Lake Michigan Ferry: My SS Badger Adventure + Should You Take the Ferry or Just Drive?
So, you’re thinking about crossing Lake Michigan by ferry? I totally get it! There’s something pretty cool about the idea of floating across one of the Great Lakes instead of driving around it for hours.
I recently took the SS Badger ferry from Michigan to Wisconsin, and let me tell you—it was quite the experience. Plus, I’ve got some real talk about motion sickness and whether this whole ferry thing is worth your money.
This guide will break down the pros and cons of both options, featuring a first-hand account of a journey on the S.S. Badger, to help you decide whether to set sail or stay on four wheels.
Your Lake Michigan Ferry Options: Two Very Different Boats
Here’s something I didn’t know before I started planning: you’ve actually got two ferry options for crossing Lake Michigan, and they’re totally different experiences.
SS Badger: The Vintage Steamship Experience
The SS Badger is like stepping back in time—this thing has been chugging across Lake Michigan since 1953! It runs between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and honestly, it’s more like a floating museum than just transportation.
The whole trip takes about 4 hours. Yeah, 4 hours! But here’s the thing—it’s pretty fun once you get into it. This boat can take your car, your motorcycle, or just you if you’re traveling on foot.
The coolest part? SS Badger is a National Historic Landmark and the last coal-fired passenger steamship in the U.S. So yeah, you’re basically riding a piece of history.
The Lake Express : The High-Speed Alternative
For those short on time, the Lake Express high-speed catamaran offers a quicker alternative.
It connects Muskegon, Michigan, with Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in just two and a half hours. This modern ferry is a great option if your priority is to minimize travel time and maximize your time at your destination.
Quick comparison : SS Badger vs Lake Express
| Feature | SS Badger | Lake Express |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing Time | 4 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Route | Ludington, MI ↔ Manitowoc, WI | Milwaukee, WI ↔ Muskegon, MI |
| Vibe | Historic steamship experience | Modern, efficient transportation |
| Price Range | One-way adult $86 + Vehicle $99 | One-way adult $114.50 + Vehicle $124 |
| Motion/Stability | More noticeable movement | Better stabilization |
| Onboard Time | Lots to do – dining, bingo, movies | Shorter trip, fewer activities |
| Best For | Experience seekers, history buffs | Time-conscious travelers |
My SS Badger Adventure
Why We Picked the Morning Departure
The SS Badger has two departure times from Ludington, MI, and we went with the 9:00 AM sailing. Here’s why: we wanted to actually see Lake Michigan! The 8:30 PM departure is cheaper, but you’re basically traveling in the dark and missing all the scenery. If you’re doing this for the experience, trust me—pay the extra money for the morning trip.
Getting There: The Early Bird Reality
They tell you to arrive an hour early, so we rolled up to the Ludington terminal at 8:00 AM. Plot twist: we were definitely not the first ones there! Lots of people had already arrived and were lined up. The staff was super organized though—they gave us all the info about boarding and where to park.
Here’s something weird that caught me off guard: you don’t drive your car onto the ferry. You need to leave your keys in your car, and the clues drive all the cars on board. I mean, I get it for safety reasons, but it felt strange just leaving my car keys and walking away!
After a quick security check (nothing too intense), we finally boarded this massive old ship.
First Impressions: This Boat is HUGE
Walking onto the SS Badger was pretty cool. It’s old-school but well-maintained, and there’s way more to do than I expected:
- A full cafeteria
- Gift shop
- Movie theater playing family movies
- Kids’ play area
- Multiple decks for checking out the views
- Museum
We jumped into a bingo game pretty early on, which was actually fun even though we didn’t win anything. It’s a good way to kill time and meet other passengers.
Entertainment and Connectivity
Fair warning: WiFi costs $8, which seems a bit much, but whatever. Most people came prepared with books, card games, downloaded movies, or just planned to nap.
Pro tip: if you want one of those comfy lounge chairs near the front where you can actually lie down, grab one as soon as you board because they fill up fast.
The 4-hour crossing sounds long, but honestly, it goes by pretty quickly when you’re exploring the ship, eating, playing games, or just chilling on deck.
