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S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry Reviews
4.5
4 of 32 Best Attractions in Ludington
Reviews
Absolutely the only way to go between central Michigan and Wisconsin. Avoid Chicago traffic and relax with the fun Badger crew! We brought the RV for a camping trip with family and love Lake Michigan.
Didn’t really save us any time, but I don’t care….it was a neat experience !
Really enjoyed having a coke & playing some Bingo & just generally exploring the ship. Was a bit expensive with the car so we probably won’t ever do it again, but everybody should do it at least once.
Enjoyed it !
We had read about the steamer and thought it would be a great way to cross into Wisconsin, rather than drive. It is a pretty long trip, four hours. However there are things to entertain you along the way. Enjoyed reading the history of the steamer and the photos. I would recommend this as an alternative to a boring drive.
This is a bucket-list trip but we'd love to do it again soon. We sailed on the very first trip of the season 5/16/2025. We made a circle from Wisconsin, through the UP, over the Mackinac bridge, and returned on Badger. The boarding process was very efficient and easy. Instructions were clear and staff was very friendly and helpful. Clearly the staff love what they do and make it a smooth trip for passengers. On-board food was quite good and reasonably priced. Nice gift shop with reasonable prices. Entire ship was very clean and had informative historic information all over the ship, with a small museum room. Some people enjoyed the lively bingo game or a movie, but we spent most of our time on the deck watching the lake. It was interesting to watch the staff load and unload all the vehicles from bicycles, motorcycles, cars and trucks, up to a tour bus and an enormous crane truck. We highly recommend a trip on the amazing historic SS Badger car ferry.
We always wanted to travel on the S.S. Badger. So, when the opportunity came upon us to do so, we did. We did this trip as part of our vacation. We traveled to Manitowoc, WI on one day and came back to Ludington the next day. It was fun. It was clean. The crew is friendly and funny and helpful.
Nostalgic way to cross lake Michigan. Had a nice safe travel from Manitowac to Luddington. Would recommend as a way to save a few hours driving across the upper if going to up north Wisconsin.
Fun entertainment on board. Badger bingo was a fun way to pass time, they also have a movie theatre and tv rooms. A gift shop and two restaurants.
Very, very tough for guests with disabilities. This 73-year old coal-burning, seasonal car-carrying ferry to do the 70 mile, 4 hour crossing Lake Michigan from Manitowoc, WI to Ludington, MI does not have their ADA railing slide for wheelchairs anymore. Two strong men strap in the disabled guests, one by one, onto a type of wheelchair and carry them up two flights of incredibly scary steps.
The guest-room berths are hilarious. A porthole/window that opens, one permanent bed, one desk with a second bed that flips down, a sink & toilet. There are several crossings a day and they told me that they don't cross when the "Lake waves" hit 12 feet high. We wore Sea Bands on our wrists.
You cannot bring your own food & beverage on board. It stays in your car. They check for drugs (sniffing dogs) weapons and pets.
Was great fun was there were 2 movies for kids, bingo for adults and a magician retired from Las Vegas. Plenty of food & drink on board. Not cheap. Staff could not have been more helpful but the difficulty with a disabled person made it stressful for me
Second time on the Badger. It was a beautiful day to cross Lake Michigan. The crew were helpful and friendly. Food and drinks were good.
We took the night crossing from Ludington to Manitowoc. Loved it! Wonderful crew and staff, very helpful. I must admit that after 33 years the ship appears to be due for another retrofit.
Everything was perfect until we retrieved our vehicle in the parking lot. Ours is a push button start which only works if the key is in the vicinity of the vehicle. We started and drove 2 miles to the motel. Upon exiting the vehicle, I saw the key had been tossed onto the ventilation vents below the wiper arm. Had that key fallen off on the drive to the motel, we could have been stranded and I doubt the crew of the Badger would have been successful in securing us a new $200 chip key on a Friday evening. Not a smart move, fellas.
I wrote my last review for the S.S. Badger in 2019, and not much has changed after sailing again in July 2022. It's the same ol' Badger Bingo game, cafes, etc. The quality of the ship is fine, and the service is great.
First, the quality of the ship. Nothing is falling apart, but the interior is dated and boring. From what I have heard, the ship's last renovation was in the 1990s, and they do not have intentions to preserve the interior as "old and classic." I think a renovation is strongly needed; however, the interior is not horrible. The cabin interior is cozy and classic, which I enjoy.
My Rating for this Category: 4/5
Next, is the service. Everyone on board the S.S. Badger was extremely friendly and eager to assist. The ship was punctual for arrival and departure times; in fact, after the ship got repainted, the ship is arriving at its destinations early. In some cases, up to thirty minutes!
My Rating for this Category: 4/5
Finally, is some additional tips. If you are doing the classic Manitowoc to Ludington crossing or vice versa, staterooms are an absolute must. The staterooms are a great way for you to place your belongings in a central hub and take a quick nap. Also, the staterooms have a private bathroom.
The S.S. Badger is a fine way to get across Lake Michigan. At the end of the day, it is an extremely cool experience; however, more "fun" is needed. Their slogan is "Big Ship, More FUN," but after the first hour, I was extremely bored. More fun is needed! The staff was always extremely friendly. I would still recommend the S.S. Badger as a unique way to get across the lake.
The S.S. Badger; Lake Michigan Carferry has been a part of our family history for almost 3 decades! In 1990, my mother lived just 3 houses from the marina in Ludington, MI where the SS Badger docks, making it quite impossible to not know about the Carferry when it sounded its horn entering and leaving the harbor twice each day all summer.
In 1994, when my husband and I accepted a job transfer to Appleton, WI, my Mom was distraught about the distance, however, Mom soon figured out that we lived just 40 minutes from Manitowoc and she mapped out a plan!
For a number of years, at the beginning of each summer, we would take our old Buick to Ludington on the first sailing and leave it at Mom's place. Then, most weekends, my husband and I, and our baby would take the midnight boat from Manitowoc to Ludington on Friday nights. When we arrived at sunrise, we just put our little one in the stroller and walked the 3 blocks to my Mom's house where breakfast would be waiting.
When I went into labor with baby #2, I called my Mom, then the Badger ticket office, and they waited the few extra minutes she needed. She ran down the street, pushing Great Grandma in the wheelchair. As soon as she came into view, a Badger attendant ran to meet her and help with the wheelchair and luggage. Then they gently got both Grandma's boarded, knowing exactly what all the hoopla was about.
Over the decades, we have had surprise birthday banners on the railings of the Badger, my younger brother was: Little Master Carferry one year, and we have all brought many friends over to Ludington to enjoy the lovely town.
My Mom's place is now the Family Vacation Home and 3 children, 7 grown grandchildren, and all of their spouses really enjoy the relaxation and fun that can be had in and around Ludington. But for MY family, it will always be about the SS Badger!
Great trip. Friendly staff. Did a great job loading and unloading people and vehicles. Food and drink prices reasonable. Nice gift shop.
We rode the badger to Manitowoc on a very hot day this July. The ferry has plenty of distractions break up the monotony of the trip. We played badger bingo, trivia, ate some snacks, & completed the scavenger hunt.
The Badger is a great way to avoid Chicago traffic congestion!
There is a bit of a cost, but totally worth it.
We appreciated the fact that we could travel with our dogs , the best option being that they ride in the car during the crossing.
This allows a relaxing journey to enjoy the many activities offered, or just rest. Bring binoculars if you plan on sitting on the deck, as it is interesting to view wildlife and ships from afar
The entire experience was top knotch on a historical landmark. We enjoyed the weather in September incredibly on the deck like it was a cruise ship. So many things to do, bingo, movies. Walking around the boat.
The drinks were phenomenal thybhad lots of food choices. The gift shop had a great shop for the size and the end of the year!
Every now and then you do something that has the whole package. This ferry ride from Manitowoc to Ludington was special. We met great people, relaxed and had a Long Island. What more do you need? We will be doing this crossing again and encouraging others to take the trip.
What a wonderful way to spend and early fall day! The staff was great, the Ferry has activities for all, and we thoroughly enjoyed just sitting on the deck in the fall sun and gazing upon the vastness of the lake.
What a fun, unique way to cross off some miles of driving! Accommodations were basic, but clean. Kids (9/12 yo enjoyed playing bingo, watching a movie, and playing in the arcade. Staff was accommodating. I appreciated that our dog could travel in his kennel in the car. Food costs were reasonable. Would do again!
The Badger crew were all excellent! From the bingo caller to the gift shop, they all rocked! I love how they recognized the veterans that were onboard. Convenient, easy and relaxing! Thank you and we will do it again!
