S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry

S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry Official Page
Big Ship, More Fun! The S.S. Badger is the last coal-fired passenger steamship in operation in the United States. The 410ft. S.S.
(1482)

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. A trip aboard the S.S. 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

05/06/2025

Her keel was laid on the shores of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin — built in 1952 by the Christy Corporation, a shipyard known for its craftsmanship and contributio...

We may have been quiet here the last few days, but that doesn't mean its has been quiet onboard! Work continues while in...
05/05/2025

We may have been quiet here the last few days, but that doesn't mean its has been quiet onboard! Work continues while in drydock at Sturgeon Bay. Work will continue there, as well onshore, as we are preparing for our 2025 sailing season.
Who is joining us this season?

We sail May 16th- October 12th.
Book online at www.ssbadger.com or give us a call Monday-Saturday 8a-5p ET at 1-800-841-4243.

Check out this extra scene from John McGivern's Main Streets.The SS Badger operates between May 16 and October 12, with ...
05/02/2025

Check out this extra scene from John McGivern's Main Streets.

The SS Badger operates between May 16 and October 12, with added overnight crossings scheduled between June 20 and September 1. To reserve tickets, visit ssbadger.com or call 800-841-4243 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ET).

New Episodes drop every ThursdayOn Air Thursdays at 7:00pm on and your local listings to find out where it airs across ...

05/01/2025

Ludington legend, Sturgeon Bay stop: a ferry needs fixing

04/30/2025

The SS Badger is getting ready to depart for Sturgeon Bay for scheduled Maintenance.

Sporting a fresh coat of paint, lifeboat #5 was returned to the SS Badger on Tuesday afternoon. Crew members maneuvere...
04/29/2025

Sporting a fresh coat of paint, lifeboat #5 was returned to the SS Badger on Tuesday afternoon. Crew members maneuvered the boat to the starboard (right) side of the ship and the boat was lifted aboard. Warehouse Manager Joel Bates and Alex Nadobny worked on boat over the winter months.

This was final task before the Badger departs for a planned maintenance trip to the shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Early morning risers may catch a glimpse of the ship as it departs Ludington around 6 am Wednesday. The ship is expected to return on May 11 and final preparations will be made for the first sailing to Manitowoc on May 16.

To reserve tickets for any crossing this season, visit ssbadger.com or call 800-841-4243 Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET).

04/28/2025

Due to inclement weather, the SS Badger’s April 29 departure to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, will be delayed for 24 hours. The National Weather Service forecast is predicting gale force winds on Lake Michigan with surface winds to 50 knots possible.

With the delay, the Badger is expected to depart Ludington, Michigan, on April 30, between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and the trip will take approximately 12-hours.

The Badger will be traveling to Sturgeon Bay for repairs in preparation of the upcoming sailing season which begins on Friday, May 16. The ship will sail, under its own power, to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding where it will undergo a propeller shaft bearing repair.

Following the repairs, the ship is expected to return to Ludington on May 11..

To reserve tickets for any crossing this season, visit ssbadger.com or call 800-841-4243 Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET).

04/28/2025

True sign of summer...

Testing our horns and whistles today to prepare for our season.

Isn't it a great sound?

Last night, the boilers were lit aboard the SS Badger as the ship prepares for a maintenance trip to Sturgeon Bay, Wisco...
04/27/2025

Last night, the boilers were lit aboard the SS Badger as the ship prepares for a maintenance trip to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

The “light-off” represents the first engine room crew “watch” of the 2025 sailing season.

Later this week, the Badger will sail to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding where it will undergo a propeller shaft bearing repair. The ship is expected to return to Ludington by May 11 and the regular sailing schedule begins on May 16.

The honor of lighting two of the Badger’s four boilers went to Ludington Police Chief Chris Jones and Wheelsman Joseph Debusk.

Last December, Debusk earned a certification as a radar observer, which is a step closer to his goal of earning a bachelor’s degree with a major in maritime – deck officer, which will also allow him to be licensed as a third mate. Debusk also decorates the ship during the holiday season. He recently received a Customer Service First Award by Interlake Maritime Services.

Jones is a board member of the Lakeshore Child Advocacy Center and a fundraising event to benefit the organization will be held aboard the Badger later this year.

To purchase tickets, go to ssbadger.com or call 800-841-4243 Monday-Saturday 8a-5p ET.

The SS Badger will be traveling to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, on April 29, for repairs in preparation of the upcoming sail...
04/25/2025

The SS Badger will be traveling to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, on April 29, for repairs in preparation of the upcoming sailing season which will begin on Friday, May 16.

The 410-foot ship will sail, under its own power, to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) where it will undergo a propeller shaft bearing repair. It is expected to depart Ludington, Michigan, between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and the trip will take approximately 12-hours.

"This trip is being made under our own power instead of under tow because we are so close to our sailing season, we will already have a crew getting the boat ready to sail," said Badger Chief Engineer Andrew VerVelde. "It takes two to three weeks of 'fit out' prior to the season, which involves getting her engines and machinery ready. Since the crew is going to be aboard anyway, we might as well steam her over. It has been done before, but not recently."

The Badger was built by Christy Corporation in Sturgeon Bay in 1953, located at the same facilities now owned by FBS. Rather than traveling through the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, the vessel will take a northern route to the tip of the Door Peninsula and Washington Island from Lake Michigan into Sturgeon Bay. It will then travel south back to the city of Sturgeon Bay.

VerVelde said the repairs to the propeller shaft bearing requires taking the boat out of the water and removing its 13-foot, 10-inch starboard propeller. This repair is different than the Badger's routine five-year dry dock inspection which last took place over the winter of 2021-2022.

The Badger is expected to return to Ludington by May 10.

"It is the priority of Lake Michigan Carferry and our parent company, Interlake Maritime Services, to keep the Badger in its best working condition," said Sara Spore, general manager of Lake Michigan Carferry. "Having these repairs done now will reduce interruptions to our summer sailing season and we are thankful for Interlake's commitment to assuring the Badger will sail reliably for many years to come."

About the SS Badger

The SS Badger operates between May and October as an auto and passenger ferry. It is also capable of transporting commercial vehicles. The ship is the last steamship to operate on the Great Lakes and is a registered National Landmark. The Badger is owned and operated by Lake Michigan Carferry, a subsidiary of Interlake Maritime Services, the largest shipping company on the Great Lakes.

The 2025 sailing season begins Friday, May 16. To reserve tickets, visit ssbadger.com or call 800-841-4243 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ET).

Address

701 Maritime Drive
Ludington, MI
49431

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A Legacy on the Lake Since 1953

The S.S. 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. The 410ft. S.S. 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 Famous Badger Bingo, free movies, lounge areas and designated quiet space, a kid’s play area, onboard gift shop, game room, private staterooms, two separate food service areas, two bars that includes a Bloody Mary bar, and sprawling outside decks for lounging or walking. 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. A trip aboard the S.S. 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 has been awarded Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor for 5 consecutive years and has a five star rating with Travelocity! 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 Ludington, MI and Manitowoc, WI. For additional information, call (800) 841-4243 or visit www.ssbadger.com