Whilethe Cape May-Lewes Ferry ride is only 17 miles across the Delaware River and Delaware Bay, it might be one of the most fun and most convenient. service in the 1950s, was moored in 1990 and re-envisioned in 1991 for a new Hiking to the edge of the limestone cliffs affords amazing views of Lake Michigan. Suitable for any occasion, they come with a full-color greeting cardready to give! Reservations can be made six months in advance. These huge lakes offer beautiful views and boundless recreation opportunities. Hit the open road in safety and comfort when you enjoy the Lake Michigan shortcut between the home of Harley-Davidson and the scenic roads of West Michigan. Modern comfort on Lake Michigans fast ferry. Go figure. Lake Michigan Camping Trip & Circle Tour Itinerary - Let's Camp S'more Thirty minutes North of Warren Dunes is the Saint Joseph lighthouse. Camp, eat, and recreate on your own terms. Water is all around you and the shorelines disappear. It is located on the northern side of Lake Michigan, where you can enjoy paddling or hiking. All Rights Reserved. Our round trip experience was most enjoyable. What is there to do aboard the SS Badger? We took our own bikes and rode clockwise, making many stops along the way to check out many great views. This was the first time I've ever taken a ferry across Lake Michigan. A fuel surcharge of $9.00 will be added to the base fare for each passenger and vehicle crossing ($9.00 per one-way ticket, $18.00 per roundtrip). 0. Phew. There are kennels for pets down in the vehicle parking area but most people chose to do what we did, crack a window and leave their pets in their vehicle. Wide and extra wide vehicles are subject to a surcharge. With the addition of evening sailings during its summer schedule, the Lake Express makes 6 Lake Michigan crossings daily during the height of the summer travel season. There are great restaurants and shopping. The maximum height that most ferries can accommodate is 13 feet 9 inches. We have included some attractions and opportunities for you to do along the way.If you only have one or two weeks off work, see our recommended Lake Michigan road trip plans at the bottom of the post.Please note: Entry fees or passes are required for most of the national and state properties that we recommend. Because the ferry can experience waves and tidal movement, dont try to hit that maximum. OK Ferry. Being the driver on a road trip is not easy. This park is divided into north and south sections. Rates effective 1/16/2023 and subject to change. Please call for same day reservations - 866.914.1010. But its really neat! design, accommodating passengers is also a priority. Posted on Last updated: December 27, 2022, Home Camping Destinations Lake Michigan Camping Trip & Circle Tour Itinerary. Platte River Campground is open year-round. Passengers on the Lake Express have the option of traveling with or without their vehicles. Wide and extra wide vehicles are subject to a surcharge. One of the operational procedures that is different for the Hit the open road in safety and comfort when you enjoy the Lake Michigan shortcut between the home of Harley-Davidson and the scenic roads of West Michigan. Check out the historic town with a guided or self-guided tour. This trip drops RVers off in a perfect location to travel to Denali National Park. The maximum height for an RV is 13 ft and the maximum length is approximately 70 ft. Rates effective 1/16/2023 and subject to change. There is also the option of not going all the way around the lake and camping in the UP. There was hardly any waiting around. Great Lakes Shoreline Tour: 5 Lakes, 8 States, And 4,000 Miles! | RV While located 9 miles inland from the lake, the Big Spring of Kitch-iti-ipi is a MUST see! What Do Flamingos and Upside Down Pineapples Mean? this category. It felt kind of surreal to be crossing a Great Lake by ferry. Left 1 1/2 late which made us late for our plans in Michigan. The experience might not save you a ton of time, depending on your final destination, but if you have kids, if you can afford it, if you want to see what the middle of Lake Michigan looks like, its well worth it for the memories. the opposite direction, plan for a relaxing trip on this famous piece of Great fun! With little railroad freight business left, and without ever tapping into the opportunity to serve the needs of the vacation traveler, the Badger sailed from Wisconsin to Ludington and tied up for the last time in November 1990 signaling the end of the century-old tradition of car ferry service on Lake Michigan. When your travels take you from Wisconsin to Michigan or in We