The S.S. Badger comes into port at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on Sunday, May 22, 2022. 1,180 cubic miles in volume, making it the second-largest of the Great Lakes in The S.S. Badger Ferry helped us take a shortcut across Lake Michigan on our recent trip from Michigan to Minnesota. Lake Michigan Carferry | LinkedIn This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Many roads on our Great Lakes Shoreline Tour are literally feet from the water. There are camping opportunities in each one of these states. However, in 1991, an entrepreneur named Charles Conrad committed his own financial resources to reinvent the S.S. Badger to carry leisure passengers and their vehicles. Short Ferry hop! Make sure to jump on the six-month reservation window to secure a camping spot, particularly on weekends. Keep an eye out for maximum RV and trailer width and length as well. expansive shoreline and prevalence of beaches. Inside, the ship offers bingo, movies, a arcade, TV and even satellite Internet Wi-Fi. July 17, 2014at7:19 am, Southeast Keith said: Welcome to Michigan. You think $100 is expensive? Please note, vehicle prices do not include the driver or any additional passengers. And it was a great alternative to one more interstate and lots of traffic. Otherwise, the views of the wide open fresh water is a great reason to sit out on the deck. Check ourGroup Travelpagefor information on special group discounts. Bring your rig and take the relaxing S.S. Badger shortcut across Lake Michigan. Coolers must be left on the luggage cart or in a vehicle. Look at the screens behind them -- that's where you can see the boat's progress across the lake. Are new or used RVs better for you? The modern campground has 153 campsites. Complimentary pet kennels for cats and dogs are available on a first come, first serve basis. To ride in the classic cabin (which is just like, equivalent to a basic economy ticket on an airplane; nothing special is built in), its $99.50 for an adult, one-way, or $169 roundtrip. Outside food and coolers of any size are not permitted. The Classic Cabin offers spacious general seating for the whole family in a variety of configurations including first class airline-style seating and a large section of table seating, all in a climate controlled cabin featuring wide walkways and easy access to outdoor decks. The steamship ferry, named the SS Badger, takes about four hours to cross the lake and actually allows you to keep pets in your RV. Please note that pet kennels must be reserved with your reservation. We break down everything you need to know about buying a new or used RV. And its even more if youre hauling a trailer, so you can check the website if youre really curious about those details. Ive taken my Popular 190. The Premier Cabin of the Lake Express is well suited for the traveler who wishes to mix work and travel, or for the traveler who enjoys an extra level of service on board. Check out the historic town with a guided or self-guided tour. We heard British accents as well as German spoken by fellow passengers and at least two families were Mennonite or Amish. Mount Randall has electrical hook-ups, modern bathhouses, and a gift shop that sell souvenirs and camping essentials. Bright and early on a Wednesday morning, our Roadtrek motorhome backed aboard the SS Badger, the largest car ferry steamship in the Great Lakes, measuring over 410 feet and able to hold 180 vehicles and 600 passengers. Posted on Last updated: December 27, 2022, Home Camping Destinations Lake Michigan Camping Trip & Circle Tour Itinerary. Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Through the years went back and forth many times both driving and on the ferry. We are unable to transport any other animals or livestock. document.getElementById("copyright_year").innerHTML = new Date().getFullYear(); When it comes to RV travel, having the right windows can make all the difference. July 16, 2014at10:23 am, Patsy Travis said: Copyright 2023 RV Lifestyle. We welcome visitors and would love for you to explore miles and miles of picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline. It was also a much faster process than you might imagine -- loading onto the ferry, unloading, and dealing with a vehicle, as mentioned. Premiere seats, for what its worth, will run you $121 one-way or $215 roundtrip (this is kind of like first class). Wide and extra wide vehicles are subject to a surcharge. Pets may stay in the During the winter, polar night occurs, when the sun does not rise for several months. Because the ferry can experience waves and tidal movement, don't try to hit that maximum. Lake Michigan Car Ferry - Ferry Across Lake Michigan - Destination 360 The maximum height for an RV is 13 ft and the maximum length is approximately 70 ft. