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S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 7 attractions in Ludington
Traveler Description:
The S.S. Badger is the largest car ferry to ever sail Lake Michigan and has provided a safe, fun, and reliable shortcut across the inland sea for more...... more » The S.S. Badger is the largest car ferry to ever sail Lake Michigan and has provided a safe, fun, and reliable shortcut across the inland sea for more than fifty years. The ferry takes passengers, autos, RVs, tour buses, motorcycles, bicycles, and commercial trucks across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin from mid-May through mid-October. « less
Familiar with S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Educational site, Ferry, Public transportation system
Address: 701 Maritime Drive Ludington, MI 49431
Tel: 1-800-841-4243

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
Wohali50   3 contributions
Ludington, Michigan
Dec 21, 2009

This great ship is so unique and like no other experience you can have. It is like stepping into a time machine going back in time to the days of great steam ships. It is such a great ride, so much to do and so much fun to have and you don't have to do the driving! Great for everyone... more

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4 of 5 stars
Javabett   11 contributions
Michigan
Sep 23, 2009

Traveled the badger a few times, and loved every minute of it. Crossing Lake Michigan on the badger has become one of my beloved yearly vacation traditions. Good prompt service in all aspects. The ship was clean. The food was, well, food. Plenty of activities or peace and quiet depending on your preference. Make sure to get a stateroom. And... more

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5 of 5 stars
The_Bohemian   4 contributions
Maplewood, MN
Aug 31, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

We've cruised on the SS Badger a few times for motorcycle trips east of home in St Paul, MN. Earlier this month, we booked round-trip passage on the SS Badger for us and our GoldWing (in between we toured every county seat in MI but thats another story). We had a great time both ways! The boat is comfortable, staff... more

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5 of 5 stars
dollebrandy   2 contributions
Washington State
Aug 19, 2009

Our annual trip was once again a pleasure..can't beat the coal-fired sailing across that beautiful lake.. more

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5 of 5 stars
drygoods   1 contribution
Wisconsin
Aug 4, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

I've had the pleasure to have travelled on the SS Badger 7 times now, the last time Lake Michigan was terribly rough, but despite that my reasons for travelling to Ludington was to travel on the Badger itself! With vintage steam-powered vessels disappeering from active service more & more, the Badger carries on the tradition, and well worth the price... more

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5 of 5 stars
CarFerryNut85   1 contribution
West St Paul, Minnesota
Aug 4, 2009

As someone who has been riding the car ferries for over 30 yrs I must say that the Badger and wine have something in common...both get better with age! A huge shout out to the entertainers (in particular Todd and Harry...great job guys!) and to the rest of the hard working crew. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! BIG SHIP MORE... more

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5 of 5 stars
BADGERofUW   1 contribution
Lansing, MI
Aug 4, 2009

I've taken the SS Badger quite frequently this summer. I travel from MI (our new temporary home) back to WI (our old home and future home) at least monthly for meetings. It would take the same amount of time for me to drive, but my almost one year old would hate that! This way, we take a 2.5 hour drive... more

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5 of 5 stars
Aerowing   457 contributions
Monee,IL
Jul 13, 2009

I decided at the last minute to cross lake Michigan from Wisconsin to Michigan. I'm glad I went. It was a blast. I arrived at 1pm and found out the boat was leaving at 1:15pm...what luck. It cost me $112.00 one way. $74.00 for me and $38.00 for my motorcycle. Motorcycles require tie downs and since I didn't have any... more

What fun!
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4 of 5 stars
B-Burke   125 contributions
Arizona
Sep 9, 2008

We were traveling to Grand Rapids Michigan from Minnesota and wanted to avoid driving around Chicago so we decided to try one of the two ferries that cross Lake Michigan. The SS Badger takes longer but is a great deal of fun. Plus, in the fall they have a B & B type of arrangements where you can stay on... more

Fun ride
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4 of 5 stars
BusRides   6 contributions
Pa.
Aug 14, 2008

Though the water was choppy which made walking around on the boat an adventure, it was a fun relaxing ride. This is an excellent alternative to driving around Lake Michigan to get between upper to middle Michigan and Wisconsin. The boat ride is 4 hours that you can relax instead of driving all that distance. We took the evening trip... more

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S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry Address

701 Maritime Drive, Ludington, MI 49431
Tel: 1-800-841-4243