Incorporated in 1873, Ludington was named after pioneering lumberman James Ludington. Today, this city of less than 8,000 remains rooted in history, while welcoming growth and visitors as one of the state’s most popular coastal destinations.
Vibe: With more than 7 miles of sugar-sand beaches, Ludington moves at a leisurely pace. The 5,000-acre Hamlin Lake and the Pere Marquette River—the longest unregulated river system in the Lower Peninsula—add even more to the water-themed backdrop.
Transportation: The SS Badger Ferry makes daily trips across Lake Michigan from Ludington to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, during the summertime. Commercial air travel is accessible through Detroit, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Manistee County airports, while Ludington’s Mason County Airport accommodates charter jets and other private aircraft.
Hotels: The new Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Ludington Michigan opened at the end of May, with meeting space for up to 50. Downtown, the historic 1903 Stearns Hotel boasts 50 guest rooms, a grand ballroom, and additional meeting spaces. Just 10 miles east of Ludington, Barothy Lodge is a retreat venue with 15 cabins and a 1,500-square-foot event hall.
Venues: Nearby West Shore Community College offers classrooms and other event spaces, while Ludington Area Center for the Arts is suited to midsize gatherings. The Mason County Historical Society’s Legacy Hall comfortably accommodates up to 70, with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. Historic White Pine Village rents out its White Pine Chapel, as well as classrooms.
Restaurants: At Jamesport Brewing Co., Red’s Room seats 50 and is available for meetings and receptions, while the brewery’s beer garden hosts larger gatherings. The Landing at Ludington Bay Brewing Co. features seating for up to 34, with a staffed private bar and audiovisual capabilities. Stix Ludington, serving the community since 1954, provides food, fun, and bowling, complete with private event spaces and a beer garden.
Must-Sees & -Dos: During the summer, step inside the Ludington North Breakwater Light or take the trek to the famed Big Sable Point Lighthouse. The Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, within a former U.S. Coast Guard station, contains three levels of exhibits. The self-guided Mason County Sculpture Trail features nearly two dozen statues that tell the story of Ludington’s past. For a refreshing treat, try town staple House of Flavors, which serves ice cream year-round.