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. View the bottom of this crystal clear spring through the open windows of the platform. Indiana Dunes National Park spreads across 15 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline. To see what there is to do while aboard the ship, check out ourAmenitiespage. It is a significant investment, would cost about $170 for a round trip. And it sounded like an adventure that I simply couldn't pass up. Numerous hiking trails and overlooks are spread throughout the park. However, there are plenty of lighthouses, seabirds, whales, and other ship traffic to watch while on deck or inside the comfortable lounge areas. Gift cards are available in any denomination and can be used towards tickets for travel any time. , Buying an RV is not a decision that should be made on impulse alone. Without even knowing, everything was so well taken care of -- from the passenger boarding to the vehicle placement in the ship/barge. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. With little railroad freight business left, and without ever tapping into the opportunity to serve the needs of the vacation traveler, the Badger sailed from Wisconsin to Ludington and tied up for the last time in November 1990 signaling the end of the century-old tradition of car ferry service on Lake Michigan. It was built in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and named for Take a rest from the ride and relax as you cross the lake. There is even a small museum telling about the ship. My kids, Analisa, 5, and Robby, 3. To see what there is to do while aboard the ship, check out our Amenities page. Whatever the reason is, these ferries do exist -- there are two of them that I considered for a recent vacation -- and Im here to report back and confirm the entire experience is incredibly cool. Without even knowing, everything was so well taken care of -- from the passenger boarding to the vehicle placement in the ship/barge. and makes almost 500 trips during its operations from May through October. The Premier Cabin seating is limited to riders 12 years of age and older. FERRY ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN - Tripadvisor We took our own bikes and rode clockwise, making many stops along the way to check out many great views. The crossing was very pleasant for both of us and we met some interesting people on board. Here is where we suggest a slight deviation from Lake Michigan so that you can visit Mackinac Island. We stayed in spot 108 of the lakeside campground and have that spot reserved again in June. Leave the hassles of Chicago traffic congestion behind when you ride the Lake Express ferry. Not only does this ferry service make bringing your RV from North Cape May, New Jersey to Lewes, Delaware a breeze, but it saves nearly 200 miles of driving along the Atlantic Coast. Ferry Information for RVs. The decor is very old-fashioned, as is to be expected, but the look of the ship is charming in its own way. I loved it. Detroit Detroit-Windsor Truck Ferry, Inc. Visit Website Ludington Badger - Historic Lake Michigan Carferry Visit Website Charlevoix Biking around the island is so much fun. We circled Lake Michigan counterclockwise a few years ago, starting and ending in Illinois. Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display, The Best Portable Dog Fence for Camping (2023), 5 Best RV Backup Cameras for RV & Trailer. Michigan coast is often referred to as the Third Coast because of the The Alaska Ferries have closed all of their cocktail lounges. This is Lake Michigan, along US2 in the Upper Peninsula. Long bicycle rides are hard work - rest your muscles and take a break while you save some miles! Take a long walk along the beach or enjoy a game of volleyball. The ship is more than 400 feet long and built to haul 180 Built primarily to transport railroad freight cars, but with lots of passenger accommodations, the Badger reigned as Queen of the Lakes during the car ferries Golden Era in the late Fifties, with Manitowoc, Milwaukee, and Kewaunee as her Wisconsin ports of call. We'd left Wisconsin just a few minutes late but got to our destination right on time. My wife and I hopped on the S.S. Badger car/passenger ferry from Ludington MI to Manitowoc WI recently to spend a few days in Door County. From Newfoundland at San Anthony to Blanc Sablon across the Straits of Belle Isle .Serious North Atlantic waters..can be EXTREMELY rough going at times..It is an experience in and of itself.. See also: These 10 RV-Friendly Islands In The U.S. Are Perfect For Your Next Trip, These 10 RV-Friendly Islands In The U.S. Are Perfect For Your Next Trip, 10 RV Remodeling Secrets From A Professional. Badger - Historic Lake Michigan Carferry | Michigan Lake Michigan is one of the few Great Lakes that borders watching movies, playing bingo or testing their skill level in the arcade. Being the driver on a road trip is not easy. The Lake Express crosses Lake Michigan 4 times daily during its spring and summer schedule. I took the high-speed ferry across Lake Michigan - ClickOnDetroit Sometimes Im heading to Metro Detroit, sometimes its the west side of the state, and sometimes its Northern Michigan, but either way, that massive lake is just in the WAY, you know? Reservations are required from May 1 through October 15 and can be made 6 months in advance for both campgrounds. Over 2.5 million passengers served, connecting Manitowoc WI to Ludington MI. Left 1 1/2 late which made us late for our plans in Michigan. The ferry itself (Michelle Ganley/GMG photo). We were able to shave many miles and costs off by using the ferry to bridge Wisconsin to Michigan. Then resume the itinerary at Harrington Beach or Kohler-Andrae. Michigan (or vice versa) and returns daily from mid-May through October. To bring a vehicle on board is another expense. