Lake Michigan is believed to come from the Ojibwa Indian word mishigami, meaning great water. - Ludington Area CVB

The third largest Great Lake by surface area, at 22,300 sq. miles, the lake is the only one of the Great Lakes wholly within the borders of the United States. The world’s largest freshwater dunes line the lakeshore which totals 1,638 miles (including islands). Its narrowest point runs between Ludington and Two Rivers, Wisconsin. The lake has an average depth of 279 feet and a maximum depth of 925 feet.

Ludington State Park Beach
The Ludington State Park Beach has drawn recognition for its sugar-sand shoreline and scenic spot on the Lake Michigan coastline. From the Detroit Free Press: “The state park is one of Michigan’s most popular, with good reason. It has 5 1/2 miles of wide, sugary white sand beach, an old-fashioned shingled beach house and big verandas, and easy access for everyone.”

Stearns Park Beach
Located at the west end of Ludington Avenue, offers a family-friendly atmosphere with 2,500 feet of sandy shoreline, a grassy area with plenty of picnic tables and grills, a playground, mini-golf, volleyball and shuffleboard. A long, walkable pier juts out to the North Breakwater Lighthouse.

Hamlin Lake Beach
Hamlin Lake Beach, within the Ludington State Park, boasts warm shallow waters. It is the perfect place for a family picnic with plenty of shady areas, lots of room to play in the sand, and restrooms close by.

Buttersville Park Beach
Buttersville Park Beach is south of Ludington and a little less crowded than the beaches closer to downtown. Follow the scenic drive to the Buttersville Peninsula to this quiet escape off the beaten path.

Summit Park Beach
Summit Park Beach requires only a short stroll from the park down a sandy path to the beach. Located on South Lakeshore Drive, Summit Park is a great place to enjoy an evening dinner around one of the park’s picnic tables, then head down to the water and wade into Lake Michigan.

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Beach
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Beach, a federally designated wilderness area encompassing 3,500 acres, is a place to get away from it all. With 7,300 feet of pristine, undeveloped shoreline and 14.5 miles of trails, this beach is a remote but popular hiking destination which can be accessed through the Lake Michigan Recreation Area or the Ludington State Park.

Contact Information

Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
5300 W. US 10
Ludington, MI 49431

Phone: 877.420.6618

Copyright©2008 LUDINGTON AREA CVB