Lake Michigan Carferry
The S.S. Badger by ToddandBradReed.com
Photography by toddandbradreed.com
LUDINGTON'S CRUISE SHIP--THE HISTORIC LAKE MICHIGAN CARFERRY
Blending tradition with innovation, the S.S. Badger is the fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan--a spring, summer and fall treat for the entire family. The four-hour, 60-mile cruise between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin has all the comforts of home and more. The 410' S.S. Badger carries up to 620 passengers and 180 cars, tour buses, RVs, and semi-trucks.
AMENITIES
Today's passengers will find spacious outside decks for walking or lounging, free movies and satellite TV, live entertainment, two restaurants, full cocktail service, shopping and staterooms for relaxing or sleeping during the cruise. Activities for kids include a video arcade, coloring contests, and kids' playroom. During the fall, passengers can sleep on the Badger in a stateroom while the ship is at the dock in Ludington.
A trip on the S.S. Badger carferry is a vacation within itself! Once you cross Lake Michigan and arrive in Manitowoc, Wisconsin--there are restaurants and shops within walking distance of the dock. Set sail from Ludington in the morning, and sail back in the evening! Remember when you're onboard the Badger, there's plenty to keep you busy, and staterooms are available. Many lodging facilities in both Ludington and Manitowoc offer free shuttle service to and from the carferry docks for those who choose to spend the night. It's a fun and very affordable mini-vacation for your entire family.
VIEWING THE CARFERRY
No matter what park or beach you're at in Ludington, you'll have a great view of the S.S. Badger as she sails into or out of port. The ship's whistle will alert you that this great cruise ship is on the move. For the best places to watch the carferry, read more...
HISTORY
The S.S. Badger was recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior. In 1953, the Badger began service as a railroad car ferry and was completely renovated in 1992 with a new mission as a passenger and auto vessel. The Badger offers the opportunity to add a unique element to any vacation while experiencing an important piece of Michigan's maritime history. Read more about the history of the S.S. Badger carferry...
SPECIAL EVENTS
Throughout the season, the S.S. Badger holds special events, such as reduced-fares for the first and last sailing, and the popular July 4th shoreline cruise (a wonderful venue for watching the fireworks!) There's also an end-of-season sale in the Badger Boatique, offering great prices on carferry-themed items.
Spring & Fall 2010 (May 28-June 10 & August 30-October 3)
Leave Ludington 9am (ET)
Arrive Manitowoc Noon (CT)
Leave Manitowoc 1:55pm (CT)
Arrive Ludington 6:55pm (ET)
Summer 2010 (June 11-August 29)
Leave Ludington 9am (ET)
Arrive Manitowoc 12pm (CT)
Leave Manitowoc 1:55pm (CT)
Arrive Ludington 6:55pm (ET)
Leave Ludington 8:30pm (ET)
Arrive Manitowoc 11:30pm (CT)
Leave Manitowc 12:55am (CT)
Arrive Ludington 5:55am (ET)
Crossing Time is 4 hours. No 8:30pm trip on July 4. No 12:30am trip on July 5.
For more information on the S.S. Badger click on one of the links below:
- Lake Michigan Carferry - S.S. Badger Home
- Best Places in Ludington to Watch the S.S. Badger Carferry
- History of the Lake Michigan Carferry, the S.S. Badger
- Helpful Hints when arriving in Ludington on S.S. Badger
