my last excursion was some thirty years ago when the world had significantly more time and less internet, go figure... no big hurry to be anywhere so why not leave the driving to them and feel the wind in your face and the sun on your back as one shore disappears from view long before the other breaks the horizon ahead... it's a big lake but we'll get across so relax and have a nap with someone you like... the S.S. Badger is the last of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad's railcar ferries - from a lineage starting in 1897 - to ply the lake from the northernmost port of generally ice-free winter waters. the 410' Badger first entered service in 1953 alongside her sister ship the S.S. Spartan (1952). the Badger which has long since been converted for hauling cars and trucks and people is the last operational coal fired passenger steam ship on the lakes. the ferry can haul up to 600 people and 180 vehicles each trip. in 2016 the Badger was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Department of Interior with a much unintended irony... read more

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I like the ride but they changed the way the webpage presents . On the calander all dates were whited out . You could not click on Tuesday. So I clicked wed and bought a midnight trip. Drove 260 miles to find the place all gated up, no ship , no people and no one to call or talk to. Then my daughter finally figured it out and said oh! It turned Wed at midnight.the ticket was for yesterday, Tuesday! WTH? I'm 74 and my day starts at 7AM.just nuts. It then cost me being a nerve wreck because the entire town is shut down except for a plastic window gas station and a quick trip . So It then cost me a hotel night, which I didn't plan and NOW, I have to drive at night, which I was trying to avoid at my age. What a messed up SS Badger Schedule. They need to change the calendar . If it would have allowed me to enter Tuesday, I probably would have understood it was a day ahead what a stupid mess. Now I lost an entire day at the hotel that I didn't plan on spending that money all because of the way their system is set up. Deffinetly not for senior friendly read more

SS Badger - Loading - Boat Charters Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Took a slow boat (Car Ferry) to Michigan! I grew up and still live pretty close to this historic functioning landmark and have never made the trip until now. Left Manitowoc, WI and four hours later arrived in Ludington, MI. Really doesn't save much time, as opposed to driving around the lake, but it does let you skip Milwaukee and Chicago... which is nice! For 2 people and a car it cost about $250 for one way. Along the way across Lake Michigan you can watch a movie, play bingo, have a drink and have some food, or just find a chair and watch the water. Here's some tips. -Remember sunblock (even if it's cool) -Bring a jacket or sweatshirt (cooler on the lake) -You can bring non-alcohol beverages but no food -It can be windy so women be ready for messed up hair! - The south side will be in the sun and be warmer. -Northside has shade and is cooler -Steep steps to get to on the boat and to get to all levels -Get there early (more than one hour) if you want to pick better outdoor seats. -You can't get to your car during the trip, so make sure you have everything with you. -Eat before you get on, foods not great. -I was told it can be rough (rarely) but the boat can move when it is rough. No problem the day I went. It was a bit long, but glad I did it... finally! read more

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Went in the SS Badger about 4 years ago with a friend and we took our motorcycles across then drove the upper UP. Great experience. read more

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Very relaxing way to travel. Best way to travel between Wisconsin and Michigan. Highly recommended.

Found ourselves in need of a break on driving. Checked on the option for two adults and one SUV. Cost was $298.00 one way. GPS lead us directly to the entrance. Car was checked with K9 and check in went very smoothly. We took everything we needed from the car with us except for food and Only non alcoholic drinks. Found our selves seated inside on the main level because of the coming rain so we grabbed a table and some cocktails by the window to hold us over. Each crossing takes 4 hours. 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. Her unique, 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. Example free BINGO!  Loved the Mesum that celebrates that heritage on board in fun ways that educates and entertains. There is a gift shop for Dramamine if needed along with snacks, games tee shirts and books. I picked up a sticker for my yeti and a Christmas ornament. Very interesting event taking a ferry boat. Have to try it at least once in your life. read more

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Really unique experience in Manitowoc Wisconsin. Both ports have nice restaurants and walkable areas. Living history of steam ship travel. Fun bingo games mid Lake Michigan. Light food offerings were ok. Awesome overnighter for a warm weekend. read more

Nice service aboard the ferry. Pleasant staff and decent amenities. This is more about the uniqueness of this coal-fired ship rather than the convenience (4 hour crossing; plus the staff has to drive your vehicle on and off). read more

