Manitowoc, Wisconsin Car Ferry | Lake Michigan Destinations Photo
Manitowoc Car Ferry
The S.S. Badger Car Ferry Crosses Lake Michigan Between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan.
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! Read more about the history of this great ship.
Experience Amazing! This Big Cruise Ship Offers Great Travel Fun!
Enjoy Cruise Ship Amenities. Passengers will find spacious outside decks for walking or lounging, free movies and satellite TV, live entertainment, two restaurants, full cocktail service, shopping and staterooms for relaxing or sleeping during the cruise. Activities for kids include a video arcade, coloring contests, and kids’ playroom. During the fall, passengers can sleep on the Badger in a stateroom while the ship is at the dock in Ludington, Michigan.
A trip on the S.S. Badger car ferry is a vacation within itself! No matter which way you are crossing the Lake Michigan there are restaurants and shops within walking distance of the dock. Remember when you’re on board the Badger, there’s plenty to keep you busy, and staterooms are available. Many lodging facilities in both Manitowoc and Ludington offer free shuttle service to and from the car ferry docks for those who choose to spend the night. It’s a fun and very affordable mini-vacation for your entire family.
Visiting the Port of Manitowoc, Wisconsin is fun, with so much to see and do! Manitowoc is a favorite harbor town along the Lake Michigan shoreline, for many good reasons. 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 dock, so you can shop, explore a museum, 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.
Take a relaxing cruise across Lake Michigan on the SS Badger car ferry.
The S.S. Badger car ferry travels across Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan once daily during the spring and fall seasons. Once summer is underway, the Badger makes two round-trip crossings daily. This trip on the SS Badger car ferry will be one of your favorite travel adventures.
During the overnight crossing, passengers can enjoy sleeping in a stateroom aboard the ship. Staterooms are available by reservation during each sailing. The number of staterooms is limited, so reserve early.
Crossing time from Manitowoc to Ludington is 4 hours.
Contact Lake Michigan Carferry
Ludington: 701 Maritime Drive, Ludington, Michigan 49431
Manitowoc: 900 South Lakeview Drive, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220
(800) 841-4243
www.ssbadger.com
Read about the Shoreline Cruises that take place each summer in both Manitowoc and Ludington.
Learn about the Port of Manitowoc and plan your trip today! Here, you can find information about cargo services, terminal operators, and port businesses, as well as history, capabilities, marine traffic, and navigation. Be sure to check out the harbor cam!
Explore Manitowoc, Wisconsin
On the western shore of Lake Michigan lies Manitowoc, a community of roughly 35,000 and rich in maritime history.
Six acres of peaceful botanical gardens that sit on the former estate of John and Ruth West with beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
The Mariners Trail is a seven mile trail running along Lake Michigan, connecting the cities of Manitowoc and Two Rivers in Wisconsin.
Built in 1918, the Manitowoc Breakwater Light has undergone multiple upgrades. The lighthouse is still operational today.
The Port of Manitowoc is a deep water draft commercial harbor on Lake Michigan, and the Wisconsin port for the SS Badger car ferry.
On the western shore of Lake Michigan lies Manitowoc, a community of roughly 35,000 and rich in maritime history.
Built by Joseph and Mary Vilas between 1891 and 1893, this Queen Anne style Victorian mansion is the location of an historical art museum.
Manitowoc is the Wisconsin port for the S.S. Badger Car Ferry which sails across Lake Michigan to Ludington.
Founded in 1970, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum offers visitors interactive exhibits, artifacts, and insight on World War II submarines.
The Highway US-10 continuance crosses Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan via the SS Badger car ferry.
No matter what your interests, the Manitowoc/Two Rivers area has much to offer. For more information, contact the Manitowoc Area Visitor and Convention Bureau.
Crossing the Lake to Ludington, Michigan on the SS Badger
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.
Read more about Ludington at visitludington.com.
More Manitowoc Info
Travel Northwest Michigan
Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations
Highland Park, Illinois
With it’s downtown shopping district, three public beaches, and more, Highland Park gives visitors plenty of opportunities to explore.
Elberta, Michigan
Along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, across the lake from Frankfort, the Village of Elberta is a pleasant destination with much to see and do.
East Chicago, Indiana
East Chicago, Indiana is part of the Indiana Lakeshore along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Be sure to visit the nearby Indiana Sand Dunes.
Manistique, Michigan
Manistique is a harbor town and was formerly known as a lumber transfer town as well as a popular commercial fishing port.
Zion, Illinois
Sitting on Illinois’ border with Wisconsin sits Zion. One of the only cities in the world to be fully planned before being built.
Peshtigo, Wisconsin
One attraction of importance to Peshtigo is the Peshtigo Fire Museum, which reflects the city during the time period after a devastating fire.