Set sail on a lively 2-hour cruise along Ludington’s stunning shoreline aboard the historic SS Badger. Enjoy live entertainment, tasty food, and unforgettable lake views on this all-weather adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, as the cruise involves minimal physical activity with mostly seated time.
Wildlife
History
The SS Badger is a National Historic Landmark, originally built in 1952, and remains the last coal-fired passenger ship operating on the Great Lakes.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to minimize fuel emissions and protect the fragile lake ecosystem while offering an engaging visitor experience.
SS Badger
Set sail on a lively 2-hour cruise along Ludington’s stunning shoreline aboard the historic SS Badger. Enjoy live entertainment, tasty food, and unforgettable lake views on this all-weather adventure.
SS Badger is a historic car ferry based in Ludington, Michigan, offering scenic Lake Michigan crossings and shoreline cruises. The vessel operates regular four-hour crossings between Ludington and Manitowoc, providing passengers with onboard amenities such as a boutique, movie theater, games, and food and bar service. Staterooms are available on select crossings for travelers seeking added comfort.
In addition to the classic Ludington–Manitowoc ferry, SS Badger runs two-hour Shoreline Cruises from both Ludington and Manitowoc. These shorter cruises feature live entertainment, casual dining options, and family-friendly activities suitable for all ages. Shoreline Cruises run rain or shine and include access to the ship's gift shop and public spaces.
SS Badger emphasizes an experience-oriented voyage with programming that can include bingo, kids' activities, and scheduled movies, aiming to create memorable moments for families and groups. The ship's indoor and outdoor viewing areas make it adaptable to varied weather and seasonal conditions, while onboard retail and dining provide convenience during crossings and cruises.
The operator recommends booking early for popular sailings. SS Badger's combination of historic appeal, varied trip lengths, and onboard amenities serves travelers, locals, and families seeking a distinctive Lake Michigan experience. Visitors can expect accessible entertainment, food service, shopping, and options for both short scenic cruises and the longer crossing between Ludington and Manitowoc. Available trips include Ludington Shoreline Cruises, Manitowoc Shoreline Cruises, Ludington to Manitowoc crossings, and Manitowoc to Ludington crossings. Onboard amenities include live entertainment, movie theater, gift shop, boutique, bar service, games, and staterooms. Book early.
Home Port
Ludington, MI
Operates from Ludington, Michigan
Trip Lengths
2-hour & 4-hour
Short cruises and longer crossings
Family Friendly
All ages
Activities and entertainment for families
Onboard Amenities
Shop, Food, Entertainment
Boutique, movie theater, staterooms
Choose a 2-hour shoreline cruise or a 4-hour Ludington–Manitowoc crossing — book early to secure preferred sailings.
Book Tickets Early
Popular cruises fill up quickly during peak seasons, so secure your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
Bring a Light Jacket
Lake Michigan evenings can be cool even in summer, so layer up to stay comfortable onboard.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before departure to handle check-in and explore the ship before setting sail.
Check Weather Forecast
While cruises operate rain or shine, checking the forecast helps you dress appropriately for your outing.
Light Jacket or Sweater
To stay warm against cool lake breezes, especially in spring and fall.
spring
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from sun exposure during daytime cruises.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the stunning lake views and memorable moments onboard.
Comfortable Footwear
Wear shoes suitable for walking around the ship and docking areas.