Set sail on the scenic SS Badger ferry for a four-hour trip across Lake Michigan between Ludington and Manitowoc. Enjoy onboard entertainment and stunning views on this family-friendly adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as it involves mainly sitting and light walking on board.
Wildlife
History
The SS Badger has been ferrying passengers and vehicles across Lake Michigan since 1953, preserving an important chapter of Great Lakes transportation.
Conservation
The ferry adheres to strict environmental guidelines, including using cleaner fuel technologies to reduce its impact on Lake Michigan's fragile ecosystem.
SS Badger
Set sail on the scenic SS Badger ferry for a four-hour trip across Lake Michigan between Ludington and Manitowoc. Enjoy onboard entertainment and stunning views on this family-friendly 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 Evening Trips Early
Evening trips are limited and popular for sunset views; secure your tickets in advance.
Dress in Layers
Lake Michigan’s breezes can be cool even in summer, so bring layers to stay comfortable on deck.
Check Ferry Schedules
Schedules can shift based on weather and season, so verify departure times before your trip.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Plan to arrive at the terminal 30-45 minutes before departure to allow for hassle-free boarding.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Protects against cool lake breezes in spring and fall.
spring
Sunscreen
Necessary to avoid sunburn during extended time on open decks.
summer
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ideal for walking around the ferry and exploring the terminals.
Camera or Smartphone
Perfect for capturing scenic lake views and memorable moments onboard.