LUDINGTON, MI – This Up North town nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan is an early leader in USA Today’s 10Best reader’s choice award for “Best Historic Small Town.”

Ludington celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2023 and is now being honored for its historic charm.

The small town of less than 10,000 is home to two historic lighthouses, a maritime museum in a 1934 U.S. Coast Guard station, an outdoor living history museum, lumber baron homes converted into bed and breakfasts, and the last coal-fired steamship in the country.

100 years of history encapsulated in Up North outdoor museum

It’s the “quintessential historic small town,” according to the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Ludington is one of 20 towns throughout the country that’s nominated in this category, and the only one in Michigan.

Maritime museum on Lake Michigan shoreline offers interactive exhibits for all ages

Voting began Monday, and Ludington jumped to an early lead. Individuals can vote once daily until the contest closes at noon on Monday, April 1. Winners will be announced Friday, April 12.

“Ludington is a perfect historic small-town nominee,” said Brandy Miller, executive director of the CVB. “We’re asking locals and Michiganders alike to support Ludington with your vote. But no matter the outcome, we already know we have a winning historic town with Ludington.”

Challenging trail through sand dunes has big payoff with lighthouse on Lake Michigan beach

USA Today 10Best describes Ludington as follows:

“Building its economy on the lumber industry, Ludington continued to thrive as a shipping port, both by water and by train. 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. Explore the town’s past at Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.”

Ludington is also the home port of historic car ferry the S.S. Badger, which is more than 70 years old. Built to transport railcars across Lake Michigan, it now carries passengers, vehicles and cargo on picturesque journeys across the Great Lake from May to October. The ship was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2016.

Photos: Historic coal-powered car ferry celebrates 70 years of service on Lake Michigan

The town is also home to the East Ludington Avenue Historic District, which was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in 2022. It features more than 40 historic homes within a half mile, including the Cartier Mansion Bed & Breakfast, which was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

Walk back in time with this new look at history in a Lake Michigan beach town