The West Michigan coastline has always been a hidden gem. At least it is to everyone who doesn’t live near Lake Michigan. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, I thought you could see across it!” or “It’s like an ocean!” But in the last few years, there’s been quite an interest in the press and social media about Michigan destinations. Awards of “Best Place” have flooded in over the last few years for all sorts of Michigan Towns. Recently, USA Today named Ludington, MI the Best Small Historic Town. Clearly then the city is on a charm offensive and I wanted to check it out.
Fresh Ideas
Now I’m no stranger to Ludington, far from it. I spent endless days camping, hiking, and watching my parents run road races as a child. I’ve taken the historic S.S. Badger across the lake, tasted every option at The House of Flavors, and climbed up the Big Sable Lighthouse. Admittedly, I haven’t been to Ludington in over a decade, so I figured a lot had changed. I found that, yes, a lot had changed, but also, a lot hadn’t changed and that’s part of the appeal.
The S.S. Badger Car Ferry Is A National Historic Landmark.
Take a look at the city’s main street, Ludington Ave. Despite years of main streets dying off in towns like this, Ludington’s is thriving. I heard locals sing the praise of the Sandcastles Children’s Museum, which is approaching two decades of operation. There’s a steakhouse, Timber’s Prime, which I dined at and walked away impressed. Off Ludington Ave there were multiple breweries, a staple of Michigan these days, and they were growing quickly. I tried both Ludington Bay and Jamesport and I can say they’re growing with good reason. Multi-story condos and new buildings going up right in front of me left me speechless.
There’s no sign of the main street dying in the best small historic town.
These were all things that didn’t exist the last time I was here, but perhaps more importantly there are quite a few things that still exist decades on.
Can’t Beat A Classic
The aforementioned House of Flavors is a legend in the state. They hold a Guiness World Record, a seriously ridiculous one, and claim to be the inventor of Blue Moon ice cream, a mid-west must try. There’s also Ludington State Park, one of the most visited in Michigan. Thousands of campers stay there every week in the warmer months. Ludington even has a local newspaper, the Mason County Press, that’s avidly supported by the locals. The same is true of miles long public beaches, all easily accessible.
Susnset from one of the massive public beaches. The best historic small town offers up some of the best sunsets.
It seems unbelievable that any town of that size still has a newspaper, but it’s true. Its existence is emblematic of the spirit of the area. The people of Mason County know how special their small slice of Earth is. They know it’s not perfect, but it’s worth preserving and updating simultaneously.
Historic White Pine Village, operated up by the Mason County Historical Society, is akin to Greenfield Village, albeit smaller, and features fun seasonal events. There’s a new program run through Ludington State Park where you can go on a lantern lit snowshoe hike. Trust me when I tell you that walking through the state park at night, in the snow is a magical experience.
Yes, you can climb up the Big Sable Lighthouse in Ludington State Park.
Cartier Mansion, a wonderful bed and breakfast for adults, harbors a little-known history that connects the lumber barons of Michigan to Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone. Just west from that are multiple public plazas and parks that host festivals all summer long, including a road race that’s been taking place for more than forty years!
Make A Trip This Summer
Ludington blends old and new together, preserving the past and planning for the future. It’s a place where new business thrives in historic buildings, where old traditions are preserved and updated so we can still enjoy them. Whether you want to hike endless miles of trail or sink your feet into perfect sandy beaches, Ludington has you covered. Contact us now to book a stay up there.