While the Badger was a little run down and the food far less than desirable the experience was worth it. To be on one of the Great Lakes was…well great!
The staff of The SS Badger is so teriffic.
The ship was a wonderful way to relax for a few hours while missing ALL holiday traffic. 100% would recommend.
Very well organized check-in, loading and unloading, ship well maintained and clean, good selection of beverages, movies, bingo and other group games available, on-line reservations system; saved time getting from Wisconsin to Michigan, an experience
We took the night trip from Ludington Michigan to Manitowoc Wisconsin. We are so happy not to go through Chicago. We were almost killed there on the tristate tollway.
I love this ship! This is my fourth journey to my cabin in Minnesota and I can't think of a nicer way to reach my summer home. Avoiding traffic around Chicago is the reason I first began to take the car ferry and I find it a great little cruise.
The staff are friendly and professional. They have a variety of options for the 4 hour journey from Ludington to Manitowoc. There are TV's, movies, a children's room, museum, tables and chairs for dining, playing cards or bingo. Couples, singles and families alike will find something to entertain them while someone else does the work of traveling. A great "cruise" on Lake Michigan.
The Badger was on our bucket list. We traveled from Ludington Michigan to Manitowac Wi. on our ending trip from WI. to NY. to Canada to Mi. with our family. All the amenities on the boat made the trip more enjoyable. Would recommend.
What a great way to get from Michigan to Wisconsin (and vice versa)! Our crossing was very smooth on a nice, sunny day. A very relaxing day.
Having never taken a car on a ferry before we really didn’t know what to expect. What we found was a fun, hard-working crew, a smooth (albeit windy, but that is Mother Nature not the SS Badger) ride, a ship to explore, and an on-time departure and arrival.
We had fun exploring the ship. There is a movie room, a museum, inside and outside seating, much of it quite comfortable, two food-selling counters, and an on-going Bingo game with SS Badger prizes.
It was fun and relaxing and we would recommend both the time-savings and the trip.
We treated ourself to a trip across the lake and really enjoyed all of it. Fortunately it wasn't terribly crowded and there were many places to get away to by ourselves. We stayed outside the entire time and enjoyed it immensely. We brought a sandwich and water so the only thing we needed to do indoors was use the restrooms and we found those to be quite clean.
What a great experience!!! It was a fun time from watching the efficient crews loading the cars onto the Ferry to playing bingo with a bunch of people!!
Unfortunately it rained most of the trip but that did not 'dampen' our experience! The staff were fantastic, the amount of things to do on the ferry kept everyone entertained, and the price was absolutely fair and worth the cost for my SUV and 2 people. I expected the cost of the car to be much higher.
I would absolutely (and I am going to) ride this ferry again - such a great choice to go from Michigan to Wisconsin in order to get back home to the Chicago burbs.
Great job!
We had an amazing time!! They have so many things to do, you won’t be bored!! We loved the ukulele music on our trip over from Wisconsin, and the guitar music on our way back from Michigan! Smooth sailing both ways! The ship offered so much for our grandkids to do that they were never bored, 2 & 4 years old that is amazing!! We did get a Stateroom in case they got tired, 2 twin beds with sheets and pillows and A privet bathroom!! Such a plus to have that with kids! It was also a great place to leave All of our stuff while we were out having FUN on deck! Drinks and food choices were great! Full bar open from port to port! Food: had a great verity of items to choose from! A few more healthy choices would have been nice, but for 4 hours it’s no big deal! We would highly recommend doing this!! We did drive our Suburban on board and it was a very simple process! Fast and easy! We loved our trip on the S.S. Badger! We will be doing this again I. The future for sure!
I have always wanted to take our kids across the lake but i was nervous they might be bored with a 4 hour crossing. I had no reason to worry, the staff do a great job keeping everyone entertained. My kids loved bingo and trivia. The whole trip was a great experience.
The speed and efficiency with which the crew loaded all of the people and vehicles was amazing.
The ship offers plenty of activities for adults or children.
And the crew onboard was very pleasant
My daughter and I took this trip 4 years ago, this year we took a vehicle. It's 4 hours one way and we usually play cards, but the ferry offers a lot of things to help you pass the time, movies, bingo, trivia, food options and a very nice gift shop. there's also plenty of space outside to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the trip as well as places to kick back inside to enjoy the view and the company you're traveling with!
We took the over night ferry from Manitowoc Wi to Ludington, MI it was a great experience. Getting checked in was easy and boarding was efficient. We got a room on board to sleep on the ride over.
Long ferry ride, loading takes awhile. You park your car and leave the keys in it and walk on the ferry. No access to your vehicle once you leave it for them. They have a very small movie theatre on board, a couple small cafes, restrooms. Bring a book to read or something to entertain yourself.
Great experience, I had been on this trip before. Took Son's family and grandkids. Everyone awed by the ship size. Lots and lots to do and see for 4 hours. Got Staterooms, however they can get warm. No AC, no elevators, but hey this is a ship built mainly to transport railroad cars and passengers 70 years ago. BTW Soot alert, LOL, don't stand close downwind of the stack, this is a coal burning vessel!
Weather was lousy, but that's no one's fault. Want to go again when it's nice out, or at night! The stars without light pollution must be incredible!
They have wifi provided by Starlink. It was fast enough to use RDP to get work done. It's also $5/device which cuts down on the usage. That alone paid for the trip for me.
The staterooms are spartan, but they do have a toilet and a washbasin. It was "historic" (i.e. dated) but clean. I prefer a nice quiet place to work and it was definitely that.
They do a pretty good job of keeping people amused on the ride over. Bingo is always fun, even just to watch. There's movies, an arcade, a museum (for sleeping) and plenty of places to sit and watch the lake go by.
The pizza was shockingly good, way better than you'd think given the presentation.
My only real complaint is that they drive your cars onto the ferry for you. For those used to other car ferries, this may be a downer. However, the benefits of the boat more than made up for that for me.
We have been to Ludington several times in the last 8 years. We have always wanted to experience the Badger, but could never figure out how to do it without taking the trip across the lake. This never worked into our plans with our vacation. Finally our trip this year worked out for the Sunset Cruise. The experience could not have been more enjoyable. From the sunset to the ship, it is worth the trip. We have kids that are 8 and 11. They did get a little chilly. The nice part is that the lower deck is more enclosed and you can still see, but you aren't out in the elements. If you want the full experience you can go to the top deck and take it all in. Even in July, pants and a sweatshirt are recommended. The Sunset cruise has food provided and a cash bar. Even the best brews from WI on tap. 10/10 recommend, will do again if they offer it when we are in town. I'm even looking to plan a trip with the wife to take the Badger across the lake. Only thing that I wish is that we had brought cigars for the smoking deck. Otherwise sail on!
Wanted to take this trip for years and finally did it. Why did we wait so long? Fast and easy boarding. There is a lot of steps but they had an alternative ways to accommodate everyone. The view is beautiful. We splurged and got a cabin was glad we did. Dropped off our belongings that we wanted with us but didn't want to carry around.
The SS Badger is a deceptive, awful business. They provide a round trip option. But, does this provide a discount. No. You pay full price both ways. You’re bringing a car. Do you get a discount for your solo rider ticket? No. Same price as if you came on foot. Two people with one car will pay over $550 dollars. Flights for both would be half as much. Plus, the boat is moldy. The lake is wavy. (They hand out Dramamine on board.) and, you save no time. After load and unload, it is the exact same amount of time as if you drive through Chicago or over the UP. I believe this could be a great resource, but the greedy managers really make it an awful service.
We took our son and his family on the 2 hour cruise and everyone had a really great time. It helped that it was a nice day but I think it would have been fun regardless. The food that was included was good. A little something to appeal to the kids and adults. We had seats but it seemed like that may have been in short supply. The SS Badger is an old boat but it has a lot of life left. The employees we encountered were all pleasant too.
Was pleasantly surprise with the travel across Lake Michigan. I thought that the time would go slowly, however with all of the activities onboard the time went very quickly.
What a great way to save time & avoid driving through Chicago. The negative is passengers aren't allowed to bring food on the ferry & the food choices are NOT healthy - glorified fast food. Great gift shop & the chance to watch family-friendly movies is also a nice extra.
We took 9 am departure cruise. Weather was great..bring and use sunscreen. 2023 is 70th anniversary of operation. Lots to do on 4 hour ride including games, bingo, movies, and lounging topside like a lazy lizard in the sun. Food was typical fast/park food but it filled the need as you can't bring outside food. You can bring your own water bottles. Alcohol available for purchase. Pet friendly can leave in vehicle or kennel on board. Will do again.
