It’s not hard to find your next adventure in Michigan. With over 3,000 miles of shoreline and over 4,000 miles of hiking trails, you could spend a lifetime exploring its wilderness and still not discover everything it has to offer. The town of Ludington is a prime example of Michigan’s diverse landscape. Tucked along the shores of Lake Michigan and butting up to Ludington State Park, it’s the ideal spot for an adventurous getaway.
Ludington is quite small, with a population under 10,000, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a sleepy rural town with nothing going on. It’s a hotspot for tourism, with Ludington State Park pulling in nearly 1 million annual visitors. There are also plenty of fantastic restaurants and lodging options, plus a few wonderful museums like the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Sandcastles Children’s Museum. And since it’s just over an hour from the international airport in Grand Rapids, getting here is simple regardless of where you call home.
Interested in an epic road trip along Lake Michigan? Consider driving south to hit a stunning year-round destination with historic sites along the shore. If you prefer to hit the links, head north to an underrated lake town with world-class golfing. Lake Michigan is littered with fantastic small towns, so be sure to grab a comfortable rental car and do some exploring before heading back to the airport.
Enjoy the best of Michigan at Ludington State Park
When it comes to outdoor excursions near Ludington, you can’t beat Ludington State Park. It’s bordered by Lake Michigan to the west and Hamlin Lake to the east, and within its boundaries, you’ll find 7 miles of sandy shoreline and over 20 miles of hiking trails. Best of all, the state park is just minutes from the heart of downtown Ludington, so you can minimize your drive time and maximize your time outdoors.
Along the shoreline, you’ll find the picturesque Big Sable Point Lighthouse, which can be reached via a 4-mile hike. For additional hiking, check out the Lost Lake and Island Loop Trail. Rolling for 2.1 miles through wetlands and dense foliage, it’s a stark contrast to the sunny beach just a few steps away. Speaking of which, there’s more than just the sandy shores of Ludington State Park to enjoy. Right in town, you’ll find Stearns Park Beach and its many picnic tables, or you could check out Buttersville Park and its dramatic bluffs.
Though most visitors want to explore Ludington in the summer, you can still enjoy its serene landscapes in the winter. Hiking and snowshoeing while it’s snowing is a truly memorable way to spend your time here — though be sure to look ahead to see which parts of the park will be open during your stay. But much like an underrated Michigan archipelago of islands, there’s tons of winter fun to be had in Ludington.
The best restaurants and lodging in Ludington
