Port of Manitowoc, Wisconsin | Photo by Port of Manitowoc

Port of Manitowoc, Wisconsin

The Port of Manitowoc is a deep draft commercial harbor located on the Wisconsin coast of Lake Michigan. It is considered to be a Geographic Center of North America, with access to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway and also to the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River.

Most everything you might want to know about the Port of Manitowoc can be found at portofmanitowoc.com. 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!

SS Badger Car Ferry Wisconsin Port

Crossing Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan is a relaxing four hour cruise on the SS Badger car ferry.

The SS Badger car ferry dock is situated near the entrance to the Port of Manitowoc. Here is where passengers taking a ferry boat cruise across Lake Michigan either board or disembark. 

The S.S. Badger carferry 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.

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.

Contact Lake Michigan Carferry at (800) 841-4243 or ssbadger.com.

Visiting the Port of Manitowoc

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. Check out the Calendar of Events for an overview of Manitowoc’s most popular annual festivals.

Walking in Manitowoc

If you’re on foot, you can walk north on Quay Street to 8th Street. Turn left, and here you can grab a cup of coffee at Manitowoc Coffee, get a good book at Book World or take in a show at the Capitol Civic Centre…as well as exploring quaint historical buildings, shops and pubs. Or if you turn to the right and walk across the bridge you can go to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Beernsten’s Confectionary and Ice Cream Shop, or further up 8th Street you can visit the Rahr-West Art Museum. There are several lodging choices within walking distance, like the Best-Western Lake Front or the Econo Lodge, and many accommodations will provide shuttle services to and from the S.S. Badger (please call lodging in advance to check availability).

Manitowoc Biking Trails

If you bring your bicycle, you won’t have to go far to find the Mariners Trail, six miles of paved trail along the lakeshore that connects Manitowoc and Two Rivers. The trail includes beautiful gardens, sculpture, plus access to the Village Inn on the Lake, the Lakeview Motel, David Martin Pottery Studio, lighthouses, and many more businesses. You can also rent bicycles at many of our local bicycle shops and hotels if you don’t have your own.

Driving Around Manitowoc

If you bring your car you are only minutes away from museums, restaurants, antique shops, and attractions. In addition to our groomed beaches, you may want to visit Two Rivers and the Washington House (home of the Ice Cream Sundae), the Hamilton Wood Type Museum, or Rogers Street Fishing Village and Coast Guard Museum.

Explore Manitowoc, Wisconsin

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.

Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations

Whiting, Indiana

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Lake Michigan water

Cook County, Illinois

Cook County is in Illinois, adjacent to Indiana. The county seat is Chicago, which is the third most populous city in the United States.

Escanaba, Michigan

Escanaba is the site of the Upper Peninsula State Fair and is popular for fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Two Rivers, Wisconsin

Two Rivers’ slogan is “catch our friendly waves” since it is located along Lake Michigan and has plenty of beaches to explore.

Empire, Michigan

Empire, Michigan

Located along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Leelanau County, Empire is located south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Harbor Springs, Michigan

Situated on a beautiful natural, deep harbor, this beautiful community has fabulous shopping and dining options overlooking the water.

Explore Manitowoc, Wisconsin