Photo by ToddAndBradReed.com
Experience Amazing! This Big Cruise Ship Offers Great Travel Fun!
After a mechanical failure of its ramping system in July of 2023, the Badger had to cancel rest of the 2023 sailing season. But it has since been announced that reservations for 2024 may now be made online for crossings starting on Friday, June 14th, 2024. Work to repair the dock continues, so earlier crossings in May and June may open up. Stay tuned for updates! For more information, please visit ssbadger.com
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.
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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.
Visiting Port Manitowoc, Wisconsin
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 carferry. The downtown area is within walking distance of the carferry 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.More Manitowoc Carferry Info
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.Local Advertisement
Photo by ToddAndBradReed.com
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.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.
Read about the Shoreline Cruises that take place each summer in both Manitowoc and Ludington.
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