MANITOWOC – A sure sign that summer is just around the corner is the start of the S.S. Badger sailing season.
Friday, May 15, marks the maiden voyage of the popular car ferry for 2026.
The boat, which makes the four-hour journey across Lake Michigan from Ludington, Michigan, to Manitowoc and back each day, will host events Friday in both port cities.
SS Badger season opener: Mayor, guests to greet ferry in Manitowoc
When the Badger arrives in Manitowoc at noon May 15, passengers and community members can enjoy a celebration with food trucks, live entertainment, giveaways and more at the port, 900 S. Lakeshore Drive.
Entertainment will include the Manitowoc Lincoln High School marching band, alpacas from LondonDairy Alpacas, the Red Hatters and local elementary school students.
After the welcome festivities, Visit Manitowoc Director of Tourism Courtney Hansen, Mayor Justin Nickels and members of the Manitowoc Common Council will board the Badger for the first trip of the season to Ludington.
The group will spend the weekend in Ludington, participating in additional celebrations and meeting with Badger leadership and city officials to reconnect and renew a shared vision for Badger passengers.
SS Badger documentary premiere in Manitowoc: Time, date and what to know
Fans of the S.S. Badger can kick off its new season with a screening of a new film about the beloved Lake Michigan car ferry: “Railroad on the Water: the Legend of the SS Badger.”
The film tells the story of the S.S. Badger — the last coal-fired steamship in operation in the United States — and explores the boat’s place in the history of railroads.
The Manitowoc film premiere is set for 3 p.m. May 17 at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Manitowoc Campus Theater, 705 Viebahn St.
The film features rare archival footage, along with interviews with historians, former crew members and maritime experts — bringing both technical achievement and human stories to life.
Badger passengers: Manitowoc hotels, businesses offer weekend specials
S.S. Badger passengers looking to stay overnight in Manitowoc can find specials this weekend.
The Holiday Inn Manitowoc is offering a special rate of $100 per night for the first sailing weekend. The rate includes breakfast and a complimentary shuttle service to and from the car ferry dock. Book early to secure a room: Holiday Inn Manitowoc Booking.
Local businesses in both Manitowoc and Ludington will also offer discounts and specials for the maiden voyage weekend, including dining, shopping and attractions along the lakefront.
SS Badger schedule 2026: Dates, shoreline cruises and how to book
The Badger will operate daily from Friday through Oct. 11, with regular overnight crossings from June 19 through Sept. 7.
There also will be four shoreline cruises, with the Badger traveling about 1.5 hours along the Lake Michigan shore on the Manitowoc side. The cruises are set for June 13, July 18, Aug. 1 and Aug. 15.
For tickets and more information, go to ssbadger.com or call 1-800-841-4243.
Contact reporter Patti Zarling at pzarling@usatodayco.com or call 920-606-2575.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc greets SS Badger May 15 with food trucks and music
Reporting by Patti Zarling, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
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