Ludington has been named the Best Historic Small Town in the nation, according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The Lake Michigan coastal town, about halfway between Grand Rapids and Traverse City, is known for its miles of sand beaches that draw locals and visitors.
“Building its economy on the lumber industry, Ludington continued to thrive as a shipping port, both by water and by train,” says the publication’s description of the town. “Today, visitors come to explore Ludington’s small-town charm, take advantage of its waterfront location for swimming, boating, and more, and shop at its many specialty shops and art galleries.”
Katie Ford, USA Today 10Best managing editor, says: “The nautical history and beautiful natural resources of this Michigan small town have clearly charmed our readers.”
The narrative about Ludington urges visitors to explore the town’s Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum among other attractions.
“We are overjoyed to receive this incredible news about Ludington being the best historic small town in America,” says Brandy Miller, executive director of the Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are the perfect city to claim this title, with our rich history dating back to 1873 celebrated at last year’s sesquicentennial and our many historic attractions. It’s one of the top reasons people visit Ludington.”
The only city from Michigan on the list of 20 nominated small towns (with fewer than 25,000 people), Ludington landed the No. 1 spot among such popular U.S. destinations as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif.; Breckenridge, Colo.; and Moab, Utah.
“To receive the recognition from not only USA Today’s expert panel but all of the people who voted for this great city is truly an honor,” says Mitch Foster, city manager of Ludington. “The work that has been done by citizens and nonprofits to preserve and restore our community and its assets is something we are proud of locally and is worthy of this incredible recognition.”
The USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight top attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations. Nominees are chosen by a panel of relevant experts, including a combination of editors from USA Today; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties.
Ludington, which celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2023, was established in 1873 due to its abundant natural resources and prime location on Lake Michigan. For centuries the home of Ottawa Indians, the area was later visited in the mid-1600s by French missionary Father Jacques Marquette. By the mid-1800s, settlers and lumber barons such as James Ludington came to the area lured by the virgin pine forest and its location where the Pere Marquette River empties into Lake Michigan.
The area was named Ludington in 1873 in honor of the man who platted the land and helped develop the area with his logging operations, using the channel deepened by Charles Mears for commercial shipping on Lake Michigan.
The city’s history continued to be shaped by its proximity to the water even after the last sawmill closed, building its “million-dollar harbor” in 1914 that later served the salt, sand, and chemical industries in addition to fostering commercial fishing, shipping, the U. S. Coast Guard, and tourism that established Ludington as a major Great Lakes port.
Among its attractions are two historic lighthouses (circa-1867 Big Sable Point Light and Ludington North Breakwater Light celebrating its centennial in 2024), the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum in a 1934 U.S. Coast Guard Station, Historic White Pine Village with 30 buildings from the late 19th to early 20th-century, Victorian lumber baron homes-turned bed and breakfasts, and the S.S. Badger, the last coal-fired steamship in the United States, among other historic attractions.
“Ludington embodies the quintessential American small town, steeped in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and community spirit,” says Rebecca Berringer, executive director of the Mason County Historical Society that oversees the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Historic White Pine Village.
“From its storied lumbering and maritime heritage to its vibrant cultural attractions and picturesque landscapes, Ludington is a shining example of small-town charm. Being named America’s Best Historic Small Town not only honors our past but celebrates the enduring spirit of its people. Ludington is truly a special place to live and a wonderful location to vacation when visiting the Great Lakes state.”
For more information, visit pureludington.com.
