A Summer Ferry Ride From Muskegon to Milwaukee

With gas prices rising it's no wonder many Americans are opting to stay close to home for summer vacation. Many others are finding it more economical to fly or take the bus or train. But what many do not know about is travel by ferry. Travel by ferry can be a fun yet economical traveling solution. Riding the ferry can be a great adventure for kids and adults alike. My first ferry ride was from Muskegon, MI over to Milwaukee, WI on the Lake Express. The ferry ride took a little over three hours. The view through Muskegon is just breathtaking but soon it's nothing but water all around.

Don't fret however, there is a movie playing (family friendly), and you can get a pretty nice meal on board. The café offers sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee, soft drinks, wine and beer. The seats are very spacious and are arranged in a way in which a family can just talk or play games (so don't forget to pack the Scrabble game). The brave and adventurous can go up to the top deck and view Lake Michigan and it's surroundings. On a very hot day this is the place to be as you can take in a wonderful breeze. If you get a little sea sick you don't want to try this. Up there you can really feel the boat moving. You can also bring the laptop for the kids to play computer games as laptops and cell phones can be used on board.

The other awesome benefit of riding the ferry is that you can bring your car. It actually costs more for your car to ride than you, but it's worth it if you want to get around once you get to your destination. Motorcycles and trailers are also welcome. Just as with an airplane, you can bring your pets along as well. They stay in the lower level with the vehicles.

As I stated earlier, my husband and I road the Lake Express Ferry which travels back and forth between Muskegon, MI and Milwaukee, WI. We did not take our vehicle as our plans were to stay in downtown Milwaukee. We had a very nice time. On the Wisconsin side you can attend a Milwaukee Brewers Baseball game, attend one of the festivals like Polish Fest or Summerfest. Many people who ride the ferry to Milwaukee rent a car or drive their vehicle over to the Wisconsin Dells (known for all of it's water activities and summer shows) or head to one of the resort communities like Lake Geneva or Kohler.

If going from Milwaukee to Muskegon, there are many wonderful things to do in the summer. Be sure to consider attending Summer Celebration - Muskegon's largest music festival. This year guests will include Brian McKnight, The Steve Miller Band, Train and Macy Gray. Muskegon is only 20 miles from Michigan Adventure (owned by the owners of Cedar Point) an amusement and water park, or you can head to Grand Rapids to visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens or for a night out on the town. You can also make it to Traverse City in about two & a half hours.

A round trip adult ticket for the ferry is $95 and for children (5-17), $50, and round trip fare for your vehicle is $130. This summer when weighing out your options consider a ride on the Lake Express. You'll truly enjoy it.