s.s. badger: lake michigan carferry

We absolutely love our carferry, the S.S. Badger, the last of the coal-fired carferries that made Ludington a major port. Lots of history here. It runs in the summer from here to Wisconsin and it is a lot of fun for the family to go and watch it come in or leave the harbor. It runs from May to about Oct. and takes passengers and vehicles to and from Manitowoc. The Badger is really kind of a major centerpiece of our town and much loved - so even if you don't get to ride on it, it's fun to watch. Go out to the North Breakwater Lighthouse and bring your camera.

Well this was the boat ride I was ever on . The weather was so great.water was so smooth as glass.we all enjoyed it .this was my second trip with it thanks again great crew to very help for old people

I have taken the SS Badger many times over the years and usually always plan to take it each time I have to go west from Michigan or east from Wisconsin! If you have never taken the Badger, I encourage you to do so and spring board your vacation to either side of the lake. I actually sent a co-worker from Des Moines, IA. who was taking his family to Niagra Falls, to go through Wisconsin and Michigan and stay for a few days, and they did the trip in August. They had never been to Michigan and spent a couple days in Ludington after taking the SS Badger. When they returned, the wife (who originally said, "why Michigan"?) was excited to return and wants to come back again next summer. Try it, you will love it! It is not too expensive when you consider the alternative especially in time.

We were on a road trip with our three young kids - ages 8, 6 and 4. We all enjoyed the experience. There was plenty to keep the boys busy on board - we spent some time on the deck, then went inside to play BINGO, checked out the arcade, watched a short movie and had some snacks.It served as a great way to reduce our time on the road and added to our overall experience.The only drawback was that I thought it was a bit pricey for a family of 5. It cost around $250 for a family of 5.

The trip on the SS Badger is highly recommended for those who love a historical trip back in time! The ride is comfortable and if you are trying to determine the best route to reach around over across the water, I would take the ferry! Reasonably priced tickets and well worth the journey to enjoy the wonder of yesteryear traveling.

We traveled on the Badger in mid-August from Manitowoc to Ludington. We traveled with friends and encountered a hurdle upon arriving at the dock. We had made our reservation for the next day! Needless to say we panicked a little bit but not for long as we were directed to the ticket area where the ladies corrected our mistake and got us aboard the ship. The weather was clear and the lake was calm which made our trip very enjoyable. There were plenty of things to do aboard ship but honestly the most enjoyable activity was visiting with our friends and watching the land disappear to the west and reappear in the east. It was a great start to a mini-vacation that took us north over the bridge and back home thru the beautiful UP of Michigan. I hope our legislators have the sense to keep the Badger sailing for many years to come.

Travel across the great lake to Wisconsin in comfort and heritage with fun events and history. A must if you have never taken a ferry.

If you are in Michigan and want to take a step back in History, cross Lake Michigan and have a ton of fun, then you should look into riding the SS Badger Car Ferry. You board the SS Badger in Ludington, MI or in Manitowoc, WI. The ship is an old rail car ferry that once hauled copper ore and other minerals from the Upper Peninsula to ports along the lake. Now it is used to carry automobiles, semi-trailers and motor homes. You can purchase food, play games, watch a movie, shop in the Badger Boutique or just sit out in the fresh air and enjoy the ride. You will find this a memorable adventure!

This is an experience everyone should have at least once, plus it saves all that driving through Chicago. We arrived at Manitowoc in mid October and things were well organized there. Sat in the main lounge - though we didn't participate in the Bingo, we should have because there was a great caller and it was lots of fun. I walked down to the little museum which was fascinating and told the history of shipping on Lake Michigan and all the ships that were built in Manitowoc. Including several submarines during WWII. This ship is a reminder of those days when train cars used to be loaded on the Badger, often loaded with timber from Michigan. Kids will enjoy watching the big tractor trailers rolling off the ship. If you'd rather read, there are quiet places for that. If you'd rather watch a movie, you can do that. If you'd rather surf the internet, there is wi-fi for a fee.