are using this little corner of the internet to make camping easier for you so that you can relax more and get the most of out each trip. , As an RV enthusiast, you know that the right kind of battery is essential to keep all the applian This camping trip plan starts in Indiana and ends in Illinois. Passengers can nap in staterooms or spend the S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry - Tripadvisor We decided to stay up top for most of the trip for we found a hot spot near the bow of the vessel. Indiana Dunes State Park has 16 miles of hiking trails, a nature center, and a beach with a lot of parking. The Classic Cabin offers spacious general seating for the whole family in a variety of configurations including first class airline-style seating and a large section of table seating, all in a climate controlled cabin featuring wide walkways and easy access to outdoor decks. Seeing as it was our first time on the ferry, I couldnt justify roundtrip tickets (what if my kids hated it? The S.S. Badger comes into port at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on Sunday, May 22, 2022. Check ourGroup Travelpagefor information on special group discounts. The Lake Michigan ferry Lake Express provides modern and convenient 2-1/2 coast-to-coast service from Milwaukee to Muskegon, Michigan connecting with US-31 and I-96 and Grand Haven, Holland, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Detroit. , Living the RV lifestyle isnt always sunshine and daisies. Have you tried this ferry, or something similar? Indiana Dunes National Park spreads across 15 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline. And it feels like the boat is going fast, so my kids were slightly overwhelmed by the windy conditions and how loud it was outside. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can be rented across the street from the Lake Macatawa campground. There are 373 campsites over four campgrounds. Leave Chicago out of your plans and get more out of your next ride. expansive shoreline and prevalence of beaches. A SECRET Code? watching movies, playing bingo or testing their skill level in the arcade. The Lake Express, built for speed, has been in service since 2004. Coolers must be left on the luggage cart or in a vehicle. Port Cities : S.S Badger Also, the use of the information, recipes, and images without written consent from the owner of this site is prohibited. Other activities include kayaking, canoeing, river tubing, going to the beach, viewing dark sky views, taking scenic drives, and exploring Glen Harbor and Glen Arbor. States. Lake Michigan Carferry | LinkedIn Our final stop is in Illinois, which has just one state park on Lake Michigan. Gift cards are available in any denomination and can be used towards tickets for travel any time. Think of it like valet parking for an RV on a boat. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Relax aboard a historic steamship car ferry. traveling from one side of Lake Michigan to the other is on your travel plans, The ship is more than 400 feet long and built to haul 180 Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display, The Best Portable Dog Fence for Camping (2023), 5 Best RV Backup Cameras for RV & Trailer. There are several trips to choose from, but one of the most sought after is the Cross Gulf trip from Bellingham, Washington to Whittier, Alaska. Lake Express High Speed Ferry | Michigan Today, it is the only coal-fired steamship in operation in the United States and has a unique propulsion system that has been designated as a national mechanical engineering landmark. it be great to have a four-hour break and still arrive at your destination? We've never met an RV that wouldn't fit on the Badger. Whatever the reason is, these ferries do exist -- there are two of them that I considered for a recent vacation -- and Im here to report back and confirm the entire experience is incredibly cool. Motorcycles Oh, and this goes well beyond the quickie ferry to Mackinac Island, for Michigan people! Far North Alaska is a land of tundra, rolling hills and mountain ranges. To ride in the classic cabin (which is just like, equivalent to a basic economy ticket on an airplane; nothing special is built in), its $99.50 for an adult, one-way, or $169 roundtrip. Rates effective 1/16/2023 and subject to change. To see what there is to do while aboard the ship, check out ourAmenitiespage. I had separated out some juice boxes and changes of clothes, just in case, but once your car is parked, you leave it down below deck for the duration of the trip. Traverse Area RV Rentals makes vacationing more practical