Last summer, I was able to cruise Lake Michigan from Manitowoc to Ludington to take advantage of some opportunities in Western Michigan (another entire story) so the Badger and I became reacquainted. This is my third voyage (I think) on the SS Badger since it began sailing as the Lake Michigan Ferry. On my trip, I got to visit another survivor, the SS City of Milwaukee, sister ship to the PM 21 and PM 22. The SS City of Milwaukee is a floating museum in Manistee, Michigan and you can ever stay overnight in a stateroom! My family lived in Michigan for a couple of years when I was very young, and we made the Lake Michigan crossing often. My favorite ferries were the Pere Marquette 21 and Pere Marquette 22, ships that had been built in the 1920s and were loaded with Art Deco décor and fixtures. They were absolute royalty on Lake Michigan and it broke my heart to hear they were both scrapped. Sailing on the SS Badger is like old times, well, sort of. The Badger is very modern compared to her old sister ships. Modern? Built in 1953? Okay, a newer antique I suppose, the last coal-fired ferry on the Great Lakes, in fact, maybe the last coal fired ship on the Great Lakes. (The coal industry was a major customer of the C&O Railroad, so what other fuel would they have used?) The Badger has all kinds of features that scream "1950s!" but she has been modernized with flat screen televisions in the lounge areas (with satellite programming) food service, and there's a bar. The kids can do a scavenger hunt around the ship and there's even a Bingo game in one of the lounges. Me? I'd rather sleep. Easy enough to do until the kid in the row behind me began kicking the seat. So, I went to take some more photos. Why not? We were in that part of Lake Michigan where Wisconsin has disappeared and Michigan couldn't be seen yet. Oh sure, you can see both shores at 35,000 feet in the airplane, but you can't have your car along. My car was about 50' below me and should have bene waiting for me when I got ashore. Actually, it was one of the first cars onboard, so it was one of the last ones off. Which was okay because I got to take some more photos. If you're planning a trip to Michigan this summer, consider going up to Manitowoc and taking the SS Badger across to Ludington. It's even a shortcut to St. Ignace and the Mackinac Bridge. (Same if you're going from Michigan on your way to the Land of Cheese. When you arrive in Manitowoc, you're only a half hour from Lambeau Field so you can tour a shrine of football.) Not to mention, it's a great, four hour cruise. Just like Mom, Dad, my brother Joe, and I used to do every summer until we moved back to Brown Deer. read more

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We took the Badger across Lake Michigan is June on our way to visit the inlaws. Considering the option is driving all the way around the lake; the $67 cost isn't a bad deal. There is wi-fi available on the boat, and ample opportunities to watch TV. There is a "comedian" for kids and a variety of so-so food, which is the only reason I can't add one more star. It appears that most of the people on the Badger prefer quantity over quality. One can also sit out on the deck and catch some sun. It was a pleasant part of our trip. read more

Lake Michigan Car Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

The SS Badger takes you and your car from Ludington MI to Manitowoc WI in about 3 hours (but depending on which way you're going, add or subtract an hour as there's a time change!) - a clear and definite time-saver over not taking the ferry. Adult fare is $67 one way, $100 RT, standard auto fare is $70 each way. There are staterooms available. There's a movie lounge, restaurant and snack bar, arcade room, a bar, a gift shop - lots of ways to spend the time. But I preferred to grab a lounge chair and enjoy Great Lake Michigan. Nothing like a vessel with a good bone in her teeth. read more

Rode the SS Badger last night from Ludington. My GF and I found the trip to be a very good experience. Every employee encountered was professional, friendly and respectful. The ride was smooth, the vessel was in very clean condition. This is all the more remarkable when taken in context with the age and historical significance of the ship. If you are on the fence about taking the ferry or driving through Chicago and Indiana, the Badger is the clear winner. We had to drive south from Manitowac to complete our trip and this still was more than worth it. Small easy inexpensive improvements that could be made to improve the experience even more would be: 1) replacing the "movie" TV with an appropriately sized screen 2) adding an IPA to the beer selection (Shorts, huma lupa licious would be my choice) Will definitely ride again. read more

Wow, what a fantastic trip! The boat is smooth and comfortable with plenty of amenities to check out and make the four-hour passage fly by. We were worried about food options on board since we didn't eat ahead of time like so many others seemed to be doing at the port (no personal food items allowed on the ship). However, the burrito bar did not disappoint - I would even say the taste rivaled Chipotle. I'm guessing the poor food reviews were written prior to updates in more recent years. The staff seemed genuine and friendly without exception. We sat on the upper deck in the enclosed area and I highly recommend doing the same close to the windows to feel the breeze. The best part, by far, was watching the seagulls chase the boat on the way out; it was mesmerizing. As excited as I am to arrive at our destination, I'm really looking forward to the return trip already - two thumbs up! read more

Lake Michigan Car Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

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I had the chance to take the "big badger" last month and was quite impressed. Very friendly people work on the boat and everything was clean and obviously pride is taken in its upkeep and maintenance. I did overhear a couple talking about the controversy regarding dumping coal waste but I was under the impression that the great lakes were dead zones anyway. The smell is very chemical and you can tell that not much care has been taken with the lakes over the decades. It would be a shame for these people to lose their jobs over trying to keep waste out of such disgusting water. Being from the west makes me inclined to appreciate pristine environments but that is clearly not the culture of the Midwest. I say let them dump whatever it is they are dumping and keep the Badger afloat!! read more

Almost back in Manitowoc, WI from Ludington MI (round trip) after visiting with good friends (there). Enjoyable experience; clean and well kept ship; crew very accommodating. If you can, sit at stern to catch the sun and purchase the $9 wifi". Badger Bingo" was entertaining. "People watching" is worth it alone. Suggest making this trip on this National treasure at least once in your lifetime. read more

Great adventure. Will do it again. Beats 8 hrs in car. Fun bingo on board. Excellent napping opps n can't be beat People Watching.

My wife, daughter and granddaughter rode the ferry on July 16 and 17 2016 for the first time (round trip) and thoroughly enjoyed the ride both ways. The way back to Ludington was a bit rough but the crew was very friendly and the entertainment made the 4 hr journey fun, I would ride it again. Its a great experience and was pleasantly surprised on what the Badger had to offer aboard the ship. Thanks Badger for a memorable ride read more