All Aboard the Badger

March 18, 2016

For a more leisurely kind of lake crossing, try the S.S. Badger; the steamship cruise launched in 1953 and runs between Ludington, Mich., and Manitowoc, Wis. At 410 feet in length, it dwarfs the Lake Express ferry, carrying 180 vehicles (including commercial trucks and tour buses) and 600 passengers. Its journey takes a little more than four hours at an average speed of 18 mph (15.6 knots), but considering the on-board amenities, you’ll enjoy every minute. The Badger offers a snack bar and dining area, an aft-end lounge, TV and movie lounges, a museum, a video arcade, a ship’s store, a 50-person crew and even 40 private staterooms if you prefer to sleep your way across the lake. The Badger is running its 2016 crossings May 12–Oct. 16, with adult fares starting at $67 per car one way ($134 round trip) and additional tickets for each person starting at the same rates. Staterooms are $49 each way.

For tickets, schedules and more information, visit ssbadger.com or call (800) 841- 4243.