Getting Off: The Waiting Game
Here’s the one thing that was kind of annoying: when we got to Manitowoc, we had to wait like 20-30 minutes for our car. Remember how the crew drove all the cars on? Well, they drive them all off, too, one by one. It’s not the end of the world, but other ferries let you get your own car, which would definitely be faster.
Ferry vs. Driving: Let’s Talk Numbers
Time Breakdown
SS Badger:
- 4-hour crossing
- 1-hour early arrival
- 30 minutes waiting for your car
- Total: About 5.5 hours
Lake Express:
- 2.5-hour crossing
- 30-45 minutes early arrival
- Faster car pickup
- Total: About 3.5-4 hours
Driving around the lake:
- 280-350+ miles depending on which route you’re comparing
- 5-7 hours of actual driving
- Total: 5-7 hours behind the wheel
So time-wise, it’s pretty close!
Cost Breakdown
SS Badger (2025 prices):
- Car + driver: $86 (Driver) + $99 (Car)
- Extra adults: $86 each
- Total for car + 2 people: Around $271
Lake Express (2025 prices):
- Car + driver: $114.5 (Driver) + $124 (Car)
- Extra adults: $114.5 each
- Total for car + 2 people: Around $353
Just driving:
- Gas: $35-60 (depending on your car and current gas prices)
- Maybe an overnight stay: $100+
- Total: $35-160
Yeah, driving is definitely cheaper!
At a Glance: Ferry vs. Drive
| Option | Key Benefit | Potential Drawback | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S.S. Badger | Nostalgic, relaxing, scenic journey with lots of onboard activities. | Longer crossing time (4 hours), valet car parking, can be pricier. | ||
| Lake Express | Fast and efficient, cutting down travel time significantly. | Less of a “cruise” experience, fewer onboard amenities. | ||
| Driving | Complete flexibility, control over your schedule, potentially lower cost. | Much longer travel time, potential for traffic and fatigue. | ||
Motion Sickness: The Real Talk You Need
Okay, let’s be honest about this because it’s a big deal for some people. Lake Michigan is a massive lake that can get pretty choppy, and the SS Badger definitely moves around.
What I Experienced
During our crossing, the motion was noticeable enough that walking around was tricky at times. It wasn’t terrible at all, but it wasn’t smooth sailing either. If you get carsick easily, you should probably be prepared. When I was sitting on the seat, I could enjoy reading, but when we looked around on the ship, I felt uncomfortable sometimes…
How to Deal With It
Before you get on:
- Take some Dramamine or whatever motion sickness meds work for you (do this 30-60 minutes before boarding)
- Don’t eat a huge meal right before
- Get a good night’s sleep—being tired makes it worse
Once you’re on board:
- Stay on the lower levels where there’s less motion
- Sit in the middle of the ship if possible
- If you go on deck, look at the horizon
- Skip the reading if you start feeling queasy
- Stay hydrated but maybe skip the alcohol
The Final Verdict
So, should you ferry or drive? (You already know the biggest downside is the price!)
- Choose the ferry if: You want to turn your travel day into a memorable part of your vacation. It’s a relaxing, scenic, and unique way to experience the Great Lakes, saving you from the stress of a long drive.
- Choose to drive if: You’re all about the journey and want the freedom to explore at your own pace. It can be a more budget-friendly option and allows you to pack your car with everything you need for your adventure.
Quick FAQ
Q: How rough does it actually get? A: You’ll definitely feel the boat moving on most days. Even when it’s relatively calm, there’s motion. Check weather conditions if you’re worried.
Q: Is the extra cost worth it? A: If you’re looking for an experience and not just transportation, probably yes. For pure budget travel, driving wins. This time, we bought an experience of a “mini-cruise” on Lake Michigan.
Q: What if the weather’s bad? A: They do cancel trips sometimes for safety. They’ll usually give you advance notice and help reschedule.
Q: Can I hang out in my car during the trip? A: Nope! You have to stay in the passenger areas. Your car is locked away on the car deck.
Bottom line
Crossing Lake Michigan by ferry is pretty cool, whether you choose the historic SS Badger experience or the speedy Lake Express.
Just know what you’re getting into with the motion and cost, and you’ll have a great time!
Are you interested in traveling Upper Peninsula, Michigan? Read my blog page: Unforgettable Michigan Upper Peninsula Summer Travel & Mackinac Island