The ferry also doesnt allow passengers to sit in their RV during the trip, but staterooms are available for rent if you need to take a nap. The decor is very old-fashioned, as is to be expected, but the look of the ship is charming in its own way. (There are two campgrounds on the Island) If you get there, be sure to visit Toms Burned Down Cafe. You keep your car packed, as well. Hit the first few stops, then after camping at Ludington, head into town and hop on the SS Badger, which takes you across to Wisconsin. While transporting vehicles was the primary purpose for These cookies are necessary for the site function. And this was one-way. Small portable containers of fuel (5 gallons or less and limited to 2 containers) must be properly sealed, labelled with the owners name for ID, and stored by AMHS while on route. Harrington has 69 campsites, of which 31 have electricity. We registered for our conference room in advance but decided to change it so that we could look out on the scenery on the upper deck - we went in October. The LExpresso Caf offers on-board dining and onboard movies are provided as an entertainment option. Be sure to read about the Badger history. The Lake Express makes two round trips a day during the spring and fall months and during the summer season there will be an additional round trip added to the schedule. The SS Badger is a carferry service which makes runs across Lake Michigan from Ludington on Michigan's west coast to Manitowoc on Wisconsin's east coast and back. You can also just camp along the Great Lakes in Michigan. On this Lake Michigan ferry, passengers enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride and the chance to relax on the trip across the big lake. The SS Badger is a coal-powered steamship ferry that was If Fares are also broken The maximum height that most ferries can accommodate is 13 feet 9 inches. Maybe under choppier conditions, this can be an issue, but whenever I scanned the cabin, it just looked like happy people playing cards and enjoying a beverage or two. We'd left Wisconsin just a few minutes late but got to our destination right on time. Holland was one of our favorite stops on our trip. MASON COUNTY, (WPBN/WGTU) -- After a three-year hiatus, Lake Michigan Carferry announced the S.S. Badger, the largest cross-lake passenger and car ferry service on the Great Lakes, will resume . For those wishing to bring a vehicle, the auto deck offers the flexibility to accommodate vehicles and trailers up to 8 6 in height, 8 in width and 18 in length. July 16, 2014at10:23 am, Patsy Travis said: Copyright 2023 RV Lifestyle. , Planning out a camping trip can take a lot of effort. The trip really did seem quick. | RecPro, Buying an RV? Passengers on the Lake Express have the option of traveling with or without their vehicles. We made our way east to Lake Erie, and then north to Lake Huron, across the . The ferry had a lovely sunset departure from Ludington, and we had a peaceful ride across Lake Michigan. That just seemed wrong. How many people can say theyve crossed Lake Michigan on a ginormous boat? I loved it. I tend to leave late at night to avoid or minimize the whole Chicago traffic-jam situation. Otherwise, the views of the wide open fresh water is a great reason to sit out on the deck. Read our, Ways to Experience S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Alaskas heartland has wide expanses of tundra and North Americas tallest peak. You can bring your own bikes on the ferry or rent them when you arrive. Incredibly organized. FERRY ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN - Tripadvisor This site uses affiliate links which means that there may be compensation involved with reader actions. Suitable for any occasion, they come with a full-color greeting cardready to give! They just like to know what to expect. If you do not want to cross our bridge, then check out this Lower Michigan Camping Itinerary. A minor inconvenience, but we weren't in a big hurry. To the north is Kohler-Andrae State Park, which offers 137 campsites, 52 having electrical hookups. Thats $132 for a round trip. If you are unable to get a spot at the state park, consider the municipal campground at Magnus Park. However, there are plenty of lighthouses, seabirds, whales, and other ship traffic to watch while on deck or inside the comfortable lounge areas. We break down everything you need to know about buying a new or used RV. document.getElementById("copyright_year").innerHTML = new Date().getFullYear(); When it comes to RV travel, having the right windows can make all the difference. Located on the western side of Lake Michigan