How to explore Ludington, Michigan

Here is a guest post from Raimee Iacofano by Raimeetravel.

Growing up in Michigan, Ludington is a place. Every summer, my family packs up, blows up some classic rocks (think Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac and the occasional Lynyrd Skynyrd Singalong) and drive west and enjoy the beach era, lighthouse climbing, and the best Superman ice cream you’ve ever had. It’s our annual tradition because my grandparents call Ludington home.

As a kid, it felt like pure magic. Sleeping in the sound of waves, chasing seagulls barefoot on the beach and sticking sticky fingers from melted cones that always drip to my elbows in some way. Ludington is not only our resort, but a special place to make our family remember!

But then life happened. I’ve grown up. Things have changed. I started traveling the world, chasing new coastlines, and eventually spreading across the country. I don’t know much about beach towels and bonfires on Lake Michigan, and more about the airport, the new country and the places on my bucket list.

However, Ludington is always stuffed into my mind. No matter how many cliffs I hike in Ireland or the temples I wander in Asia, part of me wants to come back. See if it still has the same magic or I’ve surpassed it.

Finally, this summer, I’m back for the first time in ten years. And…wow. Ludington is even more special now. It is charming and peaceful, but absolutely full of things to do. If you’ve been sleeping in West Michigan (or Michigan) in Michigan, this is your official wake-up call.

I thought this trip would be a bit nostalgic, maybe a quiet memory trail. Instead, Ludington was surprised with rooftop dinners, breweries with fire pits, gorgeous hiking trails, and the many adventures nearby. Honestly, there are a lot of things here that you can stay for a week still Leave a list of “Next Time”.

This is my way of spending my time and if you plan to travel to Ludington yourself, I recommend everything you recommend.

Things to do in Ludington

1. Beach Day and Lighthouse Trek
First stop: Stearns Park Beach. What I like is completely free and can be walked from the city center. We used a lot of snacks, watched some snacks, and even played with some stormphase boards (yes, there is a free Shuffleboard course next to the beach!). The sand is soft, the atmosphere is leisurely, and the water is endless dark blue, making you forget that you are not in the ocean.

If you wake up early or are willing to be late, walk to the Ludington North Breakwater Lights. The lighthouse is amazing during sunrise and sunset, and each lighthouse makes the lake completely different. Expert tip: If you set out around 9 a.m., you’ll catch the SS Badger, a historic coal-fired truck ferry that travels across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin. Tradition is saying goodbye to passengers on board, and it feels like the moment when you walk straight to the Americans in the town.

For more adventurous things, head to Ludington State Park. It’s commonly known as “Crown Jewelry” in Michigan State Park, and I get it now. Twenty-five miles of trails wind through forests, dunes and beaches, Lake Michigan and Lake Hamlin all stop. Highlights? Hike to the big black point lighthouse. It’s about two miles each, but the walk is beautiful and the reward is huge: the tall striped lighthouse of the 1800s resists the ocean waves. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and think: “Wow, I can’t believe this is in Michigan.”

2. Museum Time (because I love history secretly)
One of my favorite travel quirks is that I’m always at least in one museum – no matter where I go. In Ludington, I found two gems:

• The historic Bai Song Village: An outdoor museum with more than 30 historic buildings, from one-room school buildings to old-fashioned courts. Walking around is like going back to a simpler time, which gives me a whole new appreciation of Michigan roots.
• Ludington Maritime Museum Port: If you like the history of the Great Lakes, beacons or boats, then perfect. It is in a former Coast Guard station with an interesting combination of interactive exhibitions and retro charm.

Bonus: Both spots are super photogenic, so bring your camera on it.

3. Water Adventure and Natural Repair
If you’re outdoors, Ludington is basically paradise. You can rent a kayak for a quiet paddle at Hamlin Lake or pick up the pontoon boat if you want more of a water party atmosphere. Paddleboarding is another fun option – Great workout, and you have a completely different perspective on the lake.