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. To see what there is to do while aboard the ship, check out ourAmenitiespage. The Lake If you do not want to cross our bridge, then check out this Lower Michigan Camping Itinerary. It's about a 2 1/2-hour ride, and although the price packs a punch . If traveling from another state, pets must have a health certificate not more than 30 days old. You dont have to get there too early, by the way -- the website recommends arriving about 45 minutes ahead of departure, just to be safe. Please call for same day reservations - 866.914.1010. The maximum height that most ferries can accommodate is 13 feet 9 inches. There is something exciting and romantic about boarding a ferry heading out to an island or even to another country. There are 468 campsites spread out over five campgrounds at this massive state park. The Lake Express makes two round trips a day during the spring and fall months and during the summer season there will be an additional round trip added to the schedule. How much does it cost to ride the SS Badger? We had virtually no wait to get on board. And it should save you from a traffic headache, thats for sure. July 16, 2014at10:37 pm, Lisa Gruner said: July 16, 2014at9:58 pm, Kathleen Roy said: July 16, 2014at9:34 pm, Dulce Eleazar said: July 16, 2014at7:35 pm, Heidi Munson Phelps said: Ive taken this ferry several times. Make sure to head over to the east side of the peninsula to Cave Point County Park and see the cliff jumping. There were areas to watch TV or movies, a quiet area with comfortable chairs, cafeteria where the "world renowned" games of Bingo were played amid light and enjoyable banter by the Bingo master. I loved it. When we pulled up to the terminal, feeling a little apprehensive about having never taken the ferry before and having young kids in tow, the staff was super helpful. On the day we crossed, it was about half full. Its about a 2 1/2-hour ride, and although the price packs a punch, my family finally tried it out this summer, and we found it to be well worth the cost. Theres ample seating, there are little tables where you can set up and have a snack or a meal (we did bring food and then ordered some more once we were about a hour into our trip, which was basic fare but fine), and you can even see where the boat is on its trek across Lake Michigan, like on a digital map. Again, like any international trip, make sure you have your passport and correct documentation. But its really neat! Check ourGroup Travelpagefor information on special group discounts. Leave Chicago out of your plans and get more out of your next ride. The Lake Michigan ferry Lake Express crosses Lake Michigan in 2-1/2 hours. Or should I head south from Milwaukee, cutting through Chicago, which always looks like a shorter trip on Google Maps, but comes with city traffic, seemingly endless construction (Im looking at you, Indiana), and almost guaranteed traffic jams? Manitowoc, WI. ), August 21 - October 22 2023 (7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. night trips 9/1 and 9/4). * note: reverse trikes and slingshots must reserve auto spaces. When you are driving an RV there is even more responsibility and attention needed. During the summer the buildings are open which include bathrooms, a gift shop, and numerous food opportunities. So, Ill share a little about my own circumstances, and answer some of the questions I got once we told our friends and family that we had booked the trip. While located 9 miles inland from the lake, the Big Spring of Kitch-iti-ipi is a MUST see! We took a family trip across on the SS Badger last Aug. Best route is north across Michigan's UP . Size is not a problem. But with a 3- and 5-year-old in tow, we thought it would be worth a try. On-the-Go Women, Experience Agency Skincare, A Travelers Guide to Trshavn, the Capital of the Faroe Islands, AC Hotel Madison Review: Marriott Delivers European Luxury in Wisconsin, Best Things to Do in the Faroe Islands, a Nordic Paradise, On-the-Go Fun: The 12 Best Travel Toys for 1-Year-Olds, 15 Best Tire Pressure Gauges to Keep in Your Car, Best Travel Purse for Europe: Our 17 Top Picks, 11 Best Sand Free Beach Blankets to Keep You Comfy and Clean While Outdoors. Wide and extra wide vehicles are subject to a surcharge. design, accommodating passengers is also a priority. 