Nature has long driven Ludington’s economy and appeal
Ludington has always relied on its natural surroundings for prosperity and growth. Early settlers used Lake Michigan and nearby rivers for fishing and trapping, and the area's population and industry grew thanks to lumber yards, sawmills and salt deposits. Now, Ludington thrives off a different type of commerce – tourism. The outdoorsy destination is hot for hikers and campers, with quaint seasonal shops, hotels and lakeside parks. However, Ludington is not just a tourist hub. "There's a wide mix of people moving here full time," says Nathan Sheldon, a Realtor with Lighthouse Realty Ludington. "I've worked with people who grew up here and want to come back, retirees who want to get out of the city and people who vacationed here then got hooked." Sheldon himself moved back to the area after years away, returning for the small-town feel and natural beauty. "I missed the water. There's nothing like it," he says. "I can drive 5 minutes from my house and be on Lake Michigan watching the most incredible sunsets every evening."
Capping the number of rentals protects the city’s small-town charm
Cape Cods, Victorian cottages and bungalows are the oldest styles of the area, lining gridded streets away from Lake Michigan. They range between $50,000 and around $200,000. Ranch-style homes, Colonial Revivals, split-levels and Craftsman homes, spread out from the city's center, range between about $220,000 and $580,000. Some waterfront homes built in the past two decades sell for around $600,000 to $900,000. Condos and townhouses are mostly near Lake Michigan and Pere Marquette Lake, and range between $200,000 and $920,000, depending on size and location. Homes of all styles are bought and used as short-term rental properties. "We see quite a bit of people buying them with the intention of renting them out for a few weeks or a full summer season," Sheldon says. He explains that Ludington caps the number of rental properties in the city, and there are also restrictions block-to-block. "They don't want renters to bother locals too much. They want to keep that small-town feel."
From fishing to snowmobiling, outdoor fun is a year-round draw
Ludington is a popular tourist destination in the warmer season, with outdoor recreation attracting visitors. "Our population skyrockets for those few months," Sheldon says. "There are areas for biking, hiking, kayaking and canoeing. We also have fishing tournaments on Lake Michigan." Ludington State Park is a few miles north and is home to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area and campgrounds along Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. Waterfront Park is beside Ludington's harbor, on Pere Marquette Lake. Walking trails lead to statues, monuments, a playground and a pavilion, and concerts occur on the large lawn that backs up to the Harbor View Marina. During cold and snowy winters, residents snowshoe, cross-country ski and snowmobile.
Ice cream, breweries and boutiques draw summer crowds
Boutiques, general stores, outdoor gear shops and thrift stores are along East Ludington Avenue. Locally owned restaurants, breweries and diners are around Ludington's downtown area, including Jamesport Brewing Company and Ludington Bay Brewing Co. "They have phenomenal food, and their beers are awesome," Sheldon says. House of Flavors is where locals and tourists go for ice cream creations, like sundaes, milkshakes and custom flavor blends. "During summer, the line gets so long it wraps around the building," Sheldon says. Family Fare Supermarket, Aldi and Dollar General are on U.S. Route 10, and more big-box stores and fast-food chains are farther east, towards the junction of U.S. routes 10 and 31.
Local schools see renovations and a newly consolidated campus
Voters passed a $210 million bond to improve the area's schools, and in 2022, Ludington's three elementary schools were consolidated into one brand-new, 155,000-square-foot building. The middle school and high school also underwent significant renovations. Ludington Elementary School and O.J. Dejong Middle School are rated B by Niche. Ludington High School earns a B-plus. The Michigan Department of Education offers Schools of Choice, and students can apply to enroll in schools outside their district.
Farmers markets, fairs and artisan shows fill the social calendar
Ludington has a full calendar of seasonal and annual events, including a downtown farmers market in spring and summer, the Western Michigan Fair at the Mason County Fairgrounds and a Festival of Lights for the holidays. Gold Coast Artisan Fair at Rotary Park has over 170 vendors selling handmade art, jewelry, gifts, housewares and food. Ludington Lumber Days celebrates the area's history as a lumber producer with music, family games and a craft beer garden.
Travel to Ludington by ferry, highway or regional flight
The S.S. Badger is the United States' last coal-fired passenger ferry, crossing Lake Michigan from May through October. The trip between Manitowoc , Wisconsin, and Ludington takes about four hours and is popular with tourists and campers traveling with an RV, tour bus or car.
U.S Route 10 and U.S. Route 31 intersect east of the city, and Muskegon is about 60 miles south via Route 31. Muskegon County Airport has domestic flights, and Gerald R. Ford International Airport is about 110 miles southeast, in Grand Rapids . Corwell Health Ludington Hospital is the nearest medical center.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
