Taking a trip on the SS Badger? Here's our list of things to do in Manitowoc and Ludington
Look no further! Here's our list of activities to do once you exit the ferry.
Passengers can bring cars onto the ferry, which, of course, will give them many more options of where and what to do in each city.
We'll keep our list to things folks can do on foot, after taking the four-hour cruise across Lake Michigan. This is not an inclusive list, but should be a good start!
The S.S. Badger's season runs through Oct. 12, and its overnight cruises run through Sept. 1. Learn more or make a reservation at https://ssbadger.com/.
Dine outdoors: These are our picks for great outdoor dining in Manitowoc and Two Rivers
Things to do in Ludington, Michigan
Here are some things to do in Ludington, Michigan, a city with a population of 7,597 that's a nearly four-hour drive from Detroit:
Check out Waterfront Park — Nestled between two marinas and the car ferry dock, this family-friendly park has a playground and picnic tables near the small Pere Marquette Lake. Take a walk along the pathways to see nine bronzed sculptures and come back at night for summer concerts.
Walk to a variety of restaurants — These include Blu Moon Bistro, Brenda's Harbor Café, Jamesport Brewing Company, Ludington Bay Brewing Company or the Q Smokehouse on South James Street.
Relax on the 2,500-foot sandy beach at Sterns Park — Swim, build a sandcastle, swim and enjoy the view of the North Breakwater Light. The park also has a mini-golf course.
Visit the North Breakwater Light — The North Breakwater Light is open for tours this season through Sept. 28. You can walk up the 53 steps in the light's building to the top for great lake views.
Step back in time at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum — Learn about the area's rich history with Lake Michigan. Located in the former U.S. Coast Guard station, visitors can 'pilot' the famed ferry Pere Marquette 22, meet holograms of captains Nels Palmer and Wallace Van Dyke, and experience other interactive exhibits.
Walk a few blocks to Ludington's downtown — Shop, dine and enjoy summertime events in the city's downtown. You can find gift shops, jewelry shops, and consignment and vintage shops, art and photo galleries, and more.
Most Treasured View: Mariners Trail in Manitowoc County is the region's Most Treasured View, reader poll finds
Things to do in Manitowoc
Here are some things to do in Manitowoc, a city with a population of 34,568 that's an approximately hour-and-a-half drive from Milwaukee:
Visit the Wisconsin Maritime Museum — Learn about the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. Learn about sailors, shipbuilders and submariners who made history. And take a tour through the World War II submarine the USS Cobia.
Check out the Rahr-West Museum — About half mile away from the Badger dock, located inside a beautiful 19th-century Victorian mansion that extends into a 20th-century exhibition wing, works in the museum include a Picasso, a Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol and Mary Cassatt. Visitors can see a replica of a Sputnik fragment, which mysteriously fell to Earth and landed in Manitowoc just outside the museum. Exhibits rotate about eight times per year.
Visit one of the restaurants in downtown Manitowoc — These include Bricks Downtown Bar and Grill, Pizza Garden, Courthouse Pub and the Fat Seagull.
Listen to live music at The Wharf — The waterfront bar and restaurant has a large patio and bands playing throughout the summer.
Browse the downtown shops — These include Beerntsen's Confectionary, Basil's Sustainable Goods, graced, Heart & Homestead, Phenomenal Love and The Wild Iris Gifts & Botanicals.
Join a Manitowoc Shore Segway Tour — Open for two to nine guests and reservations are required ahead of time. On your glide you'll enjoy scenic views of the long coastline and explore the historic downtown district. Find more details at https://glidenew.com/product/manitowoc-segway-tour/.
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: Taking the SS Badger? Here's what you can do in Manitowoc & Ludington.
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