Friendly staff and a great way to cross Lake Michigan. Process was very efficient and food was reasonably priced. Free Bingo was a highlight!!!
A bucket list experience crossing Lake Michigan on the last coal fired ferry of its kind. Staff are friendly and helpful and you can tell they love what they do. Enjoy bingo or grab a lounge on the fore deck and soak up some sunshine. Bring a light jacket as it can be much cooler once you leave shore. A real highlight of our Michigan vacation. Their website provides lots of useful information.
The staff very efficient a d friendly. The boat immaculately clean. So many services offered from movies to bingo to just sitting or walking the deck invigorating voyage.
We had driven from south east Michigan to the Upper Peninsula then into Wisconsin. Rather than return the same way or deal with Chicago traffic, we decided to take the ferry from Manitowac, Wisconsin to Ludington, Michigan. It is a trip that I would highly recommend. We "experienced" Lake Michigan as few are able to do and had a relaxing return trip home.
Finally took the Ferry after years of wishful thinking! My biggest worry had been how difficult the loading of vehicles would be. Not difficult at all! The trip itself was so fun and relaxing. There is a good selection of activities on the ship, but knowing it was a 4 hour trip we had come prepared with reading to catch up on. Spotty Wi-Fi, but we had brought books and newspapers. My husband enjoyed playing Bingo for a couple hours and was never a winner, but the caller did a wonderful job with her jokes and changing up the Bingo format. Every crew member was friendly and helpful, we also enjoyed the other passengers. Food and bar were available and enjoyed. We only wish we had been able to get back to Michigan the same way, but the timing was off.
1 Sept - 2:20 PM leaving Manitowoc sailing East to Ludington on a nice sunny calm sea’s day with no wind.
This was my third crossing using the Badger and it turned into a truly a nice trip. Sure there is always a chance of inclement weather keeping you inside, but most of the sailing days, a crossing of 66 miles of water is usually within nice weather (we understand), as the ship only sails between May to October.
The ship has a capacity of 620 passengers but today there were only 144 on board (Not a lot of cars / camper / trucks on board down on the car deck).
You drive up to the loading dock, they ask you to make sure you leave any weapons or alcohol inside the vehicle.
You leave your keys in the vehicle and crew members drive your car on board with us rubbernecking around the decks and finding a VERY NICE place to sit outside on the boat deck starboard side aft. There was NO need for jackets on this trip as we reallllllly enjoyed the crossing within 75 F degree temps and us sitting in the sun. The only breeze presented was by the forward motion of the ship.
If you REALLLLLLLY want to sleep the ship has about 50 cabins on board for the 4 hour sail
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The movie on board was Sponge Bob thus of not too much interest to anyone
There is an interesting museum on board which depicts the history of the 410 ft long / 59 ft. wide Badger and how the 4,000 HP steam recuperating engines work.
Ship burns coal (uses 50 tons for each round-trip crossing). The clinkers (ash) are taken off in Ludington Mi. for use in making cinder building blocks. The ship (built in 1952) has two 13 ft propellers. Each shaft (95 ft. long) has a 4-cylinder steam engine attached with boilers that supply 500# steam pressure, and if pushed the ship; she has been known to travel at 20 MPH (normally standard speed is 18 MPH).
As we reached the midpoint of the lake (around 33 miles) the Wisconsin shoreline (from our elevation at about 30 ft above the water) disappeared, and the Michigan shoreline started to appear.
The crew drives your vehicle off the ship into a parking lot and as you leave the ship in Ludington = you find your car and drive off.
Note You lose one hour going East from Wisconsin CST to Michigan EST.
The crossing was rough because of the previous nights storm. But the time on board passed quickly because of "Badger Bingo" that we participated in. Two options for food, facilities were clean, staff friendly and helpful.
Me and my father took the S.S. Badger Car Ferry on September 18, 2025 from Manitowoc Wisconsin to Ludington Michigan. We had 1 full size truck and 2 adults. This was a one-way trip as we followed the lakeshore north, crossed the Mackinac Bridge and followed the lakeshore home on the Wisconsin side as well. It is definitely not cheap by no means BUT I'm glad we did it and plan on doing it again with our motorcycles. People have to understand that keeping a ship of that age operating with a full staff is not cheap, so I have no problem paying a little extra knowing it keeps the staff and ship going.
The ship itself was NOT crowded at all, there was plenty of places to sit inside and outside. We sat on the AFT deck most of the time watching the beautiful scenery. The ship has everything needed to make a comfortable 4.5 hour voyage across the big lake. They have a snack bar, restaurant, drink area, specialty coffee counter, gift shop, museum, arcade, theater and play area for younger kids. There were also plenty of bathrooms on board with never having to wait.
The process of loading and unloading was very smooth and simple in my opinion. You check in with security and the gate attendant 1 hour before your departure time, you leave the driver side window down and keys in the vehicle. You are advised which "lane" to go to based on vehicle type, size etc. Then the "runners" load your vehicle secure it and run back and get the next vehicle. I was so impressed with the "runners" loading and unloading vehicles. They were mostly younger kids (teens and 20s) and they were working their butts off running back and forth. And they were super friendly to boot. The whole crew was friendly and excellent!
All in all it was a great trip across the Big Lake and I would definitely recommend the SS Badger car ferry for anyone looking for a nice short cruise to get over to Michigan or Wisconsin on piece of floating history! 10/10
On a side note...........we arrived in Manitowoc for a 2pm sailing at 11am so we had time to waste so we grabbed lunch at a local place called The Wharf on the river just across from the Maritime Museum and right around the corner from the ferry dock and the restaurant was excellent. Food, staff and setting was excellent! Great place for a pre-cruise meal!
Had another great trip from MI to WI. Chose a July morning trip this year and everything went fine. We try to see the entire ship during the four hours and the time seems to pass by quickly. Many were sleeping on this trip. Ship was full of vehicles but did not seem that crowded at all. Overall, everything went just fine---they know what they are doing and do it well.
Wonderful way to cross Lake Michigan. Yes this is a coal fired steam driven ship but it should be on everyone's bucket list. Most of the staff and crew were excellent with one exception. There is plenty to do on board during the four hour cruise.
This was GREAT!!
I hate flying these days, and this was so much better than flying.
1. Cheaper than airfare and car rental.
2. VERY friendly staff
3. Fast check-in with no hassles
4. Can get up and move around without inconveniencing seatmates
5. MANY food options
6. Comfortable seating in the museum and movie lounge
And a very special THANK YOU to Deb in Reservations. I had made a mistake on my booking, and she fixed with with no problem. (I did have travel insurance.)
Btw, as far as ambience, this is definitely NOT a luxuy experience -- more like a sailing high school cafeteria -- but as this is only a four hour trip, considering all the pluses, I did not mind this at all.
We used both the Lake Express and the SS Badger on our trip, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The SS Badger, while slower and more complicated to board due to heightened security, had very limited and unappealing food options. Although renting a private room was possible for a quieter experience, it felt rather cramped, almost like a prison cell. Unlike their competitor, this boat loads and unloads your car for you (ie., more time consuming waiting for car and boarding process is longer). If we were to travel again, we’d prefer the Lake Express for its faster and more straightforward transport.
We highly recommend the S.S Badger for a fun excursion across our beautiful freshwater Lake Michigan. We liked having a state room which was reasonably priced. The staff was lovely and hard working. We played bingo, enjoyed the food and the movies.
As a child, our family would take the Clipper out of Milwaukee. We we took the ferry to rekindle those memories. It is a fun activity for families and something everyone should experience if you love the lake like we do. Thank you for keeping this beloved tradition going.
What a great experience! We had terrific weather for the crossing both to Manitowoc and then back to Ludington. Both ways we met people that were so friendly and had good conversation with them. Adult beverages were good, can't go wrong with popcorn that is delicious and totally not good for you , but we were on vacation so we indulged! Crew was friendly and captain warned us he was blowing the horn, which was a plus so we didn't jump out of our skin. Great time!
We did this as a fun experience to start our road trip from Michigan to South Dakota. I would say that once would be enough for us. The day was hot, although once out there was a bit of a breeze. It was crowded and there were rarely any chairs outside available. We reserved a state room because we have small children and this was a must, it was very hot and humid in it though, and it was very small. The food available and the gift shop and museum were cool, but the crowds and heat were a downfall for us.
