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Ludington is a harbour city on Lake Michigan, specifically on the mouth of the Pere Marquette River. It's the 5th most popular tourist destination in Michigan, thanks to the sandy beaches, nostalgic lighthouses and the array of activities it has to offer. While taking in the sights of this quaint city, you will be charmed by the warm friendliness of the people - not just for show! This is where you'll experience small-town living, and hospitality, at its finest.
by Irene
Ludington is a harbour city on Lake Michigan, specifically on the mouth of the Pere Marquette River. It's the 5th most popular tourist destination in Michigan, thanks to the sandy beaches, nostalgic lighthouses and the array of activities it has to offer. While taking in the sights of this quaint city, you will be charmed by the warm friendliness of the people - not just for show! This is where you'll experience small-town living, and hospitality, at its finest.
Stroll along the quaint but bustling downtown area, where you'll find looking at the shops could take the better part of a day. Browse the stores offering antiques, jewellery, clothing and a whole lot more. Some of the downtown area's must-visit places are Maude's Garage - a converted 1930's auto repair shop; and Fort Daul - a gift shop that has been in operation for several decades now, whose facade shows early American scene murals. Don't forget to check out the local dining establishments as well, which offer great food, cosy ambiance and that ever-present Ludington hospitality.
Want to experience Mason County's histoey in real time? Then White Pine Village is your answer. It consists of 25 well preserved buildings and exhibits with themes such as sports, farm life, education business, transportation and health, a mirror of what life was like in the early 1900's. After the nostalgic journey, be sure to enjoy some local refreshments at the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor at the town hall or browse the gift shop from the past for your future. You're visit to Ludington would not be complete with out visiting the infamous lighthouses, which offer an insight into the cities maritime history. These lighthouses help guide vesssals and mariners from lake Michigan to it's harbor. Check out all the greats, including the North Breakwater Lighthouse, South Pierhead Light and the Little Sable Point Lighthouse and bring your camera. The kids and the whole family will love AJ's Family Fun Center, a one-stop fun complex that's open all year round. Better allot a whole day for your trip to this amusement park - activities and rides include mini-golf, slick track, go-karts, bowlingo, rock wall climbing, laser tag and over 70 arcade games. They even have a package that includes a one night stay at a hotel nearby, along with 4 activities to choose from - perfect if the idea of driving far after the hectic day does not sit right with you (who would want that anyway, right?). Golf enthusiasts won't be disappointed with the Hemlock Golf Club, which is a challenging 18-hole golf course designed from natural landscape by nationally celebrated architect Raymond Hearn. Named as one of the "Top Ten Best New Affordable Courses in America" in 2003 by Golf Digest, the golf club also has practice facilities, a pro shop and a snack bar. They even have a package which includes 36 holes of golf and a night's stay in one of 2 hotels in the area.
The historic S.S. Badger will take you across Lake Michigan the way people in the area have done since 1953. It is the only coal-fuelled steamship operating in North America, and the biggest car ferry ever to sail across Lake Michigan. Relax and enjoy the sights as well as the ship's history on the 4-hour trip which spans 60 miles. The cruise takes not only takes passengers, but also RVs, automobiles, bicycles, commercial trucks and commercial buses across Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan. Should you get tired of taking in the sights and the history, don't worry because you have the following facilities to choose from next: upper deck lounge, outside deck area, deli-style snack bar, buffet-style dining area, children's playroom, video arcade, gift shops, a quiet room/museum, free TV lounges and a free movie lounge! With all those activities and amenities to choose from, you might be surprised how fast time flies - you may already be at your journey's end!
If the call of the wild is more of your thing, visit the Amber Elk Ranch, a sprawling 130-acre farm where you can see hulking bull elks, yearling elks and cow elks while onboard a wagon pulled by a farm tractor. You'll also experience how it is to feed the elks, when the wagon pauses in the middle of the tour. Children will appreciate wildlife and animals more in the petting zoo, where they can see donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, turkey, pygmy goats and other animals - up close and personal. You can bring home part of your experience at the ranch- just check out their gift shop called the Antler Shed and choose from their array of stuffed animals, antler decor, rustic but well-crafted furniture and other antler products.
If the call of the wild is more of your thing, visit the Amber Elk Ranch, a sprawling 130-acre farm where you can see hulking bull elks, yearling elks and cow elks while onboard a wagon pulled by a farm tractor. You'll also experience how it is to feed the elks, when the wagon pauses in the middle of the tour. Children will appreciate wildlife and animals more in the petting zoo, where they can see donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, turkey, pygmy goats and other animals - up close and personal. You can bring home part of your experience at the ranch- just check out their gift shop called the Antler Shed and choose from their array of stuffed animals, antler decor, rustic but well-crafted furniture and other antler products.
Read more great Michigan Travel articles at Travel In Michigan or to submit our favorite Michigan travel article.
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