SS Badger
05-08-19, 07:12 PM
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SS Badger
Just tossing this out for anyone contemplating Wisconsin to Michigan or the other way around. The Badger is an alternative. I first took it years ago, bird hunting in the western-U.P. Back then, the primary purpose was rail car ferrying across the lake. Autos were secondary, if there was room.
Took my grandsons on it from Sheboygan to Ludington. They, meh, me a nostalgic journey.
Worth consideration.
https://www.ssbadger.com
Took my grandsons on it from Sheboygan to Ludington. They, meh, me a nostalgic journey.
Worth consideration.
https://www.ssbadger.com
05-08-19, 09:25 PM
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It is a great option! The only coal fired steamer on the Great Lakes. The S.S. Badger is on the National Historic Register.
05-09-19, 06:34 AM
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Just tossing this out for anyone contemplating Wisconsin to Michigan or the other way around. The Badger is an alternative. I first took it years ago, bird hunting in the western-U.P. Back then, the primary purpose was rail car ferrying across the lake. Autos were secondary, if there was room.
Took my grandsons on it from Sheboygan to Ludington. They, meh, me a nostalgic journey.
Worth consideration.
Ludington MI To Manitowoc WI SS Badger People & Car Ferry
Took my grandsons on it from Sheboygan to Ludington. They, meh, me a nostalgic journey.
Worth consideration.
Ludington MI To Manitowoc WI SS Badger People & Car Ferry
I believe the Badger runs Manitowoc-Lundington (not Sheboygan).
05-09-19, 08:18 AM
#4
Jedi Master
We took the Badger for the Mac & Cheese 1,200k last summer from Manitowoc to Ludington, then rode through the UP back to our cars from Ludington to Manitowoc.
05-09-19, 10:41 AM
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You are correct. We had spent several days in Chicago, then drove up to Sheboygan for several days. On departure day we drove up to Manitowoc to catch the Badger. My mistake.
05-10-19, 07:34 PM
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Never rode the Badger, but rode the ferries quite a bit, in the Seattle area. I love going out on deck, with the wind trying to knock you around. 😁
05-12-19, 09:09 PM
#7
Newbie
I also took the Badger on a big loop tour I did a few years ago. It was a really fun break from pedaling, and there is a really good maritime museum in Manitowoc. They let me put my loaded bike in their lobby so I could visit without worry. I highly recommend the ferry.
05-13-19, 10:01 AM
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Just know if it stops running for whatever reasons, you might be stuck there for a few days until it is back and operational, so it isn't the best choice for schedule intensive trips. That foiled my one attempt to use it.
05-13-19, 11:49 AM
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I never got stuck on one for a few days, lol, but a few hours is bad enough. Not long after 911, they started getting way more careful about mass transit, and "random inspections" of ferries was part of that. Usually, no big deal, but moving trucks & the like, drew more attention, and more involved inspections.
05-13-19, 11:57 AM
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I never got stuck on one for a few days, lol, but a few hours is bad enough. Not long after 911, they started getting way more careful about mass transit, and "random inspections" of ferries was part of that. Usually, no big deal, but moving trucks & the like, drew more attention, and more involved inspections.
I just cancelled my reservation and drove, but that is a bit harder with a bike!
05-14-19, 07:30 PM
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I took it from Ludington a couple of years ago as part of my yearly bike tour. Really cool.
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