Things to Not Miss in Ludington:

1. Ludington State Park: “It’s an oasis just north of downtown". The huge park is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of shoreline and beaches on both bodies of water. It’s home to great camping, and perfect for those who like to bike and hike. Plus, the Big Sable Lighthouse is a big attraction. “When I travel around and say I’m from Ludington, people said, ‘Oh, I’ve been to the state park; I’ve camped there.' That’s the top thing.” Learn more and make reservations on the DNR website.

2. Big Sable Lighthouse: You can take two different paths to the lighthouse. One is on a crushed gravel/sand trail, and the other you walk along the Lakeshore from the park entrance. It’s a two-mile walk on a beautiful trail. The lighthouse is more 100 feet tall. It was built in 1867. The lighthouse and grounds are operated by SPLKA (Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association), a non-profit which allows its members the opportunity to live and work within the lighthouse, completely free of charge during the seven-month season. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, tour the original keeper’s quarters, which have been converted into a gift shop. Learn more at pureludington.com/lighthouses.

3. North Breakwater Light. Located at Stearns Park Beach in downtown Ludington, just down the shore from Big Sable stands the Ludington North Breakwater Light. “This 1924 light is at the end of a half-mile walk down the pier where you can see great sunsets and the S.S. Badger car ferry. The Weather Channel voted it one of the Top 10 Lighthouses to See in the U.S., and it is a great place to watch the sunset or wave at the S.S. Badger car ferry as it cruises out to Lake Michigan.”

4. S.S. Badger Carferry. “It’s iconic,” Miller said of the 1952 steamship that is still the largest cross-lake passenger service on the Great Lakes, taking visitors across Lake Michigan to Manitowac, Wisconsin. Down to only one trip a day, the car ferry still attracts crowds and is one of the top reasons people come to Ludington. “It’s a historic treasure here that we love to claim,” she said. “It has certainly provided a lot of fun experiences for families.” They are a lot for passengers to do on board, including “the famous Badger bingo.” Learn more about the ferry and the four-hour ride across the big lake at ssbadger.com.

5. Hiking and Trails. Miller said there are 20 miles of hiking trails within the state park. And Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Park, just north of the state park, offers more rustic trails. Cartier Park north of town has paved biking trails. “There are plenty of opportunities to take in the harbor and the sights around the Lakeshore,” Miller said. More info:

Bike Trails in the Heart of Ludington

Ludington State Park: Hiking and Biking Trails

Nordhouse Dune

6. Beaches. Stearns Park Beach and the beach at Ludington State Park are the two popular destinations in Ludington. But Stearns Park has many amenities, Miller said, with “concessions, shuffleboard, skate park mini golf, and a really nice playground. Families like to spend the whole day there because there’s a ton going on, and it’s just a few blocks from town.”

7. Restaurants. House of Flavors is always a big draw, Miller said. “They have become an icon. People love the feeling there; the ’50s-style diner. They’re all about customer service, and the ice cream is second to none.” It was a Top 10 pick for Michigan’s Best Ice Cream Parlor in 2012 and a finalist for Michigan’s Most Iconic Restaurant in 2019. My colleague, Amy Sherman, featured House of Flavors on her Michigan’s Best Day visit. House of Flavors is featured at the 4:25 mark of this video. She also stopped at Brenda’s Harbor Cafe, The Mitten Bar and several other local attractions. Dining outside is popular, Miller said. She recommends Blu Moon Bistro, which has a eclectic menu and rooftop dining.

8. Breweries. Miller said you can’t go wrong with visiting Jamesport Brewing Company, which has been around for 20 years. It is located downtown and overlooks the harbor. It was on our trip for Michigan’s Best Brewery in 2013. “They really set the tone for breweries in Mason County,” Miller said. Another popular craft beer destination is Ludington Bay Brewing Company, which has been around for a couple years. “They’re just rocking it out,” Miller said. “They have some great brews, an awesome outdoor area and a cool menu.” She recommends the smoked meats and pizza, especially the Crab Rangoon and Kind of a Big Dill!

Learn more about Ludington at https://pureludington.com/