Sunday, August 19, 2018

Trip Report: SS Badger Wisconsin To Michigan

Saturday was spent doing one of those bucket list trips!
The S.S. Badger is the last of what was at one time many steam ships operating on the Great Lakes.
Traveling between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan twice daily in each direction during the summer, the S.S. Badger was built in the 1950's and looks its age!
Manitowoc, Wisconsin is a quaint town near Green Bay and served as the starting point of my journey. Anheuser-Busch has a large brewery here with tours available.
I was one of the youngest passengers on board so that will give you an idea of who this attracts! Actually, there were quite a few college students on board too. The crossing takes 4 hours each way and cabins are available for an extra charge. There is a snack bar, small cafeteria and Badger Bingo to pass the time but no music.
On approach: the white gold cliffs of Dover Michigan!
And sailing from Lake Michigan into Ludington harbor.
I had less than 2 hours to explore the town but I'd recommend over-nighting in one of the many hotels and motels available here. The S.S. Badger is a ferry so you can also bring your car!
Bar-hopping is definitely an option in Ludington. Fusion Bistro has a cool rooftop.
A live band would be playing later on Saturday night at Sand Bar.
I bet the DJ at Alley Bar would have been a lot of fun last night!
Jamesport Brewing Co. had a large crowd inside!
The nicest place seemed to be Ludington Bay Brewing Company which had a crowded outdoor patio. The tourist season is relatively short this far north but the summers are so pleasant compared to our "3 months of misery" in Florida!
Soon it was time to re-board for the nighttime sailing back to Wisconsin.
And a good time was had by all!

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