Michigan Ferry Transportation: The S.S. Badger

Unlike the more business oriented Lake Express ferry in Muskegon to the South, the S.S. Badger of Ludington is an all around family experience. While its first duty is to supply a short cut across Lake Michigan, the S.S. Badger does so at a leisurely pace the whole family can appreciate. Although the S. S. Badger is more suited more families, there are some standard similarities to the high speed ferry to the South such as vehicle size restrictions and moderate costs that can add up very quickly. But don't let those unfortunate details fool you; the S.S. Badger offers an experience that will be remembered long after you have disembarked.

For one, the S.S Badger of Ludington has a rich and colorful history attached to it that goes back over fifty years. Entering service in 1953 and designed to withstand the rigors of year round operation over Lake Michigan. It sports a unique propulsion system that is considered an engineering marvel. When its original purpose of carrying train freight cars across Lake Michigan was halted with the decline of the rail industry in America, the S.S. Badger was moored for what it seemed to be its last time in 1990. Fortunately a private business man saw commercial potential in the ship and began retrofitting and remodeling it for family leisure and vehicle transport a year later.

Also, the S.S. Badger is a coal powered steam ship. It is the only operational coal-fired steam ship in North America and has won positive recognition for its excellent service record and unique appeal.

At 410 feet long, it is the largest car ferry on the Great Lakes. While the impressive size of some modes of transportation may not always matter when it comes to a family trip, the S.S. Badger is full of family friendly experiences. Besides the standard outdoor deck areas and spacious seating, the S.S. Badger also sports free TV and movie lounges, buffet-style dining and deli-style snack areas, private staterooms, video game arcade, children's play area, museum...the list goes on.

Coal powered steam ships are not renown for record speeds in the modern age and the S.S Badger certainly has broken none. Its four Foster-Wheeler "D-type"� coal-burning boilers push the ferry out of Ludington and across Lake Michigan to dock at Manitowoc in about four hours, making for a total of eight hours round trip. If you intend to spend some time enjoying Wisconsin, you may want to make sure you have a hotel booked for an overnight stay, or you may find yourself rushed and stressed about making it back to the ship in time for launch.

But enjoying your time out is what the S.S. Badger experience is all about, so consider this unique Lake Michigan ferry as part of your summer vacation; the cost is well worth the memories.