Ludington is a premier Lake Michigan beach town

By Greg Tasker

 

LUDINGTON — If you haven’t been to Ludington in a while, it’s time to give this Lake Michigan beach town another visit.

And not just because the city is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year (though that is a good reason). As far as beach towns go, Ludington offers everything you’d expect: miles and miles of sandy beaches, ice cream and fudge shops, a downtown flush with souvenir and gift shops, and long-standing restaurants that are part of the tradition of returning to favorite beach towns.

In the last few years, new restaurants, breweries and other attractions have opened up, adding to the city’s appeal. There are now three breweries in and around Ludington.  A couple of wineries have sprouted up outside town, and the city created a social district along several downtown blocks. A food truck court along U.S. 10 offers other casual dining options. The pink Brunch Babes food truck is a standout, serving variations of classic brunch dishes with tater tots.

These are all wonderful additions to Ludington, of course, but blending the new with old is really your best bet to experience the charms of this western Michigan city. Participating in local traditions, like watching the car-and-passenger ferry, the S.S. Badger, return from Wisconsin each evening, will bring a smile to your face. Locals and visitors start to gather around 6:30 p.m., some standing on car roofs, others waving handmade signs to welcome passengers to Michigan.

Locals also recommend newcomers take a walk to the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, which stands in Ludington State Park, a few miles outside of the city. The nearly 2-mile trail winds through low-lying dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline. You can also bike, but no motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail. The climb (130 steps) to the top of the 112-foot tower is well worth the hike. Step out on the catwalk for unmatched views of Lake Michigan and Ludington State Park.

Just a few blocks from downtown, Stearns Park Beach on Lake Michigan is popular with beachgoers. The park is home to two concession stands (now operated by one of the owners of Brunch Babes, so expect more interesting menu options), shuffleboard, a skate park, mini golf, and playground and picnic areas. The pier to the North Breakwater Light is walkable and an ideal spot to watch the sunset. 

What makes Ludington unique among many beach towns is its cultural and historical amenities, including the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Historic White Pine Village. I ducked into the maritime museum on a cloudy beach day and was impressed with the exhibits and interactive displays. The museum explores the city’s history on the water, lumbering days, and the steamers and car ferries that once crowded its waters. An extensive exhibit on the Armistice Day Storm in 1940 is mesmerizing. The storm took the lives of 64 sailors on Lake Michigan. Their stories are told with survivor accounts, photographs and video of the shipwrecks at the lake’s bottom.

 

Here are some suggestions for a weekend getaway in Ludington:

Where to go: The newly opened Mason County Research Center is a good place to get your bearings about historical attractions. You can also take tours to learn the history of the region. Purchase tickets to Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum in the society’s Emporium and Sweet Shop, stocked with history books, souvenirs and candy. Across the street is the Sandcastles Children’ Museum, a small museum with three stories of hands-on exhibits. One of the newest is ¡Hola!, featuring 10 conversational buttons throughout the building to help visitors learn Spanish phrases. Historic White Pine Village, several miles south of Ludington, explores the region’s lumbering and farming past in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with a collection of 30 historic buildings. You can purchase a combination ticket for the village, the maritime museum and the Mason County Research Center at the Emporium.

Where to stay: Ludington has several motels and bed and breakfast inns, many of them within walking distance of downtown and the beach. Summer’s Inn is a renovated motor lodge on Route 10, within blocks of downtown. The adults-only motel serves a gourmet breakfast (quiche and fresh fruit were on the menu when I visited) and despite the busy road out front, the grounds are quiet. A free library and a courtyard garden add to the serenity. For elegant accommodations, consider the Cartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast, the restored former home of a lumber baron.  The home’s Carriage House was recently renovated and has four suites. Guests receive a libation upon arrival and a gourmet breakfast each day. One of the owners’ unique offerings is pairing visitors with volunteer opportunities in the community.

Where to eat: The new hot spot is STIX, a renovated bowling alley, restaurant and biergarten outside of the city on the way to Ludington State Park. The biergarten is family friendly with games for adults and children. It’s a great place to grab a meal or a drink after hiking at the state park. Another favorite is Blu Moon Bistro & Cafe, which serves fresh sushi and offers a diverse menu. A local staple is Crown and Cork, formerly PM Steamers. The menu at this waterfront restaurant features Great Lakes seafood, burgers, steaks and more. No visit to Ludington would be complete with a stop at the House of Flavors, celebrating its 75th anniversary. The restaurant serves comfort food, sandwiches and is famous for its extensive selection of ice cream, made right next door at one of Michigan’s largest ice cream production plants.

For more information on Ludington or to start planning a trip, visit pureludington.com.

Greg Tasker is a Traverse City-based freelance writer. Greg’s articles focused on northern Michigan travel will appear in C & G Newspapers during the summer.