S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry

Call Directions Website

S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry Big Ship, More Fun! 🚢
Ludington ↔ Manitowoc | Est. 1953 🌅
Book your tickets today 👇👇 The S.S. The 410ft. S.S. A trip aboard the S.S.
(1459)

Badger is the last coal-fired passenger steamship in operation in the United States. She has provided a fun, reliable and affordable shortcut across beautiful Lake Michigan for more than 60 years and has transported millions of passengers since her re-birth in 1992. In 2016 she received the nation’s highest historic honor when the Department of Interior officially designated the Badger as a National Historic Landmark. Additionally, the Badger is extremely unique in that she is an NHL that moves. BADGER can accommodate 600 passengers and 180 vehicles, including; RVs, motorcycles, motor coaches, and commercial trucks during her sailing season. Originally designed primarily to transport railroad cars, this grand ship and the people who serve her have successfully adapted to the changing world since she first entered service in 1953. Her unique and bold character takes you back to a period of time when things were simpler – offering valuable time to slow down, relax…and reconnect with those you love. She is the continuation of a unique and vital maritime tradition, and we celebrate that heritage on board in fun ways that educate, and entertain. Her mission has changed from the days of carrying railroad cars 365 days a year, and the Badger’s role in the hearts of the areas she serves has not. The Badger’s commitment to a fun experience offers traditional favorites including free Badger Bingo, free movies and satellite television, lounge areas, onboard gift shop, private staterooms, dining and beverage areas, sprawling outside decks for lounging or walking, and much more. Perhaps a romantic night crossing is more fitting for your style with spectacular sunsets and sparkling constellations for stargazers - making the Badger experience extra special. Badger offers passengers fun & treasured memories. Professional travelers have shared their experiences aboard the Badger with the world and this grand ship has received great praise. The Badger was been awarded the Traveler's Choice Award from TripAdvisor for 7 consecutive years! The Badger experience allows a rare opportunity to explore a little history - and a lot of fun by taking a step back into the past on a journey that’s as important as the destination! From mid-May to mid-October the Badger sails daily between Manitowoc, WI and Ludington, MI Located about an hour from Milwaukee, WI and Muskegon, MI. For additional information, call (800) 841-4243 or visit www.ssbadger.com

We've concluded our 73rd sailing season! Can you believe it? Take a look at our ship throughout the years. 🤩 ...
10/19/2026

We've concluded our 73rd sailing season! Can you believe it? Take a look at our ship throughout the years. 🤩

10/16/2026

We had a beautiful final day of sailing this week! 😍 Is it too early to start counting down to the 2027 season?

We are celebrating another successful sailing season thanks to our wonderful crew!The office staff, customer service tea...
10/14/2026

We are celebrating another successful sailing season thanks to our wonderful crew!

The office staff, customer service team, engine room crew, deck hands, and boarding attendants all make the S.S. Badger an unforgettable experience. We couldn't do it without you all. 🫶

Thank you to all of our passengers who came aboard during our 73rd sailing season! We love meeting you, hearing your sto...
10/12/2026

Thank you to all of our passengers who came aboard during our 73rd sailing season! We love meeting you, hearing your stories, and being a part of your journey.

Until next year! 🫶

10/11/2026

And with that, the 2026 sailing season comes to an end! 🚢

10/10/2026

Every ride on the Badger is an adventure! 🤪

There's a ton of space aboard the carferry. When it was originally built in 1952, the S.S. Badger was primarily shipping...
10/09/2026

There's a ton of space aboard the carferry. When it was originally built in 1952, the S.S. Badger was primarily shipping train cars across Lake Michigan! If you look closely, you can still see the rails on the floor of the car deck.

Although it doesn't transport trains anymore, the Badger carries up to 600 people and 180 vehicles per sail. Cars, buses, RVs, trailers, trucks, motorcycles, you name it!

There are endless opportunities for entertainment aboard the S.S. Badger! During our 4hr crossing, you can enjoy two dif...
10/08/2026

There are endless opportunities for entertainment aboard the S.S. Badger! During our 4hr crossing, you can enjoy two different screenings of movies in our theater.

We've shown films like Top Gun: Maverick, Zootopia, and even our own Engine Room Documentary!

Grab your popcorn and get tickets for your crossing at ssbadger.com

Fall is HERE! Don't miss the stunning foliage all along Lake Michigan.Check out our driving routes for Michigan and Wisc...
10/08/2026

Fall is HERE! Don't miss the stunning foliage all along Lake Michigan.

Check out our driving routes for Michigan and Wisconsin, and don't forget to include a Badger crossing. 😉

  Autumnal Adventure Fall in the Midwest is a beautiful, yet fleeting season. For just a few weeks each year, we can enjoy harvest festivals, apple picking, pumpkin spice lattes, and the vibrant, colorful leaves. Fiery reds, oranges, and golds––it’s impossible not to take a…

10/07/2026

Happy Wednesday from the Pilot House!

Address

701 Maritime Drive
Ludington, MI
49431

Telephone

+18008414243

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category