10 Best RV Campground Memberships & Clubs. Join the club! For example, the Alaskan and British Columbia ferry system maximum height for RVs is 13 feet to accommodate for boat movement. We liked it so much that we are returning this summer and staying in the exact same camping spot.Holland State Park offers two campgrounds: Beach and Lake Macatawa. The boat didnt feel like a mundane car ride. They just like to know what to expect. View ourSchedules & Farespageto see motorcycle rates. Sometimes, to really appreciate something, you have to immerse yourself in it. Crazy New Solution! We transport thousands of motorcycles each year, and have earned a reputation for taking good care of the riders AND their bikes. Most of the Michigan lakeshore in Illinois is industrial or municipal but there is a little tucked-away haven called Illinois Beach State Park. S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry - Tripadvisor The Lake Express ferry made history as the first high speed auto passenger ferry in the United States on June 1, 2004 when it re-established the historic Lake Michigan ferry route between Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Muskegon, Michigan. Ask Rose S about S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry, Ask Alice L about S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry, Ask 4emz about S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry, Ask NEToppy about S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry, Ask jillc51 about S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry, Ask CarolynL171 about S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry. Do You Really Need A Surge Protector For Your RV. Traveling as a group? I think we were right in that ballpark. The Premier Cabin seating is limited to riders 12 years of age and older. Seeing as it was our first time on the ferry, I couldnt justify roundtrip tickets (what if my kids hated it? and bar choices, shopping, and even a museum. Home | Work with Us | Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Join the Mod Squad. It sure beat pulling off the freeway every hour or so! Lake Michigan Carferry reserves the right to inspect all vehicles, luggage and carry-on items with explosive detection dogs. The ferry has food, wine, and beer sampling as well as live music. Passengers on the Lake Express have the option of traveling with or without their vehicles. The one-way cost is $66. It measures It is hard to get everything in on one trip. And docking in Muskegon was beautiful. We rode our bikes out to the beachside part of the state park and watched the sunset each night.There is so much to do in and around Holland, which is about 6 miles away. Bicycles The 42 sites are first-come, first-serve. You may be familiar with this island from the movie Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeves. Propane About us The S.S. Badger, the ship owned and operated by Lake Michigan Carferry offers the largest cross-lake passenger service on the Great Lakes and an authentic steamship experience. Fares for RVs is based on the length of the RV. There is free and safe parking at the ship's docks in Ludington, MI. Lake Michigan offers an expansive coastline that touches Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. They call you over a loudspeaker, by the way, when the boat is about to arrive at its destination. Theres a fresh sea breeze down there so heat is not an issue. Then take the ferry across Lake Michigan. Port Cities : S.S Badger The maximum height for an RV is 13 ft and the maximum length is approximately 70 ft. WI, I wanted to share with you the economic benefit the ferry served over the summers of 2018 & 2019. A SECRET Code? This discussion is proudly sponsored by: Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2 Thread Tools Search this Thread Platte River Campground is open year-round. RecPro. To the north is Kohler-Andrae State Park, which offers 137 campsites, 52 having electrical hookups. Lake Michigan Fast Ferry shortcut - Lake Express High Speed Ferry And then the ride across Lake Michigan was, as promised, 2 hours, 30 minutes. The views from the ship are mostly of open ocean, but you can pretend you are on a mini cruise with your RV close-by. Luggage was put in luggage cart boarding and was waiting for us at the dock when we got off. the ferry can accommodate all sizes of RVs. Ferries operating in Wisconsin - Wisconsin Department of Transportation After all, isnt enjoying the ride one of the perks of *Please note: All times are local, Central Time for Milwaukee, WI and Eastern Time for Muskegon, MI. There is also a wonderful gift store -- the Badger Boutique. Alaska Marine charges $25 per pet entering or exiting Alaska through Bellingham and $10 per pet through Prince Rupert. Rates effective 1/16/2023 and subject to change. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The SS Badger Lake Michigan Camping Trip & Circle Tour Itinerary - Let's Camp S'more Our Roadtrek was considered a van. We are using this little corner of the internet to make camping easier for you so that you can relax more and get the most of out each trip. So, its not exactly cheap. Alaskas heartland has wide expanses of tundra and North Americas tallest peak. A 20 to 22 foot RV (or vehicle/trailer combination) costs around $100 each way, but the views of the islands could be worth it. Read our, Ways to Experience S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry. We walked around a bit inside, kept busy, chatted with our neighbors and used the bathroom as much as my 5-year-olds little heart desired -- for her, its the experience. There are two main campgrounds in the park: Platte River and DH Day. We took the 8:30 AM crossing, arriving the night before and boondocking in the Roadtrek in the carferry parking lot in Ludington, MI. It went into , World War 2 is considered one of the worst wars in history, with large and small