Port of Ludington Maritime Museum

217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431
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Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Photo
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum - front entrance Photo 2
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Photo 3
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum - channel side Photo 4
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Photo 5
Pere Marquette 22 Pilot House simulator - pilot the PM 22 across Lake Michigan Photo 6
Triple expansion exhibit - volunteer demonstation Photo 7
Kids ship loading interactive exhibit Photo 8
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Photo 9
Ships wheel exhibit Photo 10

Located in the beautifully restored former U.S. Coast Guard Station on Lake Michigan, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum brings the region’s rich nautical heritage to life. This three-story, family-friendly museum features interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and digital storytelling that highlight lighthouses, shipwrecks, Coast Guard service, and Ludington’s iconic carferries. Visitors can step into a ship’s pilothouse, meet holographic captains, and enjoy sweeping views of the North Pier Light and historic S.S. Badger. Operated by the Mason County Historical Society, the museum offers an engaging experience for all ages—entertaining, enlightening, and inspiring a deeper appreciation of Great Lakes history.

Local: (231) 843-4808

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Review Rating: 5 out of 5
jillrG4534NS | August 2025
Great value and very well designed museum!
I can't believe in all the years I've been going to Ludington that I've never visited this museum. My boyfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We had visited White Pine Village earlier in the day and...
Review Rating: 5 out of 5
Hi183987123 | June 2024
Interesting Museum
The Ludington Maritime Museum was super interesting, with a lot of nautical history, particularly on the rail/car ferries of the Great Lakes and the blizzard of 1906. Housed in a former Coast Guard...
Review Rating: 5 out of 5
795davec | August 2023
Great way to spend half a day
A good-sized 3 story building that used first housed the coast guard, is now home to a Maritime Museum. There are exhibits and movies about local maritime history, boat building, the history of the...
Review Rating: 5 out of 5
Sewersavvy | September 2023
Maritime museum
Great museum, learned about the Armstice day storm. Excellent use of technology to help with learning about the maritime area and ships in and out of Ludington.
Review Rating: 5 out of 5
Cindy T | August 2023
Weekend in Ludington
Worth your time for a visit. Very informative, multiple floors. Loved the sip simulator. Takes about 1-2 hours, depending on your interest. Something for everyone.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

Overall Rating: 4.7 out of 5

Based on 55 TripAdvisor Reviews

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Amenities
Features
  • Accessibility
  • Historical Site
  • Family-friendly
  • Motorcoach Parking
Sustainability Initiatives
  • Eco-friendly
Season(s) of Operation
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
Accessible Travel
Mobility/Wheelchair Users
  • Wheelchair accessible elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible entrances at main entry
  • Wheelchair accessible restrooms
Accessible Travel Amenities
  • Paved and/or Hard Packed Surface

What's Nearby

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Snyder's Shoreline Inn
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Fishing Charters
Therapy Too Sport Fishing Charters
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Hotels & Motels
Ludington Pier House
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The Ludington Beach House
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Boating
Ludington Municipal Marina
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Cabin/Cottage/Vacation Rentals
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Ludington Blue Spruce Inn
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Campgrounds & RV Parks
My RV Rentals® of Ludington
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Fishing Charters
El-Lin Sports Fishing Charters
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Historic Sites
Lighthouses
Ludington North Breakwater Light
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