S.S. Badger returns to Manitowoc for 2025 season
The 410-foot, coal-powered ship is a huge piece of Manitowoc’s tourism economy
MANITOWOC — The S.S. Badger made its return from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc on Friday, officially kicking off the 2025 sailing season.
The 410-foot, coal-powered S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Car Ferry is a huge piece of Manitowoc’s tourism economy. “Each sail can bring up to 600 passengers to the city of Manitowoc; that’s up to 1,200 people a day, and more when night sails resume later this summer,” said Courtney Hansen, Director of Tourism. “Our businesses, from attractions to coffee shops and boutique to restaurants, flourish with the influx of Badger passengers each day during the sailing season.”
A maiden voyage celebratory event was held to welcome the ship back to its western port. The festivities included a performance by the Lincoln High School Band, LondonDairy Alpacas, local food trucks, and local elementary school students with homemade welcome signs. Event attendees enjoyed free Hartman’s Bakery treats courtesy of Visit Manitowoc. The Lakeshore Red Hatters greeted passengers as they disembarked.
Serving as a short cut and one-of-a-kind experience, the S.S. Badger will continue to operate daily through October 12th. Regular overnight crossings begin June 20th and end September 1st. In addition to the sailings between Ludington and Manitowoc, there are four Manitowoc shoreline cruise dates scheduled in June, July and August.
For more information, visit ssbadger.com.
Follow WKTS News on Facebook and X for the latest local news.