SS Badger Car Ferry Crossing Lake Michigan | Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography

Highway US-10

The SS Badger Car Ferry is Designated as the Continuance Route of Highway US-10.

US-10 is an east–west United States highway formed in 1926. US-10 was one of the original long-haul highways which stretched from Detroit, Michigan, to Seattle, Washington, but then lost much of its length when new Interstate Highways were built in its right-of-way. Today, the eastern terminus of US-10 is in Bay City, Michigan, at its interchange with Interstate 75 (I-75) and the western terminus of US-10 is in West Fargo, North Dakota, at its interchange with I-94.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has designated the route traveled by the S.S. Badger across Lake Michigan as the official continuance route of US-10. Prior to this designation, Lake Michigan had separated US-10 in the port cities of Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin into two segments. Highway US-10 connects the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Dakota by means of ferrying 60 miles across Lake Michigan. US-10 is one of only two United States highways utilizing a ferry service connection. The S.S. Badger plays a major role in providing connectivity of US-10 for travelers and commercial cargo in the upper Mid-West.

Enjoy a fun and relaxing cruise. Crossing time from Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Ludington, Michigan is four hours.

Blending tradition with innovation, the S.S. Badger is the fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan–a spring, summer and fall treat for the entire family. The four-hour, 60-mile cruise between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan has all the comforts of home and more. The 410′ S.S. Badger carries up to 620 passengers and 180 cars, tour buses, RVs, and semi-trucks. Congratulations to the S.S. Badger on its status as a National Historic Landmark! Click here to read more about the history of this great ship.

As you travel on the Highway US-10 continuance across Lake Michigan via the S.S. Badger car ferry, be sure to pause and visit the ports of Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan.

Click the tabs above for details.

Visiting Port Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Manitowoc is favorite harbor town along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Home to roughly 35,000 people, Manitowoc was ranked #2 by Forbes Magazine for “Best Small Cities to Raise a Family.” Manitowoc is not only rich in maritime history, the city is also the lone Wisconsin port for the S.S. Badger car ferry. The downtown area is within walking distance of the car ferry port where you can shop, catch a movie or dine in one of the local restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or hike on the Mariner’s Trail, a seven mile trail that runs along Lake Michigan. There are numerous other things to do in and around the Manitowoc area.

Visiting Port Ludington, Michigan

Ludington is a top vacation destination in Michigan…due to the miles of beautiful beaches, first class fishing and the Ludington State Park. The S.S. Badger docks just a few short blocks from Ludington’s vibrant downtown, filled with great shops, restaurants and galleries…or visit one of our historic lighthouses. Ludington has plenty of lodging facilities, from hotels/motels and resorts to charming bed & breakfasts. Any time of year, there’s a fun event happening in the area.