S.S. Badger Lake Michigan car ferry kicks off its sailing season in Manitowoc May 16
The public is invited to attend the maiden voyage celebration to welcome the popular Lake Michigan car ferry as it makes its return from Ludington, Michigan, to Manitowoc.
The S.S. Badger soon will be making its way back from Door County. The ferry was placed into dry dock this spring for repairs. The 410-foot ship headed to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay in April for a propeller shaft bearing repair and is expected to return to Michigan soon.
Read more: Couple from across Lake Michigan meet on the SS Badger car ferry and now have a family
Opening-day festivities will take place at 11:30 a.m. May 16 at the car ferry dock at 900 S. Lakeview Drive in Manitowoc.
Festivities will include special guests and entertainment, including the Lincoln High School marching band; alpacas from LondonDairy Alpacas; the Red Hatters; and local elementary school students.
Lunch will be available for purchase from area food trucks, including China Wok Bubble Tea, Nina's Pita Hut and Vue's Thai Street Food. There will also be free Hartman's Bakery treats courtesy of Visit Manitowoc while supplies last.
The S.S. Badger will operate from May 16 through Oct. 12. Regular overnight crossings begin June 20 and end Sept. 1.
In addition to the sailings between Ludington and Manitowoc, four Manitowoc shoreline cruise dates are scheduled along Lake Michigan — in the afternoon on June 14, July 19, Aug. 2 and Aug. 16.
What's it like to ride the Badger? Ride aboard SS Badger a throwback to bygone era
For more information, schedules or to buy tickets, visit ssbadger.com or call 800-841-4243.
Contact reporter Patti Zarling at pzarling@gannett.com or call 920-606-2575. Follow her on X @PGPattiZarling, on Instagram @PGPatti and on Bluesky @PGPatti.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: SS Badger Lake Michigan car ferry: When does 2025 season start, end?
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