We sailed on the first trip of the season from Ludington to Manitowac. We are on an RV trip, so the RV came with us. We drove to Ludington the night before the sailing (which boarded at 8 am), and they let us stay overnight in the parking lot at the ferry dock. The boarding was extremely efficient. The crew was very nice and seemed to be happy that they were back at work. The staff did an excellent job with providing activities from two movies during the sailing, bingo, small snack area, and several places to rest or even sleep. Cabins are available if you want privacy, but that costs additional. The trip took about 4 hours. I would have given them a 5, but the debarking was inefficient. We had a long drive ahead of us, and it really cut into our plan for the day. It seemed like we waited a while on the boat, and then finally they let us off. Since it was the first day, we were met by the local band and welcomers. Very nice. But then it seemed to take forever for them to get our RV off the ship. Overall, I would definitely go again.
Fun staff, great classic boat, and long overdue experience crossing the 80 mile stretch of Lake Michigan
We had a great time on the SS Badger. The staff is very well organized and everything from parking to disembarking went on schedule. We had a dog on the trip and the staff recommended we leave him in the car. We were going to put him in a soft crate, but it wasn't too warm that day and the car worked out perfect. They let you check on your pet halfway through the sail.
We took the SS Badger to Wisconsin and then back to Ludington again on the long holiday weekend. It was a fun experience and so much less stressful than driving around through Chicago! We had fun exploring the ship on the way over and shopping in the little gift shop. All the staff was helpful, from the booking staff on the telephone or in the Ludington office, to the crew on the ship. It seemed well organized with the loading vehicles and people. There were plenty of different places to sit inside and out on deck. You can't bring your own food on board but you can purchase food that is served on board. We didn't eat any of this food because we had eaten before getting on board. It mostly looked like "gas station food"---hot dogs and slices of pizza under a warmer, along with packaged ice cream treats, chips, soda. The food was probably the least impressive thing about the experience but we didn't care because we didn't need to eat while on board. You can purchase wi-fi for $5, which is a pretty good deal if you want to be able to use the internet the entire trip. We were able to access internet fairly far out into the lake before we lost it even without purchasing the extra wi-fi.
Third timer here and I can’t recommend it enough! I spent my young life watching the SS Badger leave Ludington Harbor and finally had the opportunity to make the voyage myself. It was so fun, I had to repeat it twice and I am sure it won’t be the last.
The Bingo, the beer, the camaraderie is simply a slice of Americana you won’t want to miss!
Sure it may be slow, but this ship has so much class and history, it's well worth the 4 hour crossing. There's time to relax, enjoy the entertainment that the Badger staff does so well, and it will seem like time will go quite fast. If you've never been, I would encourage you to do so.
Rides on the Badger are always enjoyable ~ The fresh air, the gorgeous Lake, the friendly workers, the safe and well-run ship and the amenities - Gift shop, Bingo, Breakfast buffet, Movies and Museum are all "just right".
On this trip, I needed a State Room, and found it clean and equal to all my needs: There was a fan and a window with a screen that allowed me to control the temperature, a curtain so I could control the light and a private lavatory for my use ~ Perfect!
Overall the experience is good its neat to be on the cruise. They have such stupid restrictions on bring food on board which is a determinant to people who do suffer from nausea from travel, and whom do take preventative steps. There are not options for people who need a bland, low fat, low grease items for them to eat on board. They have cafe on board and they don't allow a customer to get toast, I went there about 11am and they were very rude, short, and not professional. They just want to shove crackers at you which might be "OK" for some people, but not all people can have do a restricted sodium diet. When presented with this situation to the cruise directors office, instead of lets make this right, and lets help you and get the correct support staff involved you are meet with a demeaning attitude and a non-helpful staff whom do not listen.
We watched the fellow load our rv and Jeep and they were really friendly and accommodating. And the guys who load the vehicles are really good at what they do.
The captain was all smiles and gave me a wave from the bridge.
Not many people on board so there were lots of chairs and lounges available on the deck. You're free to run around anywhere.
The food is typical fast food, warm-ish and mediocre, but they have a bar and fresh popcorn.
We had a ball!
Very smooth ride, getting my car on and off was simple and quick. The ferry definitely beats dealing with Chicago traffic...heck, you can nap on the Badger! In terms of food I bought a brat, took two bites and threw it away.
National historical cruise you should while you still can. Take motion sickness meds is you are at all queasy. Experience everything offered onboard to enhance your experience.
We took the car ferry from Manitowoc to Ludington. The sea was pretty calm, the temp much cooler than on shore. The only down side was the lack of consideration by a group of people who were loud and obnoxious and consuming beer. The Badger is a big ship, so we were able to find another deck that was much quieter.
This was my third trip on the Badger and I really loved it. Staff and crew are super efficient and helpful. Totally worth every penny. Be sure to check out the history and view the film about the ship. The anchor drop to whip the ship around is epic.
The SS Badger is a must do at least once in your lifetime! We took the Badger from Ludington to Manitowac on our way to Northern Wisconsin. It was a awesome experience and a reprieve from driving. Whole family enjoyed immensely.
A tired road warrior going from Seattle, WA to Erie Pennsylvania. Question: Can I shorten the distance, avoid the dreaded trip around Chicago, and get a break from the drive? Answer every A.I. should learn or already know: "Yes, Take the Badger."
The old Wisconsin ferry (1951) was up to the transport task for both vehicle and passenger on a one-way passage from Manitowoc ( home port for our SV Nereus of U.S. Registry). Facilities aboard were quite adequate and crew helpful. Definitely would recommend.
I have now ridden the SS Badger the past two summers, which means under two ownership groups! The ride is still very enjoyable, but the overall experience has changed. Both times I started in Manitowoc and went to Ludington. In 2021, I parked my vehicle in the parking lot. In 2022, the website still said that you could park in the parking lot. When I arrived the lot was closed, and when I inquired, I was told that there was only street parking! Additionally, when I started planning my trip, the website showed two round trips a day. I called to make my reservations and was told that there was only one round trip per day. Nothing like notifying people in advance. This required a change in my trip. Also, I was told that there would be two trips starting in August. Needless to say, there aren't.
Still an interesting and time saving way to travel.
The Badger is so relaxing - I drive from Mpls to NE Ohio yearly and by the time I get to Chicago I am getting tired. So driving to Manitowoc instead, and taking the Badger, is a relaxing break. Yes, it is more expensive than driving but look at all the gas I save!!! It is one of life’s luxuries that I treat myself to and highly recommend.
The SS Badger is one of the many 'hidden' gems of the great Lakes. The Badger is a step back in time where everything can slow down and you can just sit back and enjoy the cruise across the greatest of the Great Lakes. Super efficient service, restful, and no Chicago traffic! Everyone should do this!
Always awesome to see the Bader come in to port. We had drinks and appetizers on the deck at the Timbers and watched the Badger come into town. Both my young grandchildren and my teenage grandson enjoyed seeing the Badger.
Enjoyed our 4 hour trip. Played Bingo, enjoyed sitting on the lounge chairs outside, and had a cold draft beer. Also, lots of places to work. We watched a movie we had already downloaded on our IPad. There is a movie theater.
From start to finish; Professional, Friendly , Comfortable. Great Facilities and Entertaining! The SS Badger is the best option.
Yesterday was my third trip on the Badger (first one from Wisconsin to Michigan) and it did not disappoint! From the moment I pulled into the parking lot, the staff was helpful, friendly, and showed that they enjoy their jobs (and their customers). It was enjoyable to watch them load all the vehicles (especially an oversized semi-truck). Once loading was complete, we left right on time. While the food is not great, it wasn't bad either (and was very reasonably priced). There were activities going on inside, but I didn't participate because it was an absolutely beautiful day, so I stayed out on deck.
I'm already looking forward to my next trip!
Wasn't so sure of this. Husband booked it knowing I don't like water and it being an 4 hour long ferry across Lake Michigan. But it was not that bad thanks to Badger Bingo that they play on ride it kept my mind off of the fact I was on a boat on water. They had so much more things to do and see movies, rooms for kids to play, a restaurant to eat, and a bar to drink. And lots of entertainment. Ride was just a bit bumpy on the way over to Wisconsin but on the way back it was a lot better.
A must do if you are in the area, interested in the great lakes history, enjoy sailing of any type or just enjoy being on the ware.A fun afford venture for any age.
We sailed on the SS Badger from Ludington, MI to Manitowoc, WI, mainly as it was something different and also avoided Chicago traffic. The trip was a very smooth sailing experience. The entire operation was smoothly run, from ticket reservations to loading and unloading the ship. The ride itself was very smooth, and the various crew members were all very pleasant and helpful. We would highly recommend the trip if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary.
My kids love taking the Badger! We always have fun with bingo and trivia, and this year they played in the arcade and watched one of the movies. It's a beautiful, fun, and relaxing way to cross Lake Michigan.