One thing we always wanted to do was cross Lake Michigan on the car ferry. In fall we drove down to Manitowoc Wi. to do just that. The weather was windy and rough (4 - 5 foot waves) so were afraid it might be cancelled but it wasn't. I am Not a good sailor so was a little apprehensive. I took a Dramamine before boarding just in case. It was amazing watching all the vehicles being driven onto the ferry.There was a huge double semi that was put on-really somrthing to see. Once we got going we wandered up and down the stairs to the different levels-signed up for the door prize in the gift shop (which we won!). We didn't get a room but it's nice to know they are available if you'd want one. We sat in the outside deck chairs watching Manitowoc fade in the distance and glad I had my jacket. It was chilly and there is a mist from the water and there is smoke and soot so maybe a hat or scarf would be helpful. It was part of the adventure! Once we couldn't see land we walked around the boat on deck and found more chairs in the front of the ferry. Went inside to the restaurant and got a snack and drink. I did notice that you feel the motion of the waves much more when you're below deck than when you're up above. So we sat in the lounge area to eat and watch from inside for awhile. Either I'm a better sailor than I thought or the Dramamine helped. I had no problems on the crossing and we were told that it was a bumpy ride. Stayed out front on deck as we got closer to Ludington Mi. to watch as we docked. What a beautiful area . It was the start of a great road trip and we would definitely travel on the S.S. Badger again.

While traveling aboard the SS Badger, it became apparent after they got out of the harbors, that the ship opened up a port, and began pumping coal ash effluent into the lake. I was really taken back also by the amount of coal ash-exhaust coming out of the stack. As we crossed from Manitowoc to Luddington, with the exhaust ahead of the boat, it actually formed three rows of brown clouds ahead of the ship. I also noticed as transiting around the decks, that the smell of coal ash exhaust was prevalent in the passenger spaces. Depending on which way the wind blew, some of these embers got into my eye causing a short stinging sensation. I really don't recommend this operation.

While traveling from Metro Detroit area to Glacier National Park, we decided to take the ferry across Lake Michigan. The other options were driving through Chicago....no thank you, been there, done that, or drive through the Upper Penninsula. In an effort to get to our final destination rested and ready to do some hiking we opted to ferry going out and driving through the U.P. On the way back. Couldn't of asked for a better day to take the ferry. Sunny, mild day for late August. Perhaps if the weather report had called for bad weather we would have opted out, but it was perfect. Relaxing, just sit back and take it all in. Plenty to do for all ages. Trip took 4 hours. Price was well worth it, and chalk one off the bucket list.

Were ready to go in the morning to get on the ferry, had the car packed and coats on our backs at the hotel, when we got the call that the ferry was cancelled. While I have to assume that the cancellation was the fault of the weather and not the ferry, and I am glad for the call, the experience completely changed our vacation. Instead of a leisurely ride across the lake, and a 1.5-hour drive down to Milwaukee, be had to slog 5.5 hours around Lake Michigan including a struggle through Chicago traffic and major highway construction around Racine just to get to our destination on schedule.On the good side, we did get a full refund and future discount, but we don't go this way often, so the discount will likely be wasted. Very disappointed

The Badger isn't a luxury liner but it does provide a relaxing trip across the lake especially on a sunny day. We ate a few snacks on board and walked the deck for a while to get through the 4 hour ride. The phone stops working for a while so old fashion methods of entertaining one self comes into play. Talking to strangers, reading newspapers, watching television and eating. It was windy and cold on deck even though the sun was out. The inside was nice and warm for those who wanted to be warm. Lots of areas to look out at the water. The staff on board are friendly and attentive.

Wish i would still be going at it's age. Staff is very helpful and friendly ya theres alota thing that are not perfect but that what makes it cool making it part of a road trip was awesome