2025 Season Begins with New Improvements
2024, BADGER, CROSSINGS, FERRY
LUDINGTON, Mich. – After a busy off season, the much-anticipated start of the SS Badger’s season is only days away. With several noticeable upgrades for 2025, the Badger will kick off her 72nd year when she officially sets sail on Friday, May 16.
The ship will depart from Ludington, MI at 9 a.m. (ET) and is expected to arrive at Manitowoc, WI at noon (CT). She will then depart Manitowoc at 2 p.m. local time and arrive back in Ludington at 7 p.m. local time.
Passengers will see – and even taste — the improvements aboard the 410-foot-long cross lake ferry that is beloved in her port communities supporting tourism, trade and adventure among visitors and locals. Most visible is a completely rebuilt loading apron at the Badger’s Ludington dock.
Prior to the 2024 sailing season, two counterweights, which support the apron, were replaced and a second phase to the project, the apron deck itself has also been replaced. Vehicles and commercial trucks are loaded and unloaded from the stern of the ship. The ship backs into its dock and the apron, attached to shore, is lifted and lowered to connect to the ship, thus the massive counterweights. Both the counterweights and apron were built by the Pere Marquette Railway in 1930, 23 years prior to the Badger’s maiden voyage.
Crews from Al Bufka Construction of Manistee, MI have spent the last nine months rebuilding the apron, which has included removing railroad rails still attached. The repairs are part of the commitment of Interlake Maritime Services, owner of Lake Michigan Carferry, to preserve and promote the Badger’s continued legacy on the Lakes.
“The new apron decking will provide an enhanced loading and unloading process for vehicles,” said Sara Spore, general manager of Lake Michigan Carferry and Interlake’s ferry operations. “This project was a multi-year investment, and we are grateful for Interlake’s commitment to assuring the Badger will sail for many years to come.”
The new season also brings greater culinary offerings. “We have listened to our passengers and are providing some new options to make their cruise an even more enjoyable experience,” said Wesley Paggeot, Lake Michigan Carferry director of hospitality. The Badger Galley will feature stadium-style concessions and more healthy options such as salads, fruit and vegetable cups, and fresh sandwiches. To satisfy the sweet tooth, passengers can cool off with an assortment of ice cream treats.
New this season to the Upper Deck Cafe will be full meals featuring baked chicken breast, beef tips and gravy and good old-fashioned meatloaf. All entrees come with a choice of two sides or one soup plus a soft drink. The Upper Deck Cafe will also feature some of its traditional meals including a full breakfast, hamburgers, and other hot sandwiches.
The Cabana Room will offer a full bar that will feature a variety of adult beverages while a coffee bar will serve whole bean coffee ground for each cup. All ships’ bars will also feature new signature drinks as well.
Some Badger passengers who choose to rent a stateroom on their Lake Michigan voyage may notice some updates. Over the winter, the process of renovating several staterooms began, which included completely rebuilding the steel floor bases of the rooms. “Rebuilding the staterooms is a long-term commitment by Lake Michigan Carferry,” Spore said. “We have made an effort to keep the retro-1950s look and feel of the rooms, however.”
Returning for another season of sailing will be captains Michael Martin and Ed Wiltse. Both are seasoned captains with many years of experience.
The SS Badger’s 2025 sailing season will also include regular overnight crossings from June 20 to Sept. 1. The regular season of Lake Michigan’s largest cross lake ferry is May 16 to Oct. 12. Overnight sailings departing Ludington will leave at 8:45 p.m. (ET) Thursday through Tuesday, arriving in Manitowoc at 11:45 p.m. (CDT). Overnight sailings departing Manitowoc will leave at 1:30 a.m. (CT) Friday through Wednesday, arriving in Ludington at 6:30 a.m. (ET).
Passengers are asked to check the Badger’s website, ssbadger.com, for additional information on overnight sailings.
To reserve tickets visit ssbadger.com or call 800-841-4243 Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET).