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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Many of our guests ask about our area- points of interest, scenic views , history, and whatever... and we are certain some of our favorite places will become some of your favorite places, too.
The Ludington State Park, five miles north of the city, is a favorite place for families young and old.  Trails are marked for canoeing, hiking, biking, and cross country skiing.  5 miles of Lake Michigan Beach, grand light-tower -house (frequent tours).  New boardwalks are great for early morning and evening strolls along the marsh areas where deer and small waterfowl abound.

If you are a cross country skier, The Big 'M' has over 30 miles of trails for novice to Nordic expert. The Big 'M' was a  commercial venture many years ago, and the U.S. Forest Service, as part of the Manistee Huron National Forest, now owns  the property. The trails are operated and track set by the volunteers of the Manistee Cross Country Ski Council. This trail system is rated by many experts, and guidebooks, as one of the best in the country, and you will also find some breathtaking scenery .

The Big Sable Light House was built in 1867, and is currently being preserved by a local volunteer organization. The Light is north of Ludington in the State Park. It is about a 1 1/2-hour round trip hike in the summer time, and a fun run on cross-country skis in the winter, too, but always waiting for the photographers among you.
The Lake Michigan Carferry currently operates the SS Badger, a carferry from the port of Ludington. The Badger makes daily crossings to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, May thru October. The service is designed for your traveling enjoyment. Most people are surprised at the magnificence and hospitality of the ship.  The fleet and harbor, can be seen from south Lakeshore Drive.  (about 10 minutes)

The Nordhouse Dunes area can keep you entertained for a long weekend or two, hiking in this designated wilderness area.  Hike the ridges overlooking Lake Michigan , or back into secluded Nordhouse Lake, and observe the deer,  geese, loon and others in an undisturbed environment.  No motorized vehicles, pack animals, or bicycles allowed.   Hiking only !
Canoeing and fishing opportunities abound in the area. The Pine River offers white water canoeing, but wear your life jackets, and paddle clear of those casting flies for hungry trout. The Pere Marquette River is good for young families because 4 & 6 man rubber rafts are available, and can be handled by adults.
There are many Charter Boats operating in Lake Michigan and sail daily for Coho, and King Salmon, Steel Head, Lake Trout, and Browns, and can be fished directly off the Lake Michigan beaches. If you check the record books you will find many fish with state ranking came from the cool clear waters off the  Ludington Harbor.  Many of the Charter Boats are located in 2 of Ludington's city marinas. Check out all of the big beautiful boats that come and go into Ludington.

The North Country Trail is one of Americas, and Michigan's best kept secrets. Located about 20 miles east, and is available to hikers, campers, and mountain bikers.  This trail offers you the opportunity to see our area, as it once was....say 300 years ago before the automobile was invented.
    The Big 'M' is available to Mountain Bikers in the summertime, along with the Hart - Montague Bicycle Trail State Park.

Want to spend an old fashioned lazy afternoon, and take a step back in time... take a trip to White Pine Village in Buttersville, just across the Ludington Harbor, on South Lakeshore Drive.
Most of the counties' earliest buildings such as a courthouse, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, hardware store, as well as homes  have been assembled into a small village, complete with a church. We are sure you will find this trip a pleasant, interesting, and informative snapshot back in time.

Both the North and South Harbor Piers out into Lake Michigan are available for walkers at anytime, and are only minutes away. This walk adds a romantic effect for those special times with special friends, and the best part is it's always there and still free. Just take the time. The piers are covered with ice flows in the winter months and, of course, won't be safe, but in the warm summer months you can observe the fishing, and carferry fleet moving in and out of the harbor. In the warmest months catch the sunbathers on one of nature's  greatest sandy beaches, or better yet why not join them.