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701 Maritime Dr, Ludington, MI 49431
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Well after a couple of comfortable hours winding our way through wonderful Wisconsin, it was time to return to marvelous Michigan. So, we along with Steve the RV made a b-line for well, a big boat.
If you’re looking for a fast, fascinating and fun way to get across Lake Michigan, The S. S. Badger is your best bet.
It’s a 410-foot long ship that’s the largest ferry ever to sail Lake Michigan … and it’s the only coal-fired steamship still operating in the entire United States.
Onboard you’ll find buffets for feeding, lounges for loitering, deck space for site seeing … heck, they even offer private staterooms for private statesmen like me. The four-hour trip takes you from Manitowoc, Wisconsin straight across to Ludington Michigan and saves you hours and hours of driving time around this massive lake.
Now, to make sure Jim, Eric, Steve and I adhere to all the relevant maritime rules and regulations … (and to get a free visit to the bridge) … I checked in with capable Captain John Kangaroo.
After a cool conversation with the captain … we got to climb down, down and I mean down into the engine room to see these huge coal-fired steam engines at work. And speaking of work … the magnificent men who keep these massive machines moving forward deserve our thanks and respect. It’s hot down here … and keeping these fires burning and this colossal ship churning is quite a sight to see and feel.
Honestly, this trip was so much fun that even if you don’t need to get around the lake … the S. S. Badger is a mini cruise, you might wanna take. We had a blast getting on, being on, and even getting off the ship. And Steve slept the whole way … bonus!