Traveled on the Badger twice in on week. Both trips were pleasant, comfortable and well organized. The staff was very helpful and friendly and the ship was clean and in great condition with more amenities than I expected. I would not hesitate to travel on it again. I expected to have a good trip and it was even better than I expected.
Dave B
Loved all the food options and activities onboard, including the activities for kids. Bingo and Trivia were funner than expected and we really enjoyed playing. So nice to have this option to take the ferry from Michigan back to Wisconsin instead of driving. All the staff we encountered were very friendly!
Was returning back home to Maryland and decided to continue down route 10, which connects Wisconsin to Michigan via the SS Badger. What a cool experience. I recommend this to anybody traveling. Tip: get to the back of the ship to watch it dock. I have a video of this but can’t post it here. Very cool!
I have been on several car ferries. The SS badger ferry was a mess and very expensive. We were required to exit our vehicles and have some young person drive it on and off the ship. Keys in the car and unattended. It took 45 minutes for them
us to get our car driven out as we waited on the dock. Other companies allow you to drive on and off. Way more efficient. It also cost $100 for our car and $86 person. They should charge by the car load. A family of 4 pays nearly $500 for a one way crossing. Outrageous.
We booked two ferry rides on our trip around Lake Huron.
This was the first ride, from Manitowoc to Ludington. Not extremely fast, but it got us there, and it was a very smooth ride. Loading was not bad, but remember, if you bring a car, it is first in, last off. So....if you plan on getting there very early, so you do not miss the ship....you will be there a little extra time when you arrive....they had snacks/food on board, and it was not too bad, lots of seating on the upper deck on our cruise. There were games and bingo inside, we did not win anything, but then again, it did not cost us anything to play....
If you live near our neck of the woods, Upper Michigan, it is a great way to cut off travel time to go around to lower Michigan through Chicago....or driving all the way over to the Machinaw bridge, and then back down...
Happy sailing...!!!
In the 50s we’d travel in our Rambler from California to Goetzville, Michigan which is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. To save us the drive around Lake Michigan we’d take the ferry out of Milwaukee, WI. Today the ferry runs from Manitowoc, WI, but still arrives in Ludington, Michigan. The last time I did it was 1980 so it was a real treat to do it yesterday. We left Manitowoc, WI right on time at 2pm CST and arrived on time in Ludington, MI at 7pm EST. The crew drives the cars on and off the ship so as luck would have it we were one of the last cars off. By the time we waited for our car it was almost 8:30 pm so you’ll want to take that into consideration if you’re in a rush. We drove to Traverse City once we got the car so didn’t arrive until almost 10pm. Luckily it was mid June so it was light out until almost 10pm. The crew on the ship is super friendly and the weather was perfect with Lake Michigan being smooth as silk! The weather was 80 degrees so an absolutely perfect crossing. We got a state room which was quite warm, but my wife enjoyed it since she could lay down and read. The food and drinks at the snack bar was also very nice and the ham sandwich was really great and beyond my expectation. Everything considered the Badger Ferry experience was perfect as always. Highly recommend!
Smooth loading. Clear instructions when we checked in. Friendly ferry employees. Comfortable. Smooth system to unload and get our car. We loved every minute, and we’re sharing the experience with our friends. We hope to do it again! Sure beats driving through Chicago!
We took the Badger westbound on our way to Door County. I had last traveled on it 30 years ago and was impressed at how well the owners have spruced it up. We had perfect weather (70 degrees, light NW breeze, and a surprisingly calm Lake Michigan). Everyone on the staff was friendly and interacted with the guests. We didn't sample the food or activities, but got a lot of reading done as we watched the lake slide by.
I've traveled on the Badger for nearly twenty years and love it. Every year there are new upgrades to the old lady. It's a great way to cross Lake Michigan and an even greater way to avoid having to drive around Chicago! The staff is always friendly and fun and so are your fellow passengers. She may be slower than the newer Lake Express but she rarely cancels due to weather (unlike the Lake Express). If it's rough enough for the Badger to cancel you really don't want to be on the water!
Wonderful crew and set up for whatever you want to do for duration of the ride. Food offerings were good. Bingo was great! Nice separation of sitting areas. Overall my husband wants to go again right away. Me not so quick. I was a little sea sick even with just three to five foot waves. Took three Dramamine and survived the journey!
Get it on the bucket list. Even tho it was a bit pricey, ($270.00, for 2 adults and our SUV), it was an enjoyable experience. Very efficient process to get everyone loaded and unloaded. The food on board is just grab and go, and really is sub par. Pizza slices, premade sandwiches on regular bread and such. It was actually very fun getting in on the bingo and helped pass the time. We were fortunate that the lake was very calm and had a beautiful day for the ride. There are many area so the boat that you can find Sun or shade, and the breeze created by the boat moving was enough to keep us cool while sitting on the deck.
I agree with all the good aspects that TA reviews have pointed out HOWEVER!...
The SS Badger really needs to work on how they deal with guests with mobility challenges and teach staff to be more accommodating.
Two key areas are arrival and departure from the ship. Cars are asked to line-up so that staff can drive the cars into the ship, but that can leave guests with a long walk to get on the ship. We asked for assistance "I could get you a wheelchair" but they never did. Disembarking guests have to find their car as they are brought off the ship. Might be close, might be far! But either way there is no help! A golf cart would certainly be helpful for mobility challenged guests.
They do have an "elevator" of sorts, so some guests can use that vs. climbing about 45 steps, however the roundtrip on the elevator takes 7 minutes for each person!!! So arrive early and get in line early before departure! It's not convenient.
It's an OLD historic ship. Fun, easy, a bit too much BINGO for me, but there are services and activities on board. even a small movie theater which is airconditioned (few other places are!) It's certainly not to be confused with a cruise ship. Take it for what it is and be grateful you don't have to drive through Chicago traffic!!!
Friendly and professional staff, clean ship, good food variety, beautiful day, plenty of seating, and wonderful experience aboard the SS Badger.
Fun trip, great alternative to driving around Lake Michigan. There are some fun things to do on the trip, and good food options.
We took the ferry sort of on a whim, on our cross country trip from CO. Went from Manitowoc, WI to Ludington, MI. It didn't really save us any time, but was a fun break from driving, and a neat experience. All of the crew we met were friendly and helpful, the loading process was uneventful, and the trip went well. The lake was a little rough on our crossing, but not terrible. We met some interesting people, saw some fun sights, learned some history, and generally enjoyed ourselves. Be aware that the unloading process can take some time - this is not a speedy trip, so relax and enjoy the experience.
I had an excellent experience crossing Lake Michigan on the SS Badger. The crew and staff were friendly and welcoming. We had two dogs traveling with us. Though the dogs are not allowed on the main passenger decks the staff demonstrated their concern for the animals and reassurance of their safety while crossing in the car. As it was a smooth sailing day- they were able to let us visit the dogs on the vehicle level. This level of attention made me enjoy my visit even more. We met people from all over the USA-all seeking an extraordinary travel experience travel across the only Great Lake entirely in the United States. This was one leg of a longer trip that started in PA and will end in MT. Great experience-I highly recommend this if your enjoy the experience of traveling. The ferry left on time and arrived on time, if the adherence to a schedule is important in your travel plans. Have fun!
Great unique experience on the historic ship! Interesting history of the trains & cargo it was used for. Excellent way to take a Midwest tour of Michigan, Wisconsin and Chicago.
It was a great way to get a cross the lake. Everyone was friendly and very professional. It was great watching the people drive the vehicles onto the Badger, especially the big rigs. They sure know what they are doing. Having breakfast and the lunch items were nice.
This was awesome, little bit rougher than what I would have cared for but it still was a great experience and the staff was phenomenal. And don't forget to play Bingo.
We took our motorcycles across and it was just an overall great experience
New owners brought the NY attitude to the midwest. Very disappointing. I was a frequent sailor and will never patronize this ferry service again,
We really enjoyed our trip on board the Badger. The four hours went by quickly. Badger Bingo was a hoot. There are plenty of places on board to explore and relax. We reserved a state room, which we felt was worth the extra cost, if only for the luxury of having a private wash room and a spot to catch a nap.
They need to follow through on their regulations. They said masks were required in all their literature. No one enforced it. I complained to the person at the cruise director's office and they said they could not do anything. I will be contacting the Coast Guard.
Yes it's pricey, but after two weeks on the road skipping the ride through Chicago was a welcome relief. There are plenty of comfortable places to hang out, on a Tuesday it was free of any crowding. Nice breakfast in the cafe, had the biscuits and gravy with a side of sausage I had been denying myself. I had thoughts of getting a "stateroom", completely unnecessary. Played some cards with the Mrs, read a book. Very happy not to enjoy the splendor of the I80/90 corridor and Deathrace 294. Also completely unnecessary was the $5 I spent on wifi. Verizon had a signal all the way across the lake except for maybe 10 mins midway. Planning our next run in the fall.
