Ludington Guidebook
Beaches
Big, accessible beach with concessions and plenty of parking. The beautiful two-story Lake Michigan Beach House is the only Arts-and-Crafts style beach house in the State and can be found in the National Register of Historic Places. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry. ($17 annually for Michigan vehicles, $10 per day for out-of-state vehicles.)
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Ludington State Park Beach
8800 M-116Big, accessible beach with concessions and plenty of parking. The beautiful two-story Lake Michigan Beach House is the only Arts-and-Crafts style beach house in the State and can be found in the National Register of Historic Places. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry. ($17 annually for Michigan vehicles, $10 per day for out-of-state vehicles.)
Located at the North end of Ludington State Park, Hamlin Lake Beach offers concessions, boat rentals, a shallow swimming area for kids, and a beautiful playground and picnic area. Here is where you can rent a tube to float from Hamlin Lake to Lake Michigan for the best view of the entire park! State Park access required: $17 annually for Michigan vehicles, $10 per day for out-of-state vehicles.
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Hamlin Lake
Located at the North end of Ludington State Park, Hamlin Lake Beach offers concessions, boat rentals, a shallow swimming area for kids, and a beautiful playground and picnic area. Here is where you can rent a tube to float from Hamlin Lake to Lake Michigan for the best view of the entire park! State Park access required: $17 annually for Michigan vehicles, $10 per day for out-of-state vehicles.
Ludington's City Beach. Beautiful spot for beach hangs and sunsets. From the website:
"Stearns Park is a focal point in Ludington, where so many people gather for a number of activities. This is the city's largest beach, with 2,500 feet of sandy shoreline and plenty of FREE parking. Here you can swim, build a sand castle, and enjoy the view of the Ludington North Breakwater Light, open for tours in the summer. The half-mile walk out to the light is popular among couples, families, and fishermen. There are no lifeguards, but beach patrol officers are on duty from 11am-8pm. There is also free Wi-Fi at the park."
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Stearns Park
420 N Lakeshore DrLudington's City Beach. Beautiful spot for beach hangs and sunsets. From the website:
"Stearns Park is a focal point in Ludington, where so many people gather for a number of activities. This is the city's largest beach, with 2,500 feet of sandy shoreline and plenty of FREE parking. Here you can swim, build a sand castle, and enjoy the view of the Ludington North Breakwater Light, open for tours in the summer. The half-mile walk out to the light is popular among couples, families, and fishermen. There are no lifeguards, but beach patrol officers are on duty from 11am-8pm. There is also free Wi-Fi at the park."
Explore the dunes north of Ludington State Park. Beautiful hiking and beach access.
Lake Michigan Recreation Area
6000 W Forest Trail RdExplore the dunes north of Ludington State Park. Beautiful hiking and beach access.
Magoon Creek Natural Area
2925 Red Apple RdGreat for rock picking!
Grocery Stores
This is the closest place for last-minute needs. Snacks, a small grocery selection, beer/wine, and fishing supplies. They also offer take-out meals and pizza.
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Lower Hamlin Grocery
3611 N Jebavy DrThis is the closest place for last-minute needs. Snacks, a small grocery selection, beer/wine, and fishing supplies. They also offer take-out meals and pizza.
Evergreen
106 W Ludington AveNatural foods and local produce. We get all our eggs here!
Meijer
15 Caberfae HwyShipt is available!
Restaurants/Coffee/Drinks
Red Rooster Coffee & Community
207 S James StGreat for coffee and snacks!
Local beer + wine & spirits. Food and live music. Now with 6 pinball machines!
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The Mitten Bar
109 W Ludington AveLocal beer + wine & spirits. Food and live music. Now with 6 pinball machines!
Gastropub in a Victorian storefront serves diverse beers & hearty grub in warm, rustic surroundings.
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Jamesport Brewing Company
410 S James StGastropub in a Victorian storefront serves diverse beers & hearty grub in warm, rustic surroundings.
Ludington Bay Brewing Co
515 S James StLocal Beer, food & live music!
A mandatory stop for locally made ice cream! Also, great diner fare for breakfast/lunch/dinner.
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House of Flavors Restaurant
402 W Ludington AveA mandatory stop for locally made ice cream! Also, great diner fare for breakfast/lunch/dinner.
Our go-to when we don't want to cook. They deliver! Expect a wait during busy times.
Mancino's Pizza & Grinders
5588 US-10Our go-to when we don't want to cook. They deliver! Expect a wait during busy times.
Dine-in or pickup pizza. These pizzas are LOADED with toppings.
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Chuck Wagon Pizza
971 N Lakeshore DrDine-in or pickup pizza. These pizzas are LOADED with toppings.
We actually haven't been here, (we're vegetarian,) but it looks legit! If you give it a try, let us know what you think!
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The Q Smokehouse
225 S James StWe actually haven't been here, (we're vegetarian,) but it looks legit! If you give it a try, let us know what you think!
A newly renovated behemoth located near the entrance to Ludington State Park. A big modern menu with lot of options, bowling, live music, and a beautiful patio with games! This place gets busy so plan ahead!
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Stix Bar
1963 North Lakeshore DriveA newly renovated behemoth located near the entrance to Ludington State Park. A big modern menu with lot of options, bowling, live music, and a beautiful patio with games! This place gets busy so plan ahead!
Barnhart's Resort & Marina
6006 Barnhart RdWaterfront dining, takeout, and pontoon rentals!
Sightseeing
At Stearn's Park (Downtown Ludington.) Beautiful 1/2 mile walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse. A popular tourist destination, great for sunsets.
Climb this beautiful historic lighthouse for stunning views of the lake and dunes. Located 1.8 miles north of the Ludington State Park entrance. Accessible by foot, bicycle, or tour bus on certain Saturdays. (See below.)
From the website: There is a $5 donation fee to climb the lighthouse tower; $2 for children 12 & under. On selected Saturdays through the summer, buses transport visitors from the park rangers house located just inside Ludington State Park to the lighthouse and back for an additional transportation fee. Buses are available from 12pm to 5pm on those days; the round-trip fee is $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 & under. Due to weather conditions and staffing, it may be wise to call ahead at (231) 845-7417, or visit www.splka.org for more information.
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Big Sable Point Lighthouse
8800 N LighthouseClimb this beautiful historic lighthouse for stunning views of the lake and dunes. Located 1.8 miles north of the Ludington State Park entrance. Accessible by foot, bicycle, or tour bus on certain Saturdays. (See below.)
From the website: There is a $5 donation fee to climb the lighthouse tower; $2 for children 12 & under. On selected Saturdays through the summer, buses transport visitors from the park rangers house located just inside Ludington State Park to the lighthouse and back for an additional transportation fee. Buses are available from 12pm to 5pm on those days; the round-trip fee is $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 & under. Due to weather conditions and staffing, it may be wise to call ahead at (231) 845-7417, or visit www.splka.org for more information.
Ludington Breakwater Lighthouse