SS Badger Car Ferry Crossing Lake Michigan | Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
Crossing Lake Michigan on the SS Badger Car Ferry
The SS Badger is the Largest Car Ferry on Lake 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! Click here to read more about the history of this great ship.
Enjoy a fun and relaxing cruise. Crossing time from Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Ludington, Michigan is four hours.
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 carferry 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 carferry docks for those who choose to spend the night. It’s a fun and very affordable mini-vacation for your entire family.
Daily Cruises Across Lake Michigan
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. There are also Shoreline Cruises that take place each summer in both Manitowoc and Ludington.
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.
The SS Badger 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.
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
Visiting Port Manitowoc, Wisconsin
After your trip across Lake Michigan on the S.S. Badger car ferry, there are many things to do whether you disembark in Manitowoc, Wisconsin or Ludington, Michigan.
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.
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
The Highway US-10 continuance crosses Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan via the SS Badger car ferry.
The Mariners Trail is a seven mile trail running along Lake Michigan, connecting the cities of Manitowoc and Two Rivers in Wisconsin.
Manitowoc is the Wisconsin port for the S.S. Badger Car Ferry which sails across Lake Michigan to Ludington.
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.
Founded in 1970, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum offers visitors interactive exhibits, artifacts, and insight on World War II submarines.
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.
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.
No matter what your interests, the Manitowoc/Two Rivers area has much to offer. For more information, contact the Manitowoc Visitor and Convention Bureau.
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.
You can learn more about Ludington at VisitLudington.com.
More Lake Michigan Ferry Info
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.
Traverse City to Green Bay
Do you want to travel between Traverse City, Michigan and Green Bay, Wisconsin? Take a short cut across Lake Michigan on the car ferry.
Lake Michigan Ferries
There are two car ferries operating on Lake Michigan, offering cross-lake service for vehicles and passengers between Michigan and Wisconsin.
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.
Manitowoc Wisconsin Car Ferry
Manitowoc is the Wisconsin port for the S.S. Badger Car Ferry which sails across Lake Michigan to Ludington.
Highway US-10
The Highway US-10 continuance crosses Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan via the SS Badger car ferry.
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.
Travel Northwest Michigan
More Northeast Wisconsin Destinations
Kewaunee, Wisconsin
Kewaunee, Wisconsin offers a variety of activities for all seasons including deep water fishing, biking, hiking, kayaking, and more.
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
On the western shore of Lake Michigan lies Manitowoc, a community of roughly 35,000 and rich in maritime history.
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.
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay is a charming historical community that embraces its world famous shipbuilding hub and honors their boat and water heritage.
Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Sister Bay is mostly known as Northern Door County’s largest village for food and drink. Be sure to visit Sister Bay, Wisconsin.
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.