An experience to remember! The ferry is amazing. It was so neat to watch the crew load and unload our car. The food was good. The Badger Bingo was a blast! We loved all the different things to see and do while crossing Lake Michigan. I look forward to the next time I ride the ferry.
What a nice way to cross the lake and spend some downtime. The crew are all professional however I need to give a shout out to a few that stood out...
Tanya is the deckhand that keeps the ship shinning. Not only does she do a great job of picking up after all the passengers she takes a minute to say hello and share some history and stories. We enjoyed our conversation. Tanya's husband, Steve is a dog handler for the ship and her son is also a deckhand. For them, It's all in the family to honor their daughter and sister. Shelby is the marketing guru and historian. She's a very sharp gal and was so helpful at answering questions. Owen is a car runner. If you want to see a hustler in action hang around while the ship loads and unloads and watch Owen and the crew in action. Without their energy the Badger would still be sitting dockside. If you decide to play Badger Bingo inside or hangout on the top deck you'll find the Badger crossing a delightful experience.
Amazing!! Comfortable and easy to get around. I won a prize playing bingo! Free refills on fountain drinks for the entire voyage.
My wife and I made the Ludington to Manitowoc crossing. It is a large older, coal burning ship, but that adds to it's character. We passed much of the time playing bingo on board in the lounge, my wife even won a game, receiving a "Wisconsin shot glass" as a door prize. It really is a pint size beer glass, emblazoned with the Badger on the side, nice.
The time passed quickly doing that and it was enjoyable, the bingo caller was entertaining. They also showed a couple of movies, which we missed.
I would recommend not being the first in line to park your car, it may make your car last off the ship, ours was pretty close to last if it wasn't last.
The crossing was smooth with just a gentle rocking, barely noticeable.
The crossing itself takes about four hours, but with waiting to get loaded and unloaded, it is more like six hours to allow. You also cross time zones, so depending on which direction you go, add or subtract an hour.
Really enjoyed my trip across Lake Michigan on the Badger. Plenty of space and seats both indoor and outdoors. Crew conducted the loading of vehicles quickly and efficiently.
The Badger is an old ship but still performs well.
I also recommend that you turn up early and combine a visit to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum close by in Manitowoc
My husband and I took our car on the Badger over to Ludington and back. We absolutely loved our experience on the Badger. Hotels are very expensive in Ludington but there is nothing one can do about that if you are going on the ferry. We got a little stateroom on the way back. We liked the privacy and both of us took an hour nap. But, keep in mind, the staterooms are "bare bones", but they do have a bathroom. Not a cheap experience, but well worth it.
Everyone says that this is a bucket list item. Floating history. Purposeful reinvention. A relaxing Lake Michigan cruise.
Riding this thing has been a bucket list item for me for ages. Made the time to do it - planned our summer trip around this and her younger sister, the Lake-Express Ferry.
Before you go…. Study up on the history of this vessel. Learn how it came into being - being an important link in the C+O Railroad ferrying railroad cars between Michigan and Wisconsin. Learn how there were two almost identical boats - the Badger and the Spartan - and how these ships got their names. Get on Youtube and review some of the many videos covering the operation of this vessel. Hear the ship’s mighty whistle and horn, see the timeless Chadburn Engine Order Telegraphs in action from both the forward and aft con stations. Watch the docking procedure in action - and understand the carefully choreographed dance between the Captain, the Mates, the Engineroom staff - Engineers, oilers, watch.
Watch the carefully choreographed process at the embarkation port where the loaded vehicles are carefully and orderly removed from the ship for retrieval by their owners, and then where the vehicles for transit are carefully loaded into the ship - placed in corners of the ship that you may or may not be able to see. Watch how oversize vehicles are carefully backed into the ship.
Feel the ship as she springs into action - with in-dock turning of the screws to stabilize the ship while docked. Notice the relative quiet of the ship - no roaring diesel/turbine engines and their plentiful noise, smoke, and vibration.
Encourage viewing the vessel leaving the dock from the aft section of the ship. You can watch the flurry of activity as ship and dock personnel disconnect the ship and prepare it for sailing. Wait for the “we’re leaving” blast of the horn, see the waves kicking from the turning of the twin screws below deck, and note the relative quiet - little noise, vibration, sound. Enjoy watching the gulls that will follow the ship well into the lake - looking for dinner in the form of fish stirred up by the propeller wash.
Enjoy the fare provided by the cafe; prices were reasonable, so stay hydrated for the four hour journey.
Take the time to walk around the ship, visiting the gift store, looking at the ship’s museum, enjoying the many vantage points provided by the ship.
As you walk, observe, and enjoy - remember that this ship has been making twice (and sometimes more often) daily crossings for nearly 70 years non-stop. Appreciate the time-honored maritime traditions and customs.
The docking process is fascinating. Ours was smooth, focused, deliberate, exacting. A well-oiled machine in action. Go back to the Youtube videos to see exactly how this control mechanism works. Today’s ships don’t operate the same way.
If you’re staying in one of the port cities - hope you’ll have the opportunity to see the ship either come back into port, or leave port. That horn, that whistle - so magical, so historical, so traditional.
Ship was on time and it was smooth sailing. A very sunny, beautiful day for a cruise across Lake Michigan. Very comfortable. Well worth the cost
We had an excellent time and it was a great ride. This was our third trip and it's a blast every time. It's always a lot of fun
My first time on the ferry, I was nervous. It is essentially my first time on a boat altogether. The experience was smooth and easy, just following the guidelines.
We departed one-way from Manitowoc, got in line with our car about 30-45 minutes before scheduled departure and loading was fairly evident; we were supposed to receive instruction, but after sitting in the car for 15 minutes, we just got in line where everyone else was going (someone was supposed to tell us what to do, but didn't).
I took a dose of Dramamine, but didn't really need it, I had a bit of anxiety but it was entirely manageable. There was a small smoking area, unfortunately it was right underneath the smokestack, and you got full of ashes, sometimes still warm. we went to the Galley and the Museum, and it was very warm inside. The best spot is at the bow - once the ferry gets going and you can't see land anymore, the wind is very strong. Don't lean over to look at the bow wave with sunglasses or a hat on - you're likely to lose them.
We learned that if you want a good spot on the outer deck, you have to plant your tush early, or bring your own chair (not sure if that's allowed). Get there earlier than recommended and try not to leave your seat, or be sure to have someone hold it for you while you go to the galley or wherever. Move your feet, lose your seat. If you're going to be outside, also be sure to wear sunscreen. Also, if you do go to the galley, get there early as well, as some of the popular items (like chef salad) tend to sell out quickly.
We got a special sendoff from the EAA AirVenture convention in OshKosh. Some 26+ WWII prop planes passed over twice!
I would give it a five star but the air circulation below deck was stifling; I bumped my shin on the steps (do be careful, step sideways if it helps), the deck was crowded with limited seating, and available seating inside was not the cleanest (although still very decent for a public transport boat). And those instructions we were supposed to receive; it feels silly when you don't know what you're supposed to do, but I think I handled it fairly well.
I would still recommend this as a TO DO, it was a great experience overall.
Decided to finally take the SS Badger across Lake Michigan to Ludington, MI from Manitowoc, WI since I had never been to Ludington. I had originally planned on going with my wife, though unfortunately, she passed away last year. The check in was fast and got the car lined up and was on the ship in about 15 minutes. Considering the age of the ship, everything was quite smooth even with the choppy waves on the Michigan side. There was plenty of areas to sit inside and outside and other activities such as movies, bingo, a museum, and a shop. The food was very reasonable. All the staff were very friendly and would definitely take it again.
A great way to watch the fireworks on 4th of July. This is a special tour that's only done a few times per year. We've done this Michigan to Wisconsin tour but never this special tour. They need to make sure they don't sell more tickets than they have chairs. We spent a lot of time looking for chairs.
I was visiting a friend in Wisconsin so decided to take the car ferry instead of driving all that way. What a great, relaxing way to travel to Wisconsin! It is an outstanding "family" trip because they offer movies, bingo, coloring contests, food, and a great souvenir shop. They are so organized getting cars on and off the Badger.
We took the ferry one-way from Manitowoc to Ludington and drove back to Wisconsin over the Mackinac Bridge. The boat ride was relaxing and there were multiple areas to check out, with multiple bars to get drinks and food.
