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Lake Michigan Car Ferry

SS Badger

Your Rating:
Reviewed by:Ruth Perkins
# previous cruises: 4
Date of Trip: September 4, 2001
Itinerary: Lake Michigan

My husband and I enjoyed our 2 sailings on the Badger. Anytime on a road trip that you are not in the car, and still moving is a definite plus! Would we do it again? You bet! The next time, we'll remember to bring jackets so we can enjoy being out in the middle of the lake without getting cold.

The Badger has a lift chair to help the less mobile up the 2 flights of stairs from the car deck to the passenger areas. There was also a considerable amount of deck chairs for those who wanted to sit outside and enjoy the sights. As it was a bit cool out (we didn't bring jackets), we mostly stayed inside the tv lounge or the movie theatre.

The food was fair, but pricey. It consisted of convenience items, such as pre-made sandwiches, pizza, bagels. There was a breakfast buffet offered on the upper deck.

We didn't get a cabin, but I peeked into an open one. They were small, but functional. The cabins had 2 small beds and your own toilet and sink.

Since our first crossing was at 7:30 in the morning, we mostly just took naps. On the way back home, we went to the movie theatre and watched a documentary on the history of car ferry service on Lake Michigan and 2 movies (Flubber and Medicine Man).

The Badger's route is between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The crossing point is about 60 miles and takes about 4 hours.

There were quite a few activities available - everything from "Badger Bingo" to "Name that Tune". Also available was 2 tv lounges, a movie theatre, and a video game arcade.

The museum of the history of the car ferry service on Lake Michigan was interesting. There were models of some of the ships that had been in service, some plaques describing different features of the service, and some old menus from the time when the car ferry service was was more elegant and catered to the passengers similar to a cruise ship.

There was a great diversity of people who travel on the Badger. The ages ranged from babies to the elderly.