This season marks the 60^th Anniversary of the S.S. Badger! Celebrate this milestone and experience a piece of history by taking a ride on the S.S. Badger.  It is the largest car ferry to ever sail in Lake Michigan and is the only coal-fired steamship remaining in operation in the U.S. today.  Built in 1952, it began service on March 21, 1953 and was nicknamed the “Queen of the Lakes” because of its superior services. The “Badger” operated year round carrying primarily railroad freight cars until 1990, which is when the steamship docked in Ludington for what was thought to be the last time.

Remarkably, in 1991 the late Charles Conrad purchased the S.S. Badger.  He successfully reinvented the steamship to carry leisure passengers and their vehicles.  Amenities include: private guest staterooms, a museum, a gift shop, several lounge areas for relaxing; two dining options- the Upper Deck Café which is buffet style, and Badger Galley which offers deli-style snacks; two bars- the Upper Deck and the Port Side serving up cold drinks; and a couple of children areas which include a video arcade, and the KidsPort Play Area.

S.S. Badger accolades include:

• 1996 National Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• 1997 Registered Historic Site by both the Michigan and Wisconsin Historical Commission
• 1997 Michigan Centennial Business by the Historical Society of Michigan
• 2002 Ship of the Year by the Steamship Historical Society of America
• 2009 National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior

The S.S. Badger now sails daily from May to October, between the ports of Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan.  The trip is 60 miles each way and takes approximately 4 hours. It has a capacity of up to 600 passengers and 180 vehicles.

The S.S. Badger offers travelers unique packages, which include the annual Shoreline Cruises for dining and sightseeing, and the Badger B&B, which is a unique autumn opportunity for travelers to stay overnight on the ship.  For more information please visit their website: http://www.ssbadger.com/