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Many years ago, my parents moved to Michigan (I had little to say about it besides "Not the Mama" or "Gotta love me!") and all the relatives were still back here in the Land of Cheese. Every summer, at least once and sometimes twice, The Old Man would pack us up into his old Buick and we would head for Ludington, for a trip across the lake on the C&O Car Ferry. It was big fun for a little kid, to watch railroad cars get loaded aboard the big ships, then strain to see if it was possible to see Michigan and Wisconsin while cruising. Our cruises were aboard one of four car ferries, the Pere Marquette 21, Pere Marquette 22, the City of Flint 32, or the City of Midland 41. I remember listening in wide-eyed wonder to my Uncle Bob, who lived in Manitowoc, as he told us about the ship we had just sailed on, how it had been built in Manitowoc. He explained how the Pere Marquette 21 and the PM 22 had been brought into Manitowoc and cut in half so enough length could be added to have it carry more railroad cars. Now, Uncle Bob was a capivating story teller, and sometimes it was tough to decide where the truth stopped and the baloney started, like when he told us there were alligators in the little lake near Grandma's (where we went fishing and swimming) so we had to be alert for them. Naturally, we didn't believe alligators or that car ferries were built in Manitowoc, and we really rolled our eyes when he told us they built submarines in Manitowoc, too. Imagine growing older and learning all of it was true! Well, not the part about the alligators but the rest was true, the car ferries and how the Pere Marquettes got cut in half, and how 28 WWII submarines were built right there in Manitowoc! Imagine my surprise when I learned the high school mascot was the Manitowoc Shipbuilders. (Nowadays, they're just the Ships.) That was the golden age of the car ferries plying Lake Michigan, and "cars" had nothing to do with automobiles but everything to do with railroad cars. Oh, yes, they took passengers and their autos, but their main purpose was railroad freight. By 1970, railroading was beginning to change and by the end of the decade, the era of the car ferry was pretty much done. My beloved Pere Marquette 21 and 22 got cut down to barges, the City of Flint 32 was sold to the Norfolk and Western Railway Company and cut down to a river ferry barge and renamed Roanoke. The City of Midland was sold to another company and last I heard, it sank in the Carribean. Two ferries survived for some reason, the SS Badger and SS Spartan. In 1953, the C&O contracted with Christy in Sturgeon Bay to build the two ferries that would become the queens of the fleet. They sailed between Milwaukee and Ludington. We were disappointed we couldn't sail aboard the Queens of Lake Michigan. The two ships were purchased by a man who envisioned returning the two ferries to the old routes for the pleasure cruisers and to carry heavy trucks, especially oversize loads, so the trucks could avoid the mess that surrounds the southern end of Lake Michigan. Last week, 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 on the Badger since it began sailing as the Lake Michigan Ferry. It's 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 Pere Marquette ships had been built in the 1920s and were loaded with Art Deco decor and fixtures. They were absolute queens, and it broke my heart to hear they were all but scrapped. 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 think I'll go take some more photos. Why not? We're in that part of Lake Michigan where Wisconsin has disappeared and Michigan can'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 is about 50' below me and will be waiting for me when I get ashore. read more

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We enjoyed our 4 hour trip across lake Michigan on the Badger. It was a really nice way to take a break from driving and avoid Chicago. The games were fun. The cleanliness was not top notch but I get the quick turn over. Maybe replace some of the furniture - a lot of wear and tear. Would have appreciated some healthier food options as well. read more

I didn't know what to expect taking a car ferry across lake Michigan but I would do it again instead of driving Four to five hours around Chicago. It was a smooth relaxing ride with different activities to do. We played bingo at 9:45 am with 70s and 80s rock in the background and bloody Mary's in hand and it was free with many prizes givin away!! The time went by fast. Do it. read more

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This is a unique and fun experience that if you can you should do at least once in your lifetime! It gives you a respect for how "great" Lake Michigan really is! There are options during the cruise for young and old to enjoy. You can hang out on the upper deck and lounge or go to the cabana room and listen to live music and have a few adult beverages. There are games of trivia and bingo to enjoy in the food court area. There is a movie theater that has comfortable seating. If you would rather have some privacy you can also purchase a stateroom with beds to relax and sleep. We enjoyed soaking up the sun on the lounge chairs on the deck. If you think you would like to do that claim your chairs as soon as you get in the ship! They have a game area and a museum to help keep kids occupied too. read more

It can be a little boring so take a good book or something to keep yourself occupied. They do have drinks and even our beloved spotted cow beer on tap. The prices to drink are not that bad considering they have a captive audience and could charge whatever they want. They have a little movie playing and also a quiet museum area along with a gift shop. The staff are extremely efficient and impressive with how quickly they load and unload your vehicle on the Badger. It was worth doing once but I will probably drive next time as the boat does not go fast enough for me and I am looking for time saving! read more

