Badger Tales: Cherished childhood memories on the Badger

Some of my most treasured childhood memories center around my family’s summer pilgrimages from Manitowoc to Ludington aboard the S.S. Badger. Excitement would build for the adventure ahead as we watched our car roll onto the deck.  I’ll never forget my dad’s cheerful ritual of knocking on our state room door, calling out “Ludington, Ludington!” to wake us as we approached the harbor. The lighthouse stood as a beacon of summer joy! Some of my favorite memories include learning to play shuffleboard, spending countless hours enjoying Bass Beach, watching my grandparents play a spirited tennis match at Summit Park, munching on Michigan cherries, Bortell’s, and Wimpy burgers from Sportman’s Restaurant & Bar. And I certainly cannot forget the House of Flavors, a perfect reward after a day of adventures.

Though my parents have since passed, their legacy lives on through those cherished memories. I now have a family of my own that gets to experience the same sights that captivated me as a child.  The connection runs so deep that I chose to permanently honor these memories with a tattoo of the S.S. Badger and the North Breakwater Lighthouse on my arm- a testament to how this special place has shaped who I am.

The S.S. Badger has been more than just transportation; it has been the gateway to countless family stories and traditions. Thank you for being an integral part of my childhood.

Jane Golberg

Janesville, Wisconsin

The Badger sets sail on May 16, 2025! Reserve your Lake Michigan adventure at www.ssbadger.com; 1-800-841-4243 Mon-Fri 9a-4p ET. #badgerferry

Tell us your Badger tales, email ralway@ssbadger.com