Michigan Travel Destinations – Ludington
With over 28 miles of sandy shoreline, you can enjoy endless afternoons catching some sun, splashing in the waves or building a sandcastle. Looking for something a bit more adventurous? Set sail on Lake Michigan or set a line in Michigan’s #1 salmon fishing port! Ludington is the home port of the largest carferry to sail the Great Lakes. The S.S. Badger carferry makes its voyage from Ludington to Manitowoc, Wisconsin mid-May to mid-October. One of Michigan’s most popular state parks, the Ludington State Park is comprised of nearly 5,300 acres of scenic sand dunes. Home to culinary options to soothe anyone’s palette and dining atmospheres you can’t find anywhere else. Tap into some of the best Michigan beer in the Ludington area. The arts scene in the Ludington region is vibrant and connects the community to a range of cultural attractions.
Local Restaurants
JAMESPORT BREWING COMPANY
410 South James Street, Ludington, Michigan 49431, 231.845.2522
www.jamesportbrewingcompany.com
Ludington’s only brew pub where you will find great food and service in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Serving lunch, dinner and cocktails, plus Jamesport’s own handcrafted beers just blocks from the carferry. Grab a seat on the back deck that overlooks Ludington’s beautiful harbor and catch the SS Badger and a beautiful sunset as you dine and drink!
CAFE 106
106 N. Rath Ave., Ludington, MI 49431, 231.425.3669
A hidden gem located in Downtown Ludington, just one block off Ludington Ave. Cafe 106 proudly serves a vast array of breakfast and lunch items. Unique variety of choices from our famous sausage gravy and biscuits to something off our “Healthy Options” menu. Not to be missed!
HOUSE OF FLAVORS
402 W Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI 49431, 231.845.5785
www.houseofflavorsrestaurants.com
Dishing out the best homemade ice cream in the Midwest. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring breakfast served all day, homemade soup, fresh roasted turkey and, of course, ice cream.
SCOTT’S RESTAURANT
5910 East Ludington Avenue, Ludington, Michigan 49431, 231.843.4033
Located in beautiful Ludington, Michigan Scotty’s Restaurant is where you’ll find casual fine dinning at it’s best. Scotty’s features fine steaks and seafood, and has a full service bar. The Scott family has been in the restaurant business in the Ludington area for over 40 years.
Accomodations
THE INN AT LUDINGTON
701 E Ludington Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431, 231.720.8410
This historic B&B is located just a couple blocks from downtown shopping and dining, Lake Michigan beaches and more. The Inn at Ludington is the B&B where the breakfast is the main event! Enjoy one of their grand fireplace rooms with King beds or one of their fine Queen rooms.
CARTIER MANSION
409 E Ludington Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431, 231.843.0101
Experience the historic elegance and tranquility of Ludington lumber baron Warren Cartier’s 1905 neoclassical estate. Warren and Kate, with their three sons, resided in this home. Explore its many rooms, with original woodwork, fixtures, and antiques. Cartier Mansion is minutes away from the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Nordhouse Dunes and the Ludington State park.
THE LAMPLIGHTER BED & BREAKFAST
602 East Ludington Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431, 231.843.9792
Rated five stars on TripAdvisor and 3 Diamonds by AAA, The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast is conveniently located one mile from the beautiful shores and beaches of Lake Michigan, in downtown Ludington. We’re situated along Ludington Avenue, just five blocks from shopping, antiquing, restaurants, breweries, delicious ice cream and entertainment! Three lighthouses, the S.S. Badger car ferry, the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and beautiful Ludington State Park are all nearby.
BAROTHY LODGE RESORT
7478 Barothy Rd,Walhalla, Michigan 49458, 231-898-2340
Barothy Lodge encompasses 300 wilderness acres in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. The Wild and Scenic Pere Marquette River winds 7 river-miles from Barothy’s upriver boundary to its downriver boundary. Deep glacial sands feed the watershed with cool, clear water, creating a blue-ribbon fishery, a smooth flowing river for canoeists and other paddlers, and a haven for wildlife. Sited along the river, are fifteen private lodges with walking access to: swimming pool, fire pit, hiking and skiing trails, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, children’s playground, fishing ponds, wetland preserves, shuffleboard, climbing wall, horseshoes, and a 1/2 court basketball pad.
Local Attractions
BIG SABLE POINT LIGHTHOUSE & LUDINGTON STATE PARK
Ludington State Park – 8800 W. M-116, Ludington, Michigan 49431, 231.845.7343
Nestled among jack pines, just a quick two mile walk along a breathtaking trail, stands Big Sable’s noble black and white tower. At over one hundred feet tall, this historic beacon is a huge attraction for its owner, Ludington State Park. The1867 lighthouse and grounds are operated by SPLKA, (Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association) a non-profit which proudly manages three historic lighthouses within a thirty mile stretch of Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Since 1987, their mission has been the restoration, preservation, education and accessibility of their lighthouse charges. SPLKA also operates a Volunteer Keepers program which allows its members the opportunity to live and work within the lighthouses completely free of charge during the seven month season, May-October. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, tour the original Keeper’s Quarters which have been converted into a Gift Shop, stroll along the sand dunes or climb the tower.
SS BADGER
701 Maritime Drive, Ludington, Michigan 49431, 231.845.5555
The S.S. Badger is a 410-foot vessel, approximately one-and-one-half times the size of a football field, that is seven stories tall and can accommodate over 620 passengers and 180 automobiles, tour buses, RVs, motorcycles, and commercial trucks. Each season, the S.S. Badger makes almost 500 crossings at 60 miles from port to port.
AMBER ELK RANCH
2688 W Conrad Road, Ludington, MI 49431, 231.843.5355
Home of World Class Bull Elk! Come spend the day with us and take a tour of our beautiful 130 acre farm where you can see HUGE bull elk. Not only will you have a great time, but you’ll do it without spending a fortune!
HARBOR TOURS OF LUDINGTON
400 River Street, Manistee, MI 49660, 231.690.3587
Enjoy a cruise on the Princess We operate a seasonal schedule of weekly public tours that are open for anyone to book – or just show up half an hour before the tour starts to pay onsite. Come alone, bring your best mates, or rally the whole crew and experience the lakeshore from a whole new angle.