Rich in History, Full of Beauty, Plenty of Fun

For more than a century, Ludington has been known as a tourist destination for both Michiganders and non-Michigan residents. With its beautiful shoreline and beaches, plethora of outdoor activities, quaint shops, fabulous fun-filled activities and close proximity to other lakeshore attractions, the Ludington area is a fantastic place for a summer vacation, fall/winter weekend retreat or a spring getaway.

Ludington and Mason County are steeped in Michigan history. Ludington was a major lumber town and railroad hub that boomed throughout the mid-1800s through the present time. The railroads were used to transport all lumber throughout Michigan, and even into Wisconsin, with the help of the first carferries, which were initially built to carry lumber and other commodities across Lake Michigan. By the 1950s, Ludington was the largest carferry port in the world. It continues carferry service today with the historic S.S. Badger, the largest coal-fired carferry ever built. From May through October every year, the S.S. Badger provides travelers with a comfortable, enjoyable ride across Lake Michigan.

Charming downtown Ludington is full of great shops; beautiful, historic bed and breakfasts, and a calendar chock-full of activities for every time of the year. For history buffs, there is nearby White Pine Village, a collection of true-to-the-times structures that demonstrate life in the area during its lumber heyday. A strong focus on the arts is evident through many local galleries, colorful murals that decorate downtown buildings and brass sculptures that tell the area’s story in Waterfront Park.

In addition, Ludington is close to everything the lakeshore has to offer: beaches, golf, sand dunes, casinos, hiking, fishing, hunting and more.

Just a short trip from Ludington is a town that shares much of Ludington’s local historical flair: Scottville. Best known for its famous Scottville Clown Band, the town also houses West Shore Community College, the Western Michigan Old Engine Club and a whole hose of summer festivals, weekly concerts and other events.

A wonderful mix of history, small-town charm, world-class outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, fantastic art and more make the Ludington area a wonderful place to visit. Come and enjoy the past, present and future of the Lake Michigan lakeshore!