Speed Across Lake Michigan

March 18, 2016

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line – not always so easy to follow when you’re in a state surrounded by water and you’d like to get to another state sooner rather than later. That’s where the Lake Express comes in. Here’s the scoop.

WHAT

The Lake Express is a 192-foot highspeed car and passenger catamaran ferry, equipped with an aluminum hull and diesel engines. It launched its cross-lake service in 2004 and can carry 248 passengers and 46 passenger vehicles (plus 12 motorcycles) on each lake crossing. At 40 miles per hour (34 knots), it cuts across Lake Michigan easily while keeping its passengers comfortable. A cafe counter with drinks and sandwiches offers snacks for sale and a movie is shown onboard during the trip (you pay for headphones.) If the weather is pleasant, a walk on the deck is equally so, with water vistas as far as the eye can see.

WHERE

Modern ferry terminals on both sides – Muskegon, Mich., and Milwaukee – are located near major interstate highways and many area attractions. Muskegon’s terminal is a short distance from Business US-31, with an Enterprise Rent-A-Car, movie theater, Great Lakes Marina and several shops, restaurants and casual eateries nearby on Lakeshore Drive. Boarding is well directed and there’s plenty of comfortable seating and free WiFi while you wait, as well as a few food vendors.

HOW

Tickets are easily purchased at the departing terminal or can be booked ahead online or over the phone. Adult fares for the Classic Cabin start at $87.50 per person one way (round trip $145) and $96 per car ($182 round trip.) Premier Cabin fares (limited to those 12 years of age or older) with extra amenities like table seating with electrical outlets, newspapers, complimentary nonalcoholic beverages and headsets for movies, start at $101 one way (round trip $175.)

While the crossing is often calm, it can get choppy, so be prepared with Dramamine or a seasick band if you’re one of those affected.

WHEN

Lake Express’ 2016 season begins Apr. 29 and is planned to run through Oct. 24. Crossings from the Muskegon side begin departures at 10:15am, with a second crossing at 4:45pm and a third added in the summer months at 11:00pm. Check ahead if the weather’s looking sketchy; they will cancel a crossing in the event of excessive waves, winds or other bad weather.

WHY

If you were to drive from Muskegon to Milwaukee – which, by the way, takes you through the metropolitan byways and toll roads of Chicago – it would take you at least 4.5 hours, providing you didn’t run into any traffic (unlikely.) Tack on another couple hours if you’re departing from Traverse City and you’ve already spent half the day in the car. The Lake Express gets you from Muskegon to Milwaukee in 2.5 hours, with two trip options per day and a third round trip available in the busy summer months. If Milwaukee’s not your final destination, you can drive up to Green Bay or west to Minneapolis knowing you just saved yourself a lot of time and traffic hassle.

For tickets, schedules and more information, visit lake-express.com or call (866) 914-1010.