conflicts raging trip. Lake Michigan Camping Trip & Circle Tour Itinerary, The 51 TOP Blackstone Griddle Recipes for Camping. Gift cards are available in any denomination and can be used towards tickets for travel any time. Traveling in what is called the Shoulder Season, between May Take a rest from the ride and relax as you cross the lake. The state park at Indiana Dunes has 147 reservable campsites, 134 of which are electric. The 1,100 mile Lake Michigan Circle Tour route will take you through small towns and bustling cities, along miles of slow paced byways, past farm fields and roadside produce stands and lighthouses, and will help you build memories to last a lifetime. . If we had just driven? This It fills the horizon, as far as you can see in any direction, the only Great Lake entirely within the United States, touching the borders of four states. Sailing schedule updated 1/16/23 and subject to change. Traveling by motorcycle 3 years ago and renting a private stateroom with bath for 2 ran us about $2800! The ferryboat line suggests you call ahead to let them know youre coming, especially if you are traveling in an RV. When taking your RV onto a ferry, there are a few things to keep in mind. On the ferry across Lake Michigan, passengers can . If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. The trip took four hours from shore to shore, four relaxing, stress-free, very enjoyable hours. If In the engine room, the massive steam engines run so smooth you can balance a nickel on them. Even if you do not jump yourself, it is fun to watch others jump. July 17, 2014at12:52 pm, Rogene Danielson said: Went across on this 2years ago..played Bingo! Medical rates please call. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can be rented across the street from the Lake Macatawa campground. July 16, 2014at2:11 pm, Sandy Wagner Hinze said: Thanks for the info I will definitely look into it the next time that Im in that area. Enjoy a vacation around Americas third coast with this Circle Lake Michigan Camping Trip itinerary. While transporting vehicles was the primary purpose for Rates vary per vehicle, individuals and groups. Cost night trips. The SS Badger is a carferry service which makes runs across Lake Michigan from Ludington on Michigan's west coast to Manitowoc on Wisconsin's east coast and back. Suitable for any occasion, they come with a full-color greeting cardready to give! Camp, eat, and recreate on your own terms. it was launched in 1952. Be sure to read about the Badger history. Nothing beats a Michigan summer, and there are endless places to get away in Northern Michigan. We elected for one-way as we did some exploring down the Wisconsin coast and hit Illinois and Indiana. We actually moved by putting the moving truck on the ferry back then. Maybe another time! To really appreciate the size of Lake Michigan, you need to be in the middle of it. It is located on the northern side of Lake Michigan, where you can enjoy paddling or hiking. Three miles of sandy beach and the old buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps make for an interesting stay. Lake Express High Speed Ferry | Michigan Ferry Your RV Across Lake Michigan On The SSBadger Being the driver on a road trip is not easy. FERRY ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN Review of S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry Reviewed July 4, 2013 This was the first time I've ever taken a ferry across Lake Michigan. Avoid This! booking a spot on the SS Badger can shave off three hours and about 500 miles While on-board, pets must stay on the vehicle deck but can be visited, fed & given water at regular intervals. The nearby town of Ludington is a fun place to visit. The state park also has a six-month reservation window. Instead of getting wet in the lake, we crossed it in a huge ferry big enough to hold our RV and many more. The Dune Climb is up and over, down to Lake Michigan. The boarding process closes 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. The journey aboard the ferry was so worth it -- unique is a small word to describe the experience of the crossing on this historical ship.There's a lot to do on board -- games, movies,shopping, television and walking the ship. There are certain responsibilities every Offering the most daily crossings and record-setting speed, Lake Michigans high speed auto ferry offers a convenient and easy to use modern shortcut across Lake Michigan. Straights State Park is technically located in Lake Huron at the northern base of the Mackinac Bridge and offers amazing views of the Mackinac Bridge. You cant stay with your car; you leave it down below. This primitive campground is right on the shoreline. Thats when my husband took our keys and went down below to retrieve our vehicle. Plus, its an experience, right? I had been on the SS Badger once before about sixteen years ago and it was an enjoyable ride. Because the ferry can experience waves and tidal movement, dont try to hit that maximum. The ultimate RV ferry trip has got to be one of the Washington to Alaska trips aboard a ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway. The staff was so well organized.
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