Tempting Prices Make For a Cheap Ferry Ride This Summer

Michigan is surrounded by water and it takes a long time to go around the bottom of Lake Michigan to get to Wisconsin. If you decide to go thru the U.P. to get to Wisconsin that's gonna be a heck of a drive too. Have you considered taking the ferry?

In 2017 my family and I had a seasonal campsite in Ludington. We enjoyed going up to Ludington each weekend and staying in our travel trailer and exploring the Ludington area. One of the coolest sites is the S.S. Badger. Lake Michigan service to Manitowoc, Wisconsin is up and running and they are eager to welcome you as a guest.

The S.S. Badger is celebrating its' 70th anniversary this year and are offering special $70 roundtrip, rates for individuals traveling without a vehicle. You need to call them at (800) 841-4243 to inquire about their special rate.

The S.S. Badger has a rich history according to its' website:

The S.S. Badger is the last coal-fired passenger steamship in operation in the United States. She has provided a fun, reliable and affordable shortcut across beautiful Lake Michigan for more than 70 years and has transported millions of passengers since her re-birth in 1992. In 2016 she received the nation’s highest historic honor when the Department of Interior officially designated the Badger as a National Historic Landmark.

Additionally, the Badger is extremely unique in that she is an NHL that moves. The 410ft. S.S. BADGER can accommodate 600 passengers and 180 vehicles, including; RVs, motorcycles, motor coaches, and commercial trucks during her sailing season. Originally designed primarily to transport railroad cars, this grand ship and the people who serve her have successfully adapted to the changing world since she first entered service in 1953.

Her unique and bold character takes you back to a period of time when things were simpler—offering valuable time to slow down, relax…and reconnect with those you love. She is the continuation of a unique and vital maritime tradition, and we celebrate that heritage on board in fun ways that educate, and entertain. Her mission has changed from the days of carrying railroad cars 365 days a year, and the Badger’s role in the hearts of the areas she serves has not.

The S.S. Badger has daily departures from Ludington to Manitowoc at 9am EST arriving in Manitowoc at 12 CST. The return trip departs Manitowoc for Ludington at 2pm CST and arrives in Ludington at 7pm EST. It takes four hours to cross the lake. To make the drive to Manitowoc would take longer. Of course that depends on where you live in Michigan.

If you want to take a long road trip, bring your vehicle and you can start your trip off in Ludington and explore further west when you arrive in Wisconsin. I have yet to try the ferry but have wanted to for a long time. Enjoy your summer and explore more of what Michigan has to offer.