Stearns Park Beach
Ludington, MI
Stearns Park Beach is Ludington's largest beach, with about 2,500 feet of sandy shoreline and free parking. The north breakwater leads out to the Ludington North Breakwater Light, and the S.S. Badger car ferry passes close by on its runs to Wisconsin. It's a classic small-town beach.
Free parking and lighthouse views, though it can get crowded on summer weekends.
How we score beachesTime your visit to catch the S.S. Badger heading out. The horn and the smoke make it an event.
Free parking at the park, a rarity on this shore.
The lot sits right beside the beach, with a short walk to the sand.
The breakwater is dangerous in storms, so stay off it when waves are high. Summer evenings bring the best light for photos of the lighthouse.
More Great Lakes beaches
Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach
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Freshwater Lake Michigan surf below towering sand dunes, some over 400 feet tall, with water clear enough to rival a coastline and a hike back up the dune to burn it off.
New Buffalo City Beach
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Warren Dunes State Park
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