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
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.
Most Viewed US Maps
| USA Sttae Map | USA Region Map | USA Road Map |
| USA County Map | Where is USA in World Map? | US ZIP Code Map |
| USA Time Zones Map | US State and Capitals Map | USA Physical Map |
Find 4,400+ U.S. Cities by State - Explore Their Locations and Get Detailed Information
Ludington City Facts
| City | Ludington |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Mason County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | West Michigan / Lake Michigan Shore |
| Incorporated | 1873 |
| Founded | 1847 |
| Total Area | 3.61 sq mi (9.35 sq km) |
| Land Area | 3.37 sq mi (8.73 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.24 sq mi (0.62 sq km) |
| Elevation | About 604 ft (184 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 7,000 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 7,081 |
| Population Density | About 2,101 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| ZIP Codes | 49431 |
| Area Code | 231 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 10, Michigan State Highway 116, Michigan State Highway 116 Business Route |
| Public Transit | Mason County Transportation Authority |
| Major Attractions | Ludington State Park, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Stearns Park, Ludington North Breakwater Light |
| Official Website | https://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.
Michigan Related Maps and Info
- Where is Allen Park
- Where is Allendale
- Where is Ann Arbor
- Where is Battle Creek
- Where is Bay City
- Where is Burton
- Where is Dearborn
- Where is Dearborn Heights
- Where is East Lansing
- Where is Eastpointe
- Where is Farmington Hills
- Where is Flint
- Where is Forest Hills
- Where is Garden City
- Where is Grand Rapids
- Where is Hamtramck
- Where is Holland
- Where is Holt
- Where is Inkster
- Where is Jackson
- Where is Kalamazoo
- Where is Kentwood
- Where is Lansing
- Where is Lincoln Park
- Where is Livonia
- Where is Madison Heights
- Where is Midland
- Where is Muskegon
- Where is Novi
- Where is Oak Park
- Where is Okemos
- Where is Pontiac
- Where is Port Huron
- Where is Portage
- Where is Rochester Hills
- Where is Romulus
- Where is Roseville
- Where is Royal Oak
- Where is Saginaw
- Where is Southfield
- Where is Southgate
- Where is St. Clair Shores
- Where is Sterling Heights
- Where is Taylor
- Where is Troy
- Where is Walker
- Where is Warren
- Where is Westland
- Where is Wyoming