in Green Bay is JW Wells State Park. Moved to Appleton, WI in 1968. RV leveling ensures appliances function properly, and living and sleeping conditions are ideal. Passengers The boat didnt feel like a mundane car ride. The Premier Cabin seating is limited to riders 12 years of age and older. Save fuel and driving time by putting your traveling home on a ship to sail across Lake Michigan - and enjoy another great adventure on your RV vacation! Traveling car clubs and road rallies have found the Badger to be a terrific addition to their itineraries! While onboard you can enjoy everything the ship has to offer. We are going to divide this into a few different focuses: civilization and getting away from it all. available. About us The S.S. Badger, the ship owned and operated by Lake Michigan Carferry offers the largest cross-lake passenger service on the Great Lakes and an authentic steamship experience. July 16, 2014at3:17 pm, Jill Zimmerman said: If you have a shorter Roadtrek (less than 8.5 feet) you can take the Lake Express high speed ferry between Milwaukee, WI and Michigan. Lake Michigan Fast Ferry shortcut - Lake Express High Speed Ferry 20 - June 10 or September 7 -October 10 is less expensive than travelling in (Coal ash, politics, etc. trip. The boarding process closes 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. From Motorcycles To RVs, All Vehicles Welcome On SS Badger It was WINDY up top aboard the boat, and you really can go explore the ferry as its moving, but you might not want to, especially with young children. Southwest Alaska encompasses a large area with a wide variety of terrain. Much cheaper to drive. experience. I always have to ask myself: Should I go up and around Lake Michigan, as in, traveling north through Green Bay, the Upper Peninsula, over the Mackinac Bridge and down I-75? Again, like any international trip, make sure you have your passport and correct documentation. On-the-Go Women, Experience Agency Skincare, A Travelers Guide to Trshavn, the Capital of the Faroe Islands, AC Hotel Madison Review: Marriott Delivers European Luxury in Wisconsin, Best Things to Do in the Faroe Islands, a Nordic Paradise, On-the-Go Fun: The 12 Best Travel Toys for 1-Year-Olds, 15 Best Tire Pressure Gauges to Keep in Your Car, Best Travel Purse for Europe: Our 17 Top Picks, 11 Best Sand Free Beach Blankets to Keep You Comfy and Clean While Outdoors. Michigan coast is often referred to as the Third Coast because of the Each trip across Lake . Just wait until you buy a ticket from Bellingham to Whittier on the Alaska Marine Highway! Is there a secret pineapple meaning and what about flamingos at campsites? Vintage & Classic Cars However, in 1991, an entrepreneur named Charles Conrad committed his own financial resources to reinvent the S.S. Badger to carry leisure passengers and their vehicles. View ourSchedules & Farespageto see bicycle rates. If you want a little international adventure with your RV, traveling around the large and beautiful Vancouver Island is a great way to see whales and the amazing shorelines of British Columbia, Canada. Bridge on the northern loop. Join the club! July 16, 2014at6:16 pm, Roadtreking said: IS there any campervan less than 8.5 feet long???? No seriously, there are so many great things to see and do around the lake. Wouldnt The cost of a journey on the Alaska Marine highway varies based on the distance you are traveling, the vehicle you are bringing and whether or not you are booking a cabin. Ferry Your RV Across Lake Michigan On The SSBadger Being the driver on a road trip is not easy. The steamship ferry, named the SS Badger, takes about four hours to cross the lake and actually allows you to keep pets in your RV. My husband drove our SUV onto the ferry and parked it, while I walked on board with the kids. Let's Camp S'more is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. national engineering landmark for the propulsion system. The demise of the car ferries was devastating to the communities they had served. Please note, vehicle prices do not include the driver or any additional passengers. If traveling from another state, pets must have a health certificate not more than 30 days old. Perfect for beach bums! There are certain responsibilities every Jackpine is a primitive hike-in tent-only campground.There is so much to do in this park; visit Big Sable Lighthouse, go to the beach, float down the river, fish or boat, hike, or enjoy a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset. After all, isnt enjoying the ride one of the perks of The modern campground has 61 electric sites. Propane Park activities