We traveled to Lake Michigan and on the trip across to Milwaukee we took a different ferry. On the way back across to Michigan, we wanted a different experience and booked passage on the S.S. Badger. Did not disappoint! It takes longer (about 4 hrs) but it is cheaper than the other ferry and well worth it! Get there early even an hour or so before you depart and you have a better chance of getting a seat where you like. You can reserve a state room/cabin although we did not. There was bingo, a movie, playroom for kids, gameroom, a museum, gift shop, so lots of activities to pass the time. No snacks or alcoholic beverages are allowed to bring on board but you can purchase any of those things on once you set sail! Very nice trip!
We had the best time aboard the Badger!
The loading of our car was smooth, we walked around the ship - very clean.
We took off on time and it was a very smooth ride.
2 cafes - food was great.
Movie playing if that’s your thing.
We played bingo and had a blast! The entertainer was hilarious.
We got to the other side too fast - we would definitely do it again!
This was an enjoyable journey on the lake.
It was cool on the day and I was glad we had a Stateroom where we could relax.
There was food available for purchase.
Highly recommended.
We always wanted to take this trip across the lake!
Inspired: the entire staff - everyone was great
Food: all was good
Service: very good
Highlights: walking around the ship
Return: nope - it is off our list
I traveled on the SS Badger in both directions. I traveled from Manitowoc to Ludington, and then two days later, from Ludington to Manitowoc. I left my vehicle in the parking lot in Manitowoc.
The cruises were relatively calm and enjoyable. Watching the SS Badger load and unload was very interesting. I wandered around and explored the ship, however I preferred sitting outside and watching the lake.
The Badger is definitely a better choice than driving around the lake!
Had an enjoyable ride with our family of 5 but a few easy improvements could make this a 5 star review. Getting on the boat in Ludington was seemless, enjoyed walking around the boat and the activities. Getting off the ship was horrific. A little communication, written or loud speakers of the procedure could go a LONG way. For example, stairs towards the land is where most need to exit besides motorcycle riders or those needing assistance down the steps, once on land stay behind the orange ropes and wait for your vehicle, order vehicles are removed are not nessesarily the order they were put on. Communication could go a long way and avoid employee frustrations from questioning passengers.
Crossing Lake Michigan from Manitowoc to Ludington aboard the SS Badger was a delightful experience! We viewed the lighthouses at the entrance to each harbor, enjoyed the panorama of the Wisconsin and Michigan coasts, and marveled at the size of the lake as we looked in each direction and saw nothing but water. On the lower decks we enjoyed shopping in the gift shop, a delicious soft pretzel from the snack bar, and fun "Badger Bingo" called by Ethan. If you haven't traveled on the SS Badger it is a must-ad to your list. A great experience! BIG SHIP, MORE FUN!
Great trip....nostalgic, like truly being on a ship. You know when the lake is angry cuz the ship does rock. So much fun. Although I dont play BINGO, the woman who presents it was hilarious. I was trying to read but she kept diverting me with her jokes. Movies for the kids. Food. Bar. Relaxation. Sure beats driving through Chicago!!!
This was our first time doing this. It was a beautiful day. Walked around, visited the cute souvenir shop, relaxed in the lounge chairs. The time went really fast and it was a really smooth operation getting the cars and passengers on and off.
Thoroughly enjoyed our Lake Michigan crossing. Fascinating ship, peaceful and friendly, competent crew. We learned that some crew members are from the same family. One outstanding crew member was the woman unloading cars at Manitowoc was quite the runner.
Great new adventure! It was wonderful to watch our car be loaded on the ship! We enjoyed going to the top level to see the lake as we left the dock & when we arrived @ Ludington, MI. We played bingo & liked the fun caller.
A wonderful trip across the Lake Michigan- sure beats driving around Chicago. Felt great to participate in an historic passage, to appreciate the depth of the history of this adventure. We had a berth - not necessary but was nice to have. Appreciated the staff and the process and the journey. Not luxurious … but it was enriching….way better.
What a relaxing and fun way to get back to WI after traveling in Michigan. Had a great time playing bingo too. Would do it again if the opportunity comes.
A voyage not to be missed! We decided to take this ferry as it meant we did not have to go around Chicago from Detroit on the interstates which are in complete construction modes. You can not go more then 10 miles without stopping.
The check in for the ferry was so efficient and everything was explained very well. We had our dog with us and they went over the procedures for having a dog. Frist they indicated the dog car parking lot and indicate our car would be the last on but the first off. They drive all cars off and on which is fantastic. Also from the deck we could watch they drive our car and and put a sunshield on the windshield to protect the dog. We also noted they checked on the cars with animals quite often.
We had breakfast on the ship and it was a nice buffet with limitless coffee. The ship has a store, movie lounge and games area. We decided to rent a stateroom a a very reasonable cost of $50.00 As we had been on the road since 4 AM it was great to have place to sleep. The rooms have a sink, toilet and two beds. The pillows were very comfortable and the room was quiet.
Disembarking was very efficient and of course our car was first off and we were able to take right off. The crossing was very smooth as we had super weather
All in all it is certainly worth the money as one relaxes, misses traffic and construction plus all the tolls.
The Badger is the best, no hassle of trying to drive through the chaos of Chicago. Relaxing, fresh air, excellent service from staff, and a great way to start a vacation. Many things to keep people/kids engaged.
And both ports Ludington and Manitowoc are beautiful towns with active communities.
The staff on SS Badger were really nice and friendly. The trip itself was fairly smooth with no complaints - it was really nice to not have to drive as far as we would've.
However there was some noticeable scratches on the driver side door. By the time we noticed, it was 48 hours after we got home from the ship. When we reached out to be report the incident, we told them that we had a great time on the ship, but unforatuntely there was some damage we didn't notice at the dock. Their response was that the damage was "inconsistent with damage typically reported on the ship."
When we escalated to a supervisor, we were told: "Since your claim was made after the vehicle left our property we have no means of determining the cause or accountability for the damage and must decline to accept responsibility for it."
When you get your car from the ferry, it's extremely chaotic as everyone is racing to get their cars out from the parking lot. We felt rushed to get out of there and didn't think we'd need to check for damage. In addition, they are claiming that they know all possible damage that could have happened on the ship and that what we reported couldn't have happened because it's inconsistent with other damage. This makes little to no sense to me.
We were not looking for thousands of dollars, just a few hundred to help cover the repair to the paint. The whole situation isn't the end of the world, but it's certainly frustrating and a waste of time on both our side and SS Badger.
I wouldn't recommend this service moving forward as there as other ferries providing service across Lake Michigan.
It was a well organized operation and enjoyable experience. Everything was great. I had breakfast and had free refill coffee
Had a great trip from Ludington to Manitowoc! It rained a little the first couple hours but it was a nice smooth ride inside. Then was able to get some pictures outside after the rain stopped. Would highly recommend this ferry whether you’re traveling from Ludington, or returning from Manitowoc!
Lots of fun. Great way to break up a long drive. Also a cool way to show your kids just how big lake Michigan is!! Loved the Bingo announcer. Nice gift shop for all things SS Bager.
This is very relaxed and enjoyable. Unlike the airlines which is a horrible experience the S.S Badger is a joy. The prices are fair and the experience is awesome. I would do it again just for the fun of it, even If I didn't have a designation in mind.
We took the Badger from Ludington, MI to Manitowoc, WI in late May. It was the second time we have done the round trip. It eliminated the hassle of traveling around Lake Michigan to get to Minnesota and was a fun time on board. They have things to do such as Badger Bingo, Trivia, movies, shopping, food - at reasonable prices - and if the weather permits areas on deck to enjoy the sailing. There is a museum and there are quiet areas for reading if desired. We had smooth sailing both ways and the arrival was close to the expected timeframe. The four hour trip goes fast with so many options for activities.
There were 16mph winds out of the west with gusts up to 33mph… I braced for some motion sickness… but it never came. I felt great the entire way. Such an interesting experience. The whole staff was so welcoming and friendly. The gift shop was well stocked with cool items and the prices were reasonable. Shipboard bingo was entertaining. I grabbed a nap and sunshine on the bow deck… then watched as we entered Ludington harbor. I highly recommend taking this 4hr Lake Michigan crossing at least once in a person’s lifetime!
Terrific crew on the SS Badger will make sure you have a lovely journey across the big lake. Lots of history onboard, with plenty of entertainment if you don't prefer just staring at the water and zoning out on a comfy deckchair. I like the later myself. Bring your warmest jacket for the ride up-top, or you can buy a nice one from their giftshop. Nice tchochkes there, too!
Can't tell you if the ride can get ruff as Lake Michigan was like a sheet of glass all the way. Could not tell if the ship was moving or not except when we could see shore. We didn't know about all the things they have on board, bingo, movie theater, museum, cafe, kids play room, lots of tables to play cards. Would definitely us the ferry again.
