SS Badger
Ride a historic, coal-fired steamship across Lake Michigan, a unique journey through maritime history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters & good weather
SS Badger
Best Time
Calm waters & good weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic, coal-fired steamship across Lake Michigan, a unique journey through maritime history.
"It truly was a once in a lifetime experience for us, offering fun and history."
🚗 Vehicle Access Limited
You can't access your car during the crossing, so pack essentials in a carry-on bag.
☕ Free Soda & Coffee
Enjoy complimentary refills on soda and coffee – a nice touch!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Steamship Experience
Ride a fully restored, coal-fired steam-powered car ferry, a registered historic landmark.
Lake Michigan Crossing
Enjoy a scenic four-hour journey across the vast expanse of Lake Michigan.
Onboard Entertainment
Participate in bingo, enjoy movies, or relax in the lounge areas.
Car Ferry Capability
Transport your vehicle across the lake, saving a long drive around Chicago.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Season
Prepare for a Relaxing Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Access Limited
You can't access your car during the crossing, so pack essentials in a carry-on bag.
☕ Free Soda & Coffee
Enjoy complimentary refills on soda and coffee – a nice touch!
🛏️ Book State Rooms Early
For a more comfortable trip, especially overnight, book a state room in advance.
💰 Consider the Cost
It can be pricey for a single person with a car, but saves time and avoids Chicago traffic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Access Limited
You can't access your car during the crossing, so pack essentials in a carry-on bag.
☕ Free Soda & Coffee
Enjoy complimentary refills on soda and coffee – a nice touch!
🛏️ Book State Rooms Early
For a more comfortable trip, especially overnight, book a state room in advance.
💰 Consider the Cost
It can be pricey for a single person with a car, but saves time and avoids Chicago traffic.
📸 Capture the History
The SS Badger is a historic landmark; great photo opportunities abound!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers generally praise the SS Badger for its unique historic experience and friendly crew, highlighting the fun onboard activities like bingo and the convenience of crossing Lake Michigan. While some find the cost and duration significant drawbacks, most agree it's a memorable journey offering a glimpse into maritime history.
"We loved the ride, it truly was a once in a lifetime experience for us. The staff was super friendly for the most part. I really enjoyed the thoughtful touches they had to keep you entertained while on board. We also happened to have amazing weather when we went so that definitely helped! They had free soda refills which is nice because you don’t see that much anymore and that worked for coffee as well. I think opportunities for improvement would be better wayfinding signage, maybe an informative posted agenda and overall a bit of a renovation, although it was unique in character. Overall we really enjoyed ourselves. Oh I should also mention, I had to change my reservation 3 times and they accommodated me each time with zero issues. I did have to pay a fee when I canceled my SUV and added a passenger ticket for my mom who has health issues so we decided to forego the jeep trip around the state and come back the same day. I was hoping we wouldn’t have to pay that fee with adding another round trip passenger but I also didn’t ask for it so it’s on me. We loved the badger bingo and the food was actually a little better than expected. And best of all… we made it! :)"
Amanda Lafler
"What a great experience. The ship was much taller than I thought it would be. It swallowed up a whole parking lot full of cars, trucks and busses. We entered the vessel at the stern and up the stairs we went into the waiting/game room. There we had bingo to play while alcohol drinks and cafeteria style food were available for purchase. It was a foggy day so we heard plenty of the fog horn. My favorite part was the great gift shop and shouts of "Big ship, great fun!" The only drawbacks for me were the cost and the length of time (about 4 hours) it takes to get across Lake Michigan. Glad the water was calm."
Rick Schacher
"Had a great trip and time on this classic and beautiful S.S. Badger. They offer food, drink. bingo, movies and so much more. The crew on land and sea was awesome.
Thank you to all who work on on The S.S. Badger cruise ship."
Robert J Driggers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The SS Badger operates between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. You can drive your vehicle onto the ferry in either port.
The ferry departs from Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Yes, the SS Badger is a historic car ferry that can transport vehicles across Lake Michigan.
The crossing typically takes about four hours one way.
Absolutely! The SS Badger provides a way to cross Lake Michigan, bypassing the need to drive through the Chicago metropolitan area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pricing varies depending on whether you are a passenger, bringing a vehicle, and the type of vehicle. It's recommended to check the official website for current SS Badger car ferry prices and fares.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official SS Badger website or potentially at the port terminals. Booking in advance is advised, especially during peak season.
Keep an eye on the official website for any available SS Badger deals, discounts, or coupons. Sometimes, special promotions are offered.
The SS Badger ferry schedule typically runs from May through October. It's best to consult the official SS Badger schedule or SS Badger ferry schedule for the most up-to-date information for the current year.
Yes, reservations can often be changed, though fees may apply, especially for cancellations or modifications to vehicle bookings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Onboard, you can enjoy bingo, watch movies, relax in the lounge, visit the gift shop, and take in the views of Lake Michigan.
No, you cannot access your vehicle once it's parked on the car deck. Ensure you have everything you need with you in the passenger areas.
The ferry offers cafeteria-style food and drinks for purchase. Some reviews mention the food being better than expected, and free soda/coffee refills are a plus.
Yes, the SS Badger offers state rooms for passengers who wish to rest or nap during the crossing. Booking these in advance is recommended.
While it's a historic vessel, efforts are made to accommodate passengers. It's advisable to contact the ferry directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture shots of the ship departing the harbor, the vastness of Lake Michigan from the deck, the historic interior, and the car deck.
Yes, you can get great photos of the SS Badger as it departs or arrives in Ludington or Manitowoc harbors.
A versatile camera that handles both wide shots of the lake and interior details would be ideal. Don't forget your phone for quick snaps!
Access to certain operational areas like the engine room may be restricted for safety reasons. Check with the crew for any available viewing opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for photos of the ship and the lake. Midday offers clear views of the vessel itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a state room if you have very young children or are taking a night crossing, providing a comfortable space for naps. The reasonable food prices and free drink refills are also a bonus for families managing budgets.
🚗 Travelers with Vehicles
🕰️ History Enthusiasts
Take time to appreciate the ship's preserved features, learn about its operational history, and imagine the voyages of yesteryear. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic SS Badger: A Floating Landmark
Its unique design and operational status make it a fascinating attraction for history buffs and travelers alike. The ship's journey across Lake Michigan offers a glimpse into a bygone era of Great Lakes transportation. Traveling on the SS Badger provides a unique opportunity to experience its preserved features. From the spacious car decks capable of holding numerous vehicles to the passenger lounges and state rooms, the ship retains much of its original character. The crew often shares historical anecdotes, adding to the immersive experience.
It's a chance to step back in time and appreciate the engineering and craftsmanship of mid-20th-century maritime vessels.Navigating the Lake Michigan Crossing
Travelers often use this time to relax, read, or engage in onboard activities like bingo.
Tips for a Smooth SS Badger Journey
The onboard cafeteria offers food and drinks, and some reviewers note the surprisingly reasonable prices and free soda/coffee refills. Booking your tickets and any desired state rooms well in advance is crucial, especially during the busy summer months, as the ferry is a popular attraction.
Social
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