include biking, hiking, fishing, boating, and watching the sunset over the lake. Ferries are like mini cruise ships with shops and food that not only accept passengers but also their vehicles and RVs. While visiting Milwaukee, travelers can enjoy a wide array of world class museums, shopping, dining and attractions. We used that experience plus additional trips along this inland sea to put together this camping itinerary for you. The ferryboat line suggests you call ahead to let them know youre coming, especially if you are traveling in an RV. Because of the high costs, thisferry tripshould be a destination in itself. A classic kids ticket is normally $43 (or $74 RT), but this summer, we were able to get our kids passes free of charge, thanks to a summer promotion. 15 Picturesque Waterfalls in Lower Michigan & the UP, 12 Best Things to Do and See Around Lake Ontario. The ferry itself (Michelle Ganley/GMG photo). And then once we docked in Michigan, it was like, THATS when the annoying travel part really started. off the 1,000 mile journey around the lake. night trips. Can I Legally Dump Gray Water on the Ground While RV Camping? We took a family trip across on the SS Badger last Aug. Leave Chicago out of your plans and get more out of your next ride. The modern campground has 153 campsites. Traveling as a group? There is no charge for pets traveling on BC Ferries. Even if youre never going to do it again, its one of those things you should try once, just to say you did it, if its at all convenient or can be worked into an upcoming trip. Water bottles and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought on board. How much does it cost to ride the SS Badger? Cross the Mackinac Bridge to enter the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. To see what there is to do while aboard the ship, check out ourAmenitiespage. Only have a week off work, giving you 7-9 days to travel? Keep an eye out for maximum RV and trailer width and length as well. Since then, this legend of the Great Lakes has delighted a whole new generation of people, allowing them to experience a bit of history that almost slipped away while cruising to fun destinations on both sides of Lake Michigan. by the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad company at a cost of five million dollars, and makes almost 500 trips during its operations from May through October. The car ferry, SS Badger, crosses Lake Michigan from Ludington to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. There are a ton of details campers need to Illinois Beach State Park is a great place to enjoy nature, swim, bike, hike, and fish. And it should save you from a traffic headache, thats for sure. FERRY ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN Review of S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry Reviewed July 4, 2013 This was the first time I've ever taken a ferry across Lake Michigan. The Illinois camping reservation window is six months, but the waterside spots are non-reservable. There are numerous opportunities to access freshwater fishing right from the road system. We stayed in spot 108 of the lakeside campground and have that spot reserved again in June. Leave the hassles of Chicago traffic congestion behind when you ride the Lake Express ferry. There are 373 campsites over four campgrounds. Complimentary pet kennels for cats and dogs are available on a first come, first serve basis. But were pretty slow-moving these days, so maybe you could go faster if youre without small children. He met us in the main cabin probably 10 minutes after we sat down. South Nicolet is popular due to its proximity to the beach, gift shop, and boat rentals. Ferry Services | Michigan Theres ample seating, there are little tables where you can set up and have a snack or a meal (we did bring food and then ordered some more once we were about a hour into our trip, which was basic fare but fine), and you can even see where the boat is on its trek across Lake Michigan, like on a digital map. The maximum height for an RV is 13 ft and the maximum length is approximately 70 ft. Instead of getting wet in the lake, we crossed it in a huge ferry big enough to hold our RV and many more. We got to the Milwaukee terminal in about 10 minutes. Lake Express - Lake Michigan Fast Ferry Shortcut - Schedule I swear, by the time my kids and I disembarked in Muskegon, I thought itd be a half-hour before we connected with my husband in the parking lot. Vancouver Island has plenty of RV-friendly parks and campgrounds. *Please note: All times are local, Central Time for Milwaukee, WI and Eastern Time for Muskegon, MