Where is Ludington, Michigan

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Ludington is a city on the western shore of Michigan's Lower Peninsula and the county seat of Mason County. Located about 65 miles north of Grand Rapids, it overlooks Lake Michigan and serves as a gateway to the state's western shoreline. The city is known for Ludington State Park, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Stearns Park, and its historic maritime heritage.

Location Map of Ludington, Mason County, Michigan

Where is Ludington Located in Mason County, Michigan

About Map: The map shows the location of Ludington in Mason County, in the U.S. state of Michigan.

Ludington Map, Michigan

About Ludington Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Ludington in Mason County, Michigan. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Ludington Located?

Ludington is a city located in Mason County, Michigan, the United States. It sits on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, about 65 miles north of Grand Rapids and roughly 40 miles south of Manistee. Ludington is located at approximately 43.955° North latitude and 86.452° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 7,081 residents, and the city covers about 3.61 square miles (9.35 sq km) of land and water. Ludington was incorporated as a city in 1873 and grew as a lumbering, shipping, fishing, and railroad center. Its location on Lake Michigan made the community an important port for moving timber and agricultural products. Today, tourism and recreation are important parts of the local economy. Ludington State Park is the city's best-known natural attraction, with miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, dunes, forests, hiking trails, and Hamlin Lake. Big Sable Point Lighthouse is another famous landmark and has guided ships along the Lake Michigan coast since the 19th century. Stearns Park provides a sandy beach, playgrounds, a skate park, and views across the lake. A unique feature of Ludington is its long maritime history and its connection to the car ferry service across Lake Michigan. The nearby Pere Marquette River also provides opportunities for fishing and paddling. U.S. Highway 10 and Michigan State Highway 116 connect Ludington with other communities along Michigan's western shoreline.

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Ludington City Facts

CityLudington
StateMichigan
CountyMason County
CountryUnited States
RegionWest Michigan / Lake Michigan Shore
Incorporated1873
Founded1847
Total Area3.61 sq mi (9.35 sq km)
Land Area3.37 sq mi (8.73 sq km)
Water Area0.24 sq mi (0.62 sq km)
ElevationAbout 604 ft (184 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 7,000
Population (2020 Census)7,081
Population DensityAbout 2,101 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET)
ZIP Codes49431
Area Code231
Major HighwaysU.S. Highway 10, Michigan State Highway 116, Michigan State Highway 116 Business Route
Public TransitMason County Transportation Authority
Major AttractionsLudington State Park, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Stearns Park, Ludington North Breakwater Light
Official Websitehttps://www.ludington.mi.us/

Distance from Ludington, MI to Nearby Cities

  • Scottville, MI – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Manistee, MI – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Hart, MI – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Fremont, MI – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Big Rapids, MI – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Cadillac, MI – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Muskegon, MI – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Whitehall, MI – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Grand Rapids, MI – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Holland, MI – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Traverse City, MI – 100 miles (161 km)
  • Mount Pleasant, MI – 105 miles (169 km)
  • Kalamazoo, MI – 125 miles (201 km)
  • Lansing, MI – 120 miles (193 km)
  • Detroit, MI – 200 miles (322 km)

Top Attractions in Ludington

  • Ludington State Park – A major Lake Michigan destination with sandy beaches, dunes, forests, hiking trails, camping areas, and Hamlin Lake.
  • Big Sable Point Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse at the northern end of Ludington State Park that has guided ships along the Lake Michigan coast for generations.
  • Stearns Park Beach – A popular downtown beach with Lake Michigan views, a playground, mini-golf, skate park, and waterfront recreation.
  • Ludington North Breakwater Light – A historic light at the entrance to Ludington Harbor that can be reached by walking along the breakwater.
  • Port of Ludington Maritime Museum – A waterfront museum preserving the city's history as a major Lake Michigan shipping and car-ferry port.
  • Historic White Pine Village – A nearby living-history museum with restored buildings and exhibits about life in 19th-century Mason County.
  • Pere Marquette River – A scenic river near Ludington known for fishing, paddling, canoeing, and wildlife habitat.
  • Hamlin Lake – A large inland lake within Ludington State Park popular for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.

Airports Near Ludington

  • Manistee County-Blacker Airport (MBL) – 35 miles
  • Muskegon County Airport (MKG) – 65 miles
  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) – 85 miles
  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) – 105 miles
  • Capital Region International Airport (LAN) – 125 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Ludington city website and local government records.

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