Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography

Cruise on a Lake Michigan Ferry!

Lake Michigan has a rich maritime history, and a favorite aspect of that history includes the many ferries which take passengers, and sometimes vehicles, across the water to a distant destination.

There are two car ferries operating on Lake Michigan, both offering cross-lake service for vehicles and passengers between Michigan and Wisconsin.

The SS Badger Carferry Leaving the Ludington, Michigan Harbor
photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography

Cross-Lake Car Ferries

Between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin:

The historic S.S. Badger provides convenient and relaxing cross-lake transportation, and is recognized as an official “spur route” which extends US-10 across the lake, connecting the two sides by the S.S. Badger carferry as it crosses Lake Michigan. Crossing time: four hours.

Between Muskegon, Michigan and Milwaukee, Wisconsin:

The Lake Express ferry is a high speed auto passenger ferry. Crossing time: under three hours.

The Shepler Ferry Dock
Lake Michigan Destinations Stock Photo

Mackinac Island Ferries

Take a Michigan ferry cruise between St. Ignace and Mackinac Island, or between Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island:

Shepler’s Ferry is known for the fastest trips to Mackinac Island, but the cruise slows down for incredible views of the Straits of Mackinac lighthouses and night sky trips. Cruises run

The Beaver Islander Vessel
Photo by Beaver Island Boat Company

Beaver Island Ferries

Take a Michigan ferry ride between Charlevoix and Beaver Island:

The Beaver Island Boat Company has two boats for your cruising pleasure. The Emerald Isle vessel has a stair-lift and the first deck is wheelchair accessible. The boat has over 150 indoor/covered seats, restrooms, fixed stabilizers, power outlets, and food/refreshment vending machines. The Beaver Islander is a car ferry with a maximum capacity of 172 passengers and 10 vehicles.

The Arni J. Richter Vessel
Photo by Washington Island Ferry Line

Washington Island Ferries

Take a Wisconsin ferry ride between the tip of the Door County Peninsula and Washington Island:

The Washington Island Ferry Fleet currently has five car ferries. Each ferry can carry 149 passengers and up to 22 standard-sized vehicles. The fleet includes the Arni J. Richter, a unique four-season ferry which has ice-breaking capabilities.