SS Badger - Boat Charters Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Drive through Chicago or take a ferry and relax instead, yeah no question we opted to sit on a boat! The ferry goes across Lake Michigan, which for the Midwest girl is quite terrifying as that is some deep-ass water and once in the middle of it all you don't see land anymore. The boat is also ancient - which is historic and all that, but a piece of me thinks maybe that isn't a great idea. The trip was totally uneventful. You have your options of sitting on the top, out in the open, which is COLD and WINDY, so bring jeans and a warm jacket. It was the end of June when we went. Inside you have a room where they play movies, a 'quiet room' which plays white noise, a gift shop, two food counters (sammys, snacks, popcorn, and so on), you can also purchase beer and soda. There are many lounge areas to sit and watch TV or play games. We sat at a table and essentially just relaxed and people watched. Was regretful we didn't bring a deck of cards or some simple game to play. Keep in mind the trip is 4hrs long. All went very smoothly. Had my Dramamine, easy on the boat, able to walk around and get some exercise in while we were cooped up, and had a nice view of the lake. Con: took forever to get our truck back at the end. We just wanted off at that point (ended in Ludington), and we had to wait for seriously nearly an hour. Additionally, the valet parking people inadvertently popped out truck hood for some reason, so glad we noticed before we started driving down the interstate. Overall, I'm glad I had the chance to ride the Badger. Very cool to say I took a car ferry across Lake Michigan. I'd recommend. read more

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Over the years, I've traveled on the Badger several times, and at one point was averaging two or three trips a year. The old girl holds up well for being 65 +, and if you have the time and want to avoid the freeway two-step around Chi-town, it's the only way to go. A true throwback to another era with some modern updates, it's great family fun. read more

A memorable way to cross Lake Michigan from Manitowoc to Luddington. We had perfect weather (chose chairs on port side or north to be in the shade) and enjoyed the four hours to watch the water and read. Drink and food is supposed to be purchased on board...too bad because we would have rather taken our own picnic, so we ate before and after. Ear plugs were handy to block the talk and loud laughing of someone who had hit the bar a little too long. Loading and unloading is easy. Glad we finally did this! read more

I would recommend this as bucket list item. Great day on the lake, couldn't feel the waves. Bingo, theater, museum. Lots to do in the four hour ride. Friendly and entertaining staff. read more

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Always a fun experience, and cuts way down on drive time. (I live in Traverse City, MI, and work a few times a year in Minnesota.) read more

SS Badger - Deluxe accommodations for one. :) - Boat Charters Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Pre-boarding with easy oh, and the staff and crew were very knowledgeable and helpful. Would definitely take this ship again when we go East. The trip across Lake Michigan was like riding on glass. Thoroughly enjoyed doing the Bingo and trivia games on ship. I would definitely recommend this to all my family and friends. read more

This was my first ferry experience. It was so easy to get our car ready and to to check into the boat. The staff was quick and made it super easy. Easy to board. Great experience read more

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Charles Cart (aka "Chuck", Director of Operations) should NOT be interacting with the public. The moment we picked up our damaged vehicle in Ludington after coming over from Manitowoc, Charles Cart greeted us with an extremely loud and aggressive "your car was already damaged!". Literally shouting at us. Then he proceeded to say "all you're after is a big wad of cash!". Our vehicle was NOT damaged before transport, and the entire back half of our protector plate was dragging on the ground when our vehicle was offloaded. When we watched the vehicles being loaded in Manitowoc, my wife and I commented to each other that we were shocked how fast they were being driven onto the ship. Carelessly, and they obviously bottomed out on something, which caused the protector plate under our oil pan/engine to get stripped off its mounting brackets and drag on the ground. There's no excuse for Charles Cart to be so disrespectful to paying customers. We were completed insulted and accused of lying, when it WASN'T EVEN OUR FAULT TO BEGIN WITH!!! His tone and attitude were completely unacceptable and for that reason we would NEVER recommend this trip. When we asked Sara Spore (GM) and Mallory Wietrzykowski to provide video or photographic evidence that the vehicle was damaged before it was loaded, they couldn't provide it. They all said it was reported as "damaged" by the staff that were working on the ship. If it was damaged prior to transport, wouldn't they come talk to us while we were waiting in line for an hour, right where the vehicles are loaded? We would have heard the loud scraping on the ground, as we all did when we picked it up in Ludington. Wouldn't they take photos or video of the "damage" to document it as pre-existing? Wouldn't they call us after I filled out Incident Report #0123 that documented the damage and our concerns? No, it took us calling and leaving several voice messages, until we finally tracked someone down. Not worth the hassles, insults, damage we had to fix while on the road from Florida, delays seeing family that night, etc. HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE! read more

Loved our trip. Would do it again! Kids loved the movie and arcade. It was a bit rainy and chilly at first so all the activities kept them happy. read more