Port of Ludington Maritime Museum

06/11/2026

UPDATE: Due to weather concerns we have postponed the Masters and Commanders Lakeview Cemetery Tour to Thursday, June 25th. We still have a few tickets available so grab a ticket and join us on the 25th! Already purchased tickets will be honored on the 25th. If you purchased a ticket and can no longer attend the event please contact us and we will refund your ticket.

06/11/2026

Unlock a full season of history, events, and exclusive perks with a Mason County Historical Society membership! 🙌

Enjoy unlimited admission to Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, plus discounts, special access, and member-only benefits all year long.

Become a member at https://masoncountymihistory.org/membership/

06/11/2026

The incredible crew of the City of Ludington's Lakeview Cemetery cleaned the featured gravestones in advance of Thursday's Master's & Commanders Maritime Heritage Cemetery Tour. We are very thankful! Tickets are still available by visiting https://masoncountymihistory.org/. We know the weather forecast is calling for thunderstorms. In the case of inclement weather, a decision will be made by early afternoon. The rain date will be Thursday, June 25.

06/06/2026

Save the date and make room for a little discovery!

Explore Ludington’s deep maritime roots during this guided tour of Lakeview Cemetery, the final resting place of many Great Lakes captains and crew.

Historian Rob Alway leads this fascinating walk through the stories of the men who commanded the iconic carferry fleet and other vessels that defined the Port of Ludington.

Tickets are $35 for this special June 11 event.

Grab your tickets today : https://ow.ly/AaNG50YX0Ja

06/05/2026

⚓ Make It a Maritime Day in Ludington on Saturday, June 6th!

Before heading to the Blessing of the Boats this weekend, spend some time exploring the stories that have shaped our waterfront for generations at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.

Discover:
• The history of the SS Badger and the car ferries
• Life-saving tales from the U.S. Coast Guard
• Shipwrecks and storms on Lake Michigan
• Interactive exhibits for all ages
• One of Ludington's most historic waterfront buildings

Then continue your maritime adventure at the Blessing of the Boats beginning at 4 p.m. Bring your boat keys and join friends, neighbors, and fellow boating enthusiasts as we celebrate the start of another season on the water.

The event features live music, food trucks, refreshments, raffles throughout the evening, and the traditional Blessing of the Boats at 5 p.m.

A special thank you to Ludington Bay Brewing Company and Safe Harbor Credit Union for hosting this beloved community tradition and bringing people together to celebrate our area's maritime heritage. Proceeds from the event benefit the West Michigan Underwater Preserve, whose work helps protect and interpret the underwater history of Lake Michigan for future generations.

Whether you're a lifelong boater or simply love the history and culture of the Great Lakes, Saturday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Ludington's connection to the water.

📍 Port of Ludington Maritime Museum open 10 am - 5 pm
📍 Blessing of the Boats – 950 W. Ludington Ave.
🕓 Festival Tent Opens at 4 p.m.

06/05/2026

Learn about the Butlers and other Ludington maritime legends during the Masters & Commanders tour at Lakeview Cemetery, Thursday, June 11 at 6 p.m. Visit our website for more info.

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Sable Points Media. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Editor’s Note: This story was first published on March 16, 2026. Since that time, I have had the pleasure of meeting Barbara Butler, the keep...

06/05/2026

🌧️ Rain may have put a damper on your beach plans, but it's the perfect day to discover the stories that shaped Ludington! ⚓

While Stearns Beach may be a little soggy today, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum is dry, comfortable, and filled with fascinating stories waiting to be explored. 🚢

Step aboard an unforgettable journey through our area's rich maritime heritage. Experience interactive exhibits, hear the stories of shipwrecks and lifesaving crews, stand at the helm of a Great Lakes vessel, and discover how Lake Michigan helped shape the community we know and love today. 🌊📜

❤️ Visiting for Love Ludington Weekend? Make the most of your day by purchasing a Museum Discovery Pass! Not only will you enjoy the Maritime Museum, but you'll also receive admission to Historic White Pine Village, saving $8 per person while experiencing two of Mason County's most treasured attractions. 🏡🌲

☔ Skip the rain and dive into history instead!

🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://masoncountymihistory.org/tickets/tps

⚓❤️🌊

Ticket Link:

06/04/2026

Well the party may be postponed but we still want to celebrate so it's an America 250 weekend! $2.50 off admission tickets to Historic White Pine Village and Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, 25% off at all 3 gift stores, and free gallery tours at the Mason County Historical Society! Behind the scenes tours will be available at 11 and 3! Get tickets online at masoncountymihistory.org/tickets

📢 LOVE LUDINGTON STREET PARTY RESCHEDULED 📢

After closely monitoring the forecast, we have made the decision to reschedule the Love Ludington Street Party to Friday, June 26.

We know weather forecasts in Ludington can change quickly, but with the amount of planning, setup, and coordination required for this event, we want to move forward with confidence and ensure the best possible experience for our businesses, vendors, sponsors, entertainers, and attendees.

The good news? At this time, the remainder of the weekend’s events are scheduled to proceed as planned, including:

⛴️ The Badger Experience
🎣 Fish On For Freedom
🥬 Downtown Ludington Farmers Market
⛵ SS Badger Open Boat Night
⚓ Blessing of the Boats
⛴️ SS Badger Shoreline Cruise
🎉 And more throughout the weekend

Thank you for your understanding and support. We look forward to celebrating with you throughout the weekend and at the Street Party later this month!

05/28/2026

Explore Ludington’s deep maritime roots during this guided tour of Lakeview Cemetery, the final resting place of many Great Lakes captains and crew.

Historian Rob Alway leads this fascinating walk through the stories of the men who commanded the iconic carferry fleet and other vessels that defined the Port of Ludington.

Tickets are $35 for this special June 11 event.

Grab your tickets today : https://ow.ly/MNG950YX0K2

05/28/2026

The Calumet passes the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum as it traverses the Ludington channel on Wednesday, May 27.