle. The trails in this park are excellent for biking, and you can check out the bike rentals offered by Trailhead Bike Shop. In addition, there’s a four-mile canoe trail that lets you explore parts of the park.
Ludington State Park also offers several activities in the winter. There are guided snowshoe walks. These are a lot of fun, and you’ll see the Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
You can charter a boat for those who want to spend more time on the water. Ludington has plenty of charter captains who know how to take you on a memorable trip on the lake. So whether you’re looking to enjoy some ice fishing or go for a relaxing sail, you’ll be happy in this beautiful part of Michigan.
Amber Elk Ranch
There is a lot to see and do in Ludington, Michigan, and one of the best places to see it is at the Amber Elk Ranch. The property is about 130 acres and has about two hundred grazing elk. It is a small operation, but the results speak for themselves.
The Amber Elk Ranch is the perfect destination for a family vacation. Not only will you find a cool barn filled with curious animals, but you will also find an exciting gift shop. Their antler decorations are unique and will be a great addition to any home. They also sell antler-related products, such as jerky and meat.
Aside from the elk, there are other amenities at this Ludington property. For instance, there is a mini zoo and a good old-fashioned BBQ on Saturdays. You can also go on an elk tour. A slew of friendly and knowledgeable staff runs these tours. They are open on fall and spring weekends and daily in summer. This makes them a fun place to visit any time of year.
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum
The Port of Ludington Maritime Museum is a state-of-the-art facility featuring an extensive array of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and activities. If you’re looking to learn about the history and culture of this city, you’ll love the Ludington Maritime Museum. The museum is located in the former US Coast Guard station and is a hive of nautical history and entertainment. There are interactive experiences to suit all ages and interests.
The best part of the Ludington Maritime Museum is the community involvement that ensures it remains an educational and entertaining destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors will experience a three-story tall structure featuring mahogany wood, a carpet that mimics the motion of water, and engaging, interactive exhibits.
It’s also home to a replica of the North Breakwater Lighthouse. Visiting the Ludington Maritime Museum is like walking into a time capsule filled with fascinating maritime memorabilia.
In addition to the museum’s various exhibitions, the city plans to build a Ludington Maritime Heritage Park. Located near the museum, the park will feature a fish market, Finlander boats, and 44 boats from Ludington’s rich maritime past. It will also have many new exhibits to round out the experience.
Considering Ludington is located right on Lake Michigan, it’s no surprise that its maritime legacy is rich in history. At the Maritime Museum, visitors can learn about the area’s colorful past and discover what makes it unique.