Ludington House Bed and Breakfast occupies the Queen Anne Victorian built in 1878 by lumber baron Antoine Cartier to house his wife and nine children.
Ludington House has three stories, with eight guest rooms, each with their own bath. We are located within walking distance of many restaurants, shops and Stearn's Park, which features the North Breakwater lighthouse and a beautiful sandy beach. Ludington also has a 5,300-acre state park with 18 miles of trails and two beaches, one on Hamlin Lake and the other on Lake Michigan.
Guests notice the herringbone-patterned hardwood floors, gorgeous carved cherry and golden oak woodwork, 12-foot ceilings, fascinating brass light fixtures that once were gas, our walnut staircase to the third floor, Italian marble fireplace, and beautiful stained glass windows.
A Scandinavian breakfast is served every morning. Our guest service bar includes coffee, tea, and snacks is always available. We welcome SS Badger ferry passengers and offer early breakfast options.
The charm of Ludington's bygone era awaits you.
Unique experiences at Ludington House B&B
Lighthouses
There are two lighthouses to visit in Ludington. A short walk from downtown, and part of the Stearn’s Park beach area, is the North Breakwater Light in the Pere Marquette Harbor. A second light, Big Sable, requires a hike in the Ludington State Park. Both lights are open in the summer for climbing and keepers are there to guide you. Big Sable has a gift shop and visitor center where guests learn the history and workings of the lighthouse.
Craft Beer
Ludington is home to three microbreweries. Starving Artist Brewing Co. is a production-only nano-brewery. Visitors can stop by to purchase or tour by appointment. Jamesport Brewing Co. offers 12 taps of their beer and a great menu of American fare. The Mitten Bar features Michigan-only craft beers. The latest arrival is the Ludington Bay Brewing Co., using locally sourced ingredients and talent. If you are on the go, pick from a great selection of beers and other beverages at Biercamp Market or Pere Marquette Expeditions.
Historic Charm
Ludington’s origins are deeply rooted in the lumber industry and as a result, the town became a major Great Lakes shipping port.
Learn the history by visiting two area attractions: Historic White Pine Village and the Ludington Maritime Museum.
The village is home to 30 buildings displaying historic artifacts of the Mason County area. The history of the car ferries and other Great Lakes shipping can be taken in at the Maritime Museum.
There are also self-guided tours via pamphlet or cell phone you can discover the lumber baron homes and other historic buildings.
Waterways
A lot of adventure on the water awaits. Here are some of the activities:
• kayaking and canoeing on the Pere Marquette River and Hamlin Lake at the State Park.
• charter fishing on Lake Michigan or fish off the pier at the North Breakwater, Stearns Park
• relaxing on the beaches at Ludington State Park (one on Lake Michigan and the other on Hamlin Lake) or at Stearn’s Park in town.
• paddle-boarding, wind-surfing, sailing, boating, pontoon boat rental (Hamlin Lake)
• take a cruise to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on the SS Badger car ferry.
Adventure
Ludington State Park has something for everyone and it’s beautiful no matter what time of year. The terrain varies from shoreline, dunes, and forest. There are nine different trails, each featuring a different type of terrain or destination including a lighthouse, shipwreck, and nature walk with labels at certain stops. Hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, boating, beach activities, canoe and kayak rentals -- It all can be done at the state park. Snowshowing, and cross-country skiing are popular in the winter.
Venturing further out...
Other great hiking trails within a 60-mile radius are the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness and the Big M (really popular with mountain bikers and cross-country skiers).
Those who want to get on the dunes can head about 20 minutes south and check out the Dunes at Silver Lake. Rent jeeps or go for a dune ride at Mac Wood's Dune Rides.
Another amazing natural area is Sleeping Bear Dunes in Empire. See breathtaking views of ever-changing dune landscapes and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Cruise the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for an educational tour and fantastic overlooks.
Autumn
Autumn is a time when the pace slows down and the colors are amazing. Include time for a hike in the woods and for driving through the country. Traveling north from Ludington to Traverse City or Leelanau makes a nice day trip with stops along the way to check out orchards, antique stores, and wineries. Sleeping Bear Dunes is also a great place to explore, with some great high vantage points. Here are some other activities perfect for a fall getaway.