We had a wonderful cruise across Lake Michigan. The ship was super clean. The crew were very friendly and helpful. Not having to drive through the Chicago area was great
We knew the minute we got to the dock that the badger was not going to be a good experience. Coal smoke was belching from the ship for at least a few hours before departure, and that whole area of town stunk. The weather forecast that day, 9/22/21 was for very high winds and waves, which were already crashing on to the dock. Once on the boat, we took seats in the lounge and within an hour, we were sick as dogs and very scared by the waves crashing over the sides of the boat. At one point, I was literally thrown from my seat onto my hip and slid 8-10 feet across the lounge floor. I had to crawl back to the table, not even knowing if I'd be able to walk. A crew member came by by to ask how I was doing, just as I was vomiting into a popcorn bucket. No one could help me because it was so rough. The really bad thing was that no-one came to talk to us once we landed either. Unbelievable that a 75 year old woman had crashed to the floor and slid halfway across the lounge and no-one asked if I was OK. I insisted on filling out an incident report, which they did not initiate. On Sept 30, I wrote a formal letter, asking for a refund, since no one came to my assistance or even seemed to care if I was OK. HERE IT IS NOVEMBER AND I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OR A RESPONSE from SS Badger. I would never get on that boat again or recommend it to anyone. I am certain that that boat should not have sailed that day and the captain should have been held accountable for putting people in danger. I was pretty traumatized by this experience. I still cannot believe that the company did not offer me the courtesy of checking in with me when we landed to see if I needed any assistance or offer any compensation. I just read that the Badger is going in for an inspection soon and I hope they find my chair which got bent up when it crashed with me on it and my table which was dislodged from the lounge floor. I have absolutely no respect for this environmental nightmare of a ship or for its crew who did not take any responsibility for someone injured on their watch. Happy sailing at your own risk!!!
It was a very easy process to purchase tickets on the website. The check in process was easy for both loading out vehicle and passenger check in. They had activities onboard as well as numerous viewing areas to sit during the boat ride. They also had food, drinks, and snacks at very reasonable prices.
I took the evening shoreline cruise. It was a delight. The staff were kind, professional, and efficient. The weather was ideal and plenty of other passengers to chat with and share a small experience or two adding to the exceptionally positive experience. My concerns about my mobility issues were unfounded, since the staff were prepared for guests that needed extra assistance in boarding and the other passengers were patient and understanding when going up and down stairs. The "appetizers and desserts" amounted to a full meal. While not fancy, the food was tasty and filling. My only negative for the whole evening would be that the spinach pastry was during the boarding period already cooled off and a bit soggy indicating that the food platter had been either set out too early or was not heated fully before being set out. Though it was still tasty and filing and did not hinder having an amazing experience. I highly recommend the trip and having done the cruise, I am now ready to try the nighttime crossing to WI.
This was the best experience of our summer! The Badger is a national landmark and just an absolute treasure — coal-fired, steam-powered, and rich in history and character. It is an amazing experience for kids (and kids at heart). Boarding of both passengers and vehicles was smooth and easy. Sailing in and out of harbor is somewhat of an event — people turn up to watch in both Manitowoc and Ludington. There is an on-board museum for the historically curious. Wifi is available at a minimal cost for the duration of the trip. It's especially nice to have so much room to move around, watch Lake Michigan, see if you can spot land as you approach port, etc. This is a fantastic trip back in time that everyone should do at least once.
Great experience. So cool to experience Lake Michigan this way. We were impressed with the programming on board. The kids loved playing bingo with us and were entertained with a movie for a little bit. We had a beautiful sunny day and were able to get out on the deck and enjoy a drink. We also really enjoyed the historical experience and museum on board.
Fantastic experience! We played cards,shopped, ate fantastic popcorn and listened to the bingo caller tell bad jokes. All staff was friendly and professional. There were 5 of us and I booked a stateroom thinking they would match the number of tickets purchased. It was just the normal 2 person room. They were very kind and refunded my money(though the cost for the private room was quite reasonable.
Great way to get to Michigan from the west. Crew and service personnel were wonderful. All other passengers seemed happy to be there and made the trip go by quickly. Definitely worth time and am doing it again next year.
Being on the SS Badger Carferry from Lundington, MI to Manitowoc, WI was the perfect wrap up to my trip to the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula in July 2021. First, it saved me a LOT of driving to get back to Wisconsin - especially avoiding the dreaded Chicago! Second, it was a new experience for me and it did not disappoint. The cruise started out just fine but around halfway across Lake Michigan it got a little more fun. if you are prone to seasickness - take your meds first. It was fun trying to walk around because I couldn't. Everyone was staggering and bouncing off walls. It made for a lot of humor. There was a great gift shop, fun and games, history, movies, a nice coffee shop and food, wonderful conversation with others, it was clean, and offered stellar views. If I were seasick I just wouldn't go on it. But, I am not prone to that so I had a wonderful cruise and I would do it again. Admittedly, 4 hours was enough and I was ready to be done, but it was a very exciting adventure for me. Staff was friendly and very helpful and worked their butts off getting the cars in and out. And, it was a historic ride because the Badger is a historic ship. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it wasn't a luxury cruise line and isn't meant to be. Win - win!
We thoroughly enjoy our experience. It did rain which meant staying indoors but there’s so much to do, entertainment, bingo, movie theatre and food. It saved us going through Chicago; therefore less stress. Try the boat trip on the last remaining coal fired steam ferry…👍
Go immediately to the Main Lounge to get a table next to the window. Majority of people first look around on deck and eventually all the tables are full. It was a warm July day and being able to open the window next to our table was a godsend. There are options for kids, too, including kid-appropriate movies. School age children will also enjoy the bingo game which includes prizes they can choose. About 30 minutes from shore they will announce all hot items are $1. This includes hot dogs and pizza slices. Pleasantly surprised by prices: $3 for nice slice of pepperoni or cheese pizza; $2.75 for drink cup which can be refilled as often as you like. Saves huge time and avoids Chicago traffic if it is in your travel direction.
A real unique experience riding on this ferry. We had a great time playing Bingo and walking around. There is plenty to do and it is beautiful on the lake.
This is a unique way to travel and quite fun in many ways. However, if you are going with your vehicle, you do have to arrive AN HOUR before sailing time - and what this also means is you basically have to hang around for ANOTHER HOUR at the destination while the crew unloads the vehicles. It is cool that this ferry is 70 years old and still running...however, this also means that it can only load and remove vehicles from the stern (back) end...so it takes a looooooooong time.
This is a wonderful ship, the last of its kind on the lakes. We enjoyed everything! It is fun for all ages. The only problem is the steps.
From the time we arrived until the time we got our car back, everyone onboard this ship was amazing. The breakfast was very reasonably priced for what you got and the quality of the food was great. Movie selection was really good. The fellow calling the bingo game was very entertaining. I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone looking for a nice easy way to cross Lake Michigan.
Over crowded and not enough room to sit throughout the entire trip.
Mediocre food, and bad entertainment.
The staff is the only reason this even got a 2.
The ship is so clean, and typically everything is run with organization making for a quick loading and unloading process. Staff is friendly and accommodating. My calzone I ordered was cold and not cooked through after paying, and they replaced accordingly.
I went on a motorcycle trip with two girlfriends. We went to St Ignace and crossed the Mackinaw bridge. Then went down the coast to Ludington and boarded the SS Badger. The crew was so incredibly helpful! There was enough on board to keep you entertained. Bingo was a blast! Just watching the shoreline and water was also mesmerizing. It was a very positive experience and I would highly recommend it. I plan on doing this again.
Our day was perfect. The lake was calm and the weather was warm. The SS Badger started crossing Lake Michigan in 1953. I took the journey in the 1970s with my little boys who are now in their 50s and made the crossing yesterday with my husband. I highly recommend this trip to everyone who loves history and enjoys a relaxing day on Lake Michigan.
This is one of our national treasures. The boat is magnificent. The crew has been with the ship for most of their careers, and it is obvious how much they care about your experience. We love taking the ferry!
Cancelled my trip with not much advanced notice. Had to scramble to save my vacation and ended up spending much more on the Lake Express at a different time & location. Would not recommend.
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I loved taking the ferry (for the first time), as it saved me about 8 hours of driving. It was very relaxing. Some people got exercise by walking loops around the outside deck, some sat or snoozed on the deck chairs, some took advantage of the Bingo game inside. You can also order food/beverages on two different decks, shop in their gift shop, or just sit and read (my preference), either inside or outside. I hope to do it again sometime!