Situated On Lake Michigan's Shoreline Is A Cozy City Full Of Beach Charm And Scenic Hiking Trails

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.

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.

There are plenty of standard hotel chains near Ludington, but a better option could be staying at one of its many local establishments. Cartier Mansion Bed & Breakfast is one of the town's most popular lodging options. It consists of two historic buildings with Neoclassical finishes and is an elegant way to unwind in downtown Ludington. Originally built in 1905, the property has been lovingly restored several times over the years and remains a staple of the community.

Just next door is the Ludington House. This Victorian mansion was constructed in the late 1800s, and each room is decorated to reflect its rich heritage. Along with several standard rooms, there are luxurious suites up for grabs that have more space to unwind (one is even equipped with its original marble fireplace). Since both bed and breakfasts are quite popular, consider staying at whichever one has availability during your trip — and book well in advance to snag the best rooms.

Once you're ready for some grub, head over to tiny but charming downtown Ludington. It's here you'll find Tripadvisor's two best restaurants — Jamesport Brewing Company and Table 14. The former is a stylish gastropub housed inside an old Victorian building, while the latter serves Southern-inspired dishes that will teleport you from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Lowcountry of Charleston, South Carolina.