LUDINGTON, MI – This Up North town nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan is the winner of USA Today’s 10Best reader’s choice award for “Best Historic Small Town.”
Known for its miles of sugar-sand beaches, Ludington won the historic charm accolade over popular U.S. destinations like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif., Breckenridge, Colo., and Moab, Utah.
“We are the perfect city to claim this title, with our rich history dating back to 1873, celebrated at last year’s sesquicentennial, and our many historic attractions,” said Brandy Miller, executive director of the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It’s one of the top reasons people visit Ludington.”
The small town of less than 10,000 is home to two historic lighthouses, a maritime museum in a 1934 U.S. Coast Guard station, an outdoor living history museum, lumber baron homes converted into bed and breakfasts, and the last coal-fired steamship in the country.
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“The work that has been done by citizens and non-profits to preserve and restore our community and its assets is something we are proud of here locally and is worthy of this incredible recognition,” said Ludington City Manager Mitch Foster.
Ludington was one of 20 towns throughout the country to be nominated, and the only one in Michigan.
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USA Today 10Best describes Ludington as follows:
“Building its economy on the lumber industry, Ludington continued to thrive as a shipping port, both by water and by train. Today, visitors come to explore Ludington’s small-town charm, take advantage of its waterfront location for swimming, boating and more, and shop at its many specialty shops and art galleries. Explore the town’s past at Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.”
A visit to Ludington showcases much of its history. Plan to visit the Big Sable Point Light (circa-1867) at Ludington State Park and the Ludington North Breakwater Light (1924) at Stearns Park Beach. Don’t forget the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum in a 1934 U.S. Coast Guard Station, which is walking distance from the city beach. Find Victorian lumber baron homes-turned bed & breakfasts along Ludington Avenue. The S.S. Badger, the last coal-fired steamship in the United States, docks on Pere Marquette Lake. Take a short drive out to the Historic White Pine Village with 30 buildings from the late 19th to early 20th-century.
“Ludington embodies the quintessential American small town, steeped in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and community spirit,” said Rebecca Berringer, executive director of the Mason County Historical Society. “Ludington is truly a special place to live and a wonderful location to vacation when visiting the Great Lakes state.”
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The S.S. Badger, which is more than 70 years old. Built to transport railcars across Lake Michigan, it now carries passengers, vehicles and cargo on picturesque journeys across the Great Lake from May to October. The ship was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2016.
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The town is also home to the East Ludington Avenue Historic District, which was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in 2022. It features more than 40 historic homes within a half mile, including the Cartier Mansion Bed & Breakfast, which was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
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