city, seat (1874) of Mason county, western Michigan, U.S. It is on Lake Michigan (Michigan, Lake) at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River, about 60 miles (100 km) north of Muskegon. Settled in the 1840s, it was originally named Marquette for Jacques Marquette (Marquette, Jacques), the Jesuit explorer who died there in 1675 (a memorial cross near the harbour marks the site). It was later (1871) renamed for James Ludington, a local lumberman. The city is a Great Lakes port with passenger and auto ferry service to Manitowoc, Wis., from May to October. Manufactures include chemical, plastic, wood, and metal products; machinery; and highway and railway equipment. The city is located in a popular vacation area with year-round outdoor recreation (fishing, boating, cross-country skiing) along Lake Michigan and at several nearby inland lakes. Hamlin Lake, about 5 miles (8 km) north of the city, is the site of many summer homes and resort facilities. Ludington State Park is some 10 miles (16 km) to the north. West Shore Community College (1967) is located just northeast of the city. Inc. city, 1873. Pop. (2000) 8,357; (2005 est.) 8,292.