Don’t like water? There are also mountain biking, disc golf and many hiking trails. Ludington is truly the best of both worlds: the charm of town mixed with endless outdoor adventures.

Where to eat and drink in Ludington

Honestly: I didn’t expect Ludington’s food scene to be like this. But wow. From breakfast orders to breweries, I was impressed.

Breakfast and casual bites

• Cafe 106: Comfortable and lovely, perfect for brunch. After a morning walk, their omelette occupied the scene.
• Flavor House: The most iconic ice cream shop in town. I grew up here and had Superman, but this trip found carrot cake ice cream and let me tell you – it changed my life.
• Stearns Beach’s Sandbox: Just by the water, it offers gourmet sliders, seasoned fries and ice cream. Perfect beach and cold food!

view

• Stix: Near the state park, with plenty of Biergarten, live music, and even lawn games. It is part of the restaurant and part of the entertainment hub.
• Blu Moon Bistro: Lovely roof terrace with seasonal dishes. This is the best Ruben sandwich of my life (I won’t say it easily).
• Jamesport Brewing Co. and Ludington Bay Brewing: Two large breweries with outdoor terrace – perfect golden hour.
• Bass on Lake Hamlin: A newer place (literally) overlooking the bluff of the lake. Come for supper or just grab a cocktail on its low-end patio. Bonus: You can even arrive by boat.

Sweet + Coffee

• Kilwin’s: fudge + chocolate = paradise.
• Red Rooster Coffee: Comfortable, friendly, with ice latte, occupying the scene after hot weather.
• Human: If you are a drinker, or just need to reset between events, this place is perfect.

Where to live in Ludington

There is a traveler atmosphere here.

• camping: Ludington State Park has beautiful camping sites that bring you close to nature.
• city ​​center: Stay in historic hotels, hotels or bed and breakfasts with easy access to the beach and restaurants.
• Lakeside: For special things, see Hamlin Lake Rentals. I’ve lived Sunset Bluff Resortthis is perfect.

We had a yellow A-style house with a cozy cabin atmosphere, but all the essentials. The best part? A private fire pit is right next to the water. Every night we bake S’mores, watch the marshmallow sunset, and crack the local beer from Ludington Bay Brewing. This is the kind of place that immediately melts the stress and makes you feel like you are exactly what you should go.

The best local shops in Ludington

When I travel, I always spend time wandering around local shops, which is one of the best ways to make the town feel. In Ludington, I found some gems on Ludington Avenue and South James Street:

• Sexy nomads: My favorite! A well-curated store with vintage clothing, Moroccan jewelry, ceramics and handmade treasures. It feels like stepping into a global market, but right in Michigan.
• Sister Bee: Women owned, filled with natural skin care products, beeswax products and Michigan honey. Such a thoughtful gift place.
• Windowsill used and new books: Comfortable, enthusiastic, full of wonderful reading materials. I picked up a romantic novel (apparently). The staff are so friendly that reminds me why I always stay in independent bookstores when I travel.

Going back to Ludington as an adult is like rereading a book of childhood and discovering new magic between lines. It feels rooted, nostalgic and fresh. It’s powerful to revisit the places that shape you and realize that they are equally beautiful (and sometimes even better).

If you have never been to West Michigan, Michigan, or have been around for a while, put Ludington on your list. This is a small town with a big heart, magnificent landscape, and a community that makes you feel at home.

Believe me! I’m already planning my next trip. Maybe, maybe it will become a tradition again.

For more planning information, check out Pureludington.com.

Raimee Iacofano grew up in Michigan. Eight years ago, she set out to travel the world and worked to help creators improve their social media (she even worked for me for a few years). Since then, she has started her own business to help people travel smartly and get out of the trail. She lives in Los Angeles when she is not roaming the world. Follow her amazing videos on Instagram and Tiktok, and then download the free guide on her website Raimeetravel.