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
Manitowoc is the Wisconsin port for the S.S. Badger Car Ferry which sails across Lake Michigan to Ludington.
Built by Joseph and Mary Vilas between 1891 and 1893, this Queen Anne style Victorian mansion is the location of an historical art museum.
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
Hammond, Indiana
Straddling Indiana’s border with Illinois sits Hammond, which thrives despite the decline of factories on the southern tip of Lake Michigan.
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.
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.
Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
Manitowoc County is located in the southeast part of Wisconsin and is the western port for the S.S. Badger Car Ferry.
Frankfort, Michigan
Frankfort is located along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour and is home to attractions like the Betsie Pointe Lighthouse and The Garden Theater.
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Located halfway between Green Bay and Milwaukee, Sheboygan is both a waypoint and a great opportunity to unwind.
Explore Manitowoc, Wisconsin
The Highway US-10 continuance crosses Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan via 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.