The historic Lake Michigan auto and passenger ferry SS Badger, the last steamship operating on the Great Lakes, is back for from repairs in Wisconsin and is set to open its season Friday, May 16.
The Badger, a passenger and vehicle ferry was was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2016.
“The S.S. Badger (is) an outstanding example of American ingenuity in transportation technology,” the National Park Service said. “One of two of the largest ferries ever to sail Lake Michigan, and the last remaining Great Lakes rail/car ferry in operation, the S.S. Badger was … designed specifically to handle the conditions of year-round passage on Lake Michigan.
The ship will depart from Ludington 9 a.m. May 16 and is expected to arrive at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, at noon (CT). The ferry will depart Manitowoc at 2 p.m. local time and arrive back in Ludington at 7 p.m. local time, the ferry company said on its website.
“Passengers will see — and even taste — the improvements aboard the 410-foot-long cross lake ferry that is beloved in her port communities supporting tourism, trade and adventure among visitors and locals. Most visible is a completely rebuilt loading apron at the Badger’s Ludington dock,” the company said.
The city of Manitowoc is inviting the public to a maiden voyage celebratory event to welcome the ship back to its western port.
Festivities will take place at the Car Ferry dock, 900 S. Lakeview Drive, beginning at 11:30 a.m. with special guests and entertainment, including the Lincoln High School marching band, alpacas from LondonDairy Alpacas, the Red Hatters, and local elementary school students. The event also will include a variety of food vendors.
Here’s everything to know about the Badger and upcoming shipping season:
What’s new this season for the Badger?
“The new (loading) apron decking will provide an enhanced loading and unloading process for vehicles,” said Sara Spore, general manager of Lake Michigan Carferry and Interlake’s ferry operations. “This project was a multi-year investment, and we are grateful for Interlake’s commitment to assuring the Badger will sail for many years to come.”
The new season also brings greater culinary offerings.
“We have listened to our passengers and are providing some new options to make their cruise an even more enjoyable experience,” said Wesley Paggeot, Lake Michigan Carferry director of hospitality.
The Badger Galley will feature stadium-style concessions and more healthy options such as salads, fruit and vegetable cups, and fresh sandwiches. To satisfy the sweet tooth, passengers can cool off with an assortment of ice cream treats.
The Upper Deck Cafe will feature full meals with baked chicken breast, beef tips and gravy and meatloaf. The Upper Deck Cafe will also feature full breakfast, hamburgers, and other hot sandwiches.
The Cabana Room will offer a full bar that will feature a variety of adult beverages while a coffee bar will serve whole bean coffee ground for each cup. All ships’ bars will also feature new signature drinks as well.
How large is the SS Badger?
The 410-foot-long, 72-year-old ship offers the largest cross-lake passenger service on the Great Lakes and an authentic steamship experience, its website says.
The ship was built in 1953 by Christy Corp.
The Badger recently underwent repairs and upgrades at a Wisconsin shipyard, but has since returned to Michigan.
How many people does the SS Badger carry?
The ship can carry 600 passengers and 180 vehicles. It has a crew of 50 to 60 per voyage.
The ferry is the last coal-fired ship on the lakes, and may be the last example of its design in the world, according to MiPlace.
How long does it take to cross Lake Michigan?
The ferry takes four hours to cross the lake, a 60-mile cruise, that takes passengers, autos, RVs, tour buses, motorcycles, bicycles, and commercial trucks across Lake Michigan between Ludington and Manitowoc.
When is badger season?
The Badger operates between May and October as an auto and passenger ferry that also is capable of transporting commercial vehicles.
The spring season for the four-hour voyage between Ludington and Manitowoc runs from May 16 to June 19, the summer season from June 20 to Sept. 1, and the fall season from Sept. 2 to Oct. 12.
The SS Badger’s 2025 sailing season will also include regular overnight crossings from June 20 to Sept. 1. Overnight sailings departing Ludington will leave at 8:45 p.m. (ET) Thursday through Tuesday, arriving in Manitowoc at 11:45 p.m. Overnight sailings departing Manitowoc will leave at 1:30 a.m. (CT) Friday through Wednesday, arriving in Ludington at 6:30 a.m. (ET).
How to get tickets for the SS Badger this season
To reserve tickets for any crossing this season, visit ssbadger.com or call 800-841-4243 Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET).
Tickets for those 16 and older are $86 in the summer for one-way travel and $172 for round trips. Vehicles begin at $99 and $198 with additional fees for trailers and larger vehicles.
Spring tickets are $75 and $150 for individuals.
Are reservations necessary to travel?
Reservations are “strongly encouraged.”
Are pets allowed to travel?
For no additional charge, animals may be kept in a well-ventilated portable kennel on the car deck or transported in the owner’s vehicle. Due to security restrictions, no pets of any kind are allowed in any passenger area.
Service dogs trained to work or perform tasks for a passenger with a disability may accompany that individual.
Do any other ferries cross Lake Michigan?
The Lake Michigan Lake Express provides daily round-trip service between Muskegon and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The trip takes 2.5 hours.
Round-trip rates start at $199 per adult. Vehicles are $236 or more.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: SS Badger season opens May 16. When it sails, how to get tickets in 2025
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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