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.
Read more about the Manitowoc, Wisconsin car ferry, the S.S. Badger.
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.
More Lake Michigan Ferry Info
Highway US-10
The Highway US-10 continuance crosses Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan via the SS Badger car ferry.
Car Ferry History
Lake Michigan is rich with car ferry history, and the SS Badger car ferry is the most storied of the car ferry fleet.
Manitowoc Wisconsin Car Ferry
Manitowoc is the Wisconsin port for the S.S. Badger Car Ferry which sails across Lake Michigan to Ludington.
Loop the Lake with a Circle Tour Shortcut!
Here are suggested Circle Tour routes which utilize one of Lake Michigan’s ferry services to take a short cut across the lake.
SS Badger Car Ferry
Cross Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan on the SS Badger car ferry. Save the driving and enjoy a cruise!
Port of Manitowoc, Wisconsin
The Port of Manitowoc is a deep water draft commercial harbor on Lake Michigan, and the Wisconsin port for the SS Badger car ferry.
Lake Michigan Travel Regions
Michigan
- Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Northern Michigan
- Northwest Michigan
- Central West Michigan
- Southwest Michigan
Wisconsin
Indiana & Illinois
Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations
Ephraim, Wisconsin
Nestled in the harbor, Ephraim of Door County, Wisconsin has a picturesque view of Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Bluff and Horseshoe Island.
Marinette, Wisconsin
Marinette is a historical place and offers a museum telling the stories of its past including an exhibit honoring “Queen Marinette”.
Boyne City, Michigan
Boyne City is a jewel in the crown of Michigan and boasts an art district, street music in the summer, the Morel Festival, and more.
St. Joseph, Michigan
With 7 beaches including thousands of acres of State Park land, St. Joseph, Michigan, is the perfect destination for beach lovers.
Waukegan, Illinois
North of Chicago, Waukegan is home to the Genessee Theatre, Great Lakes Naval Base, and mile long Waukegan Municipal Beach.
Ludington, Michigan
Ludington, on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a gem in West Michigan with beautiful beaches, great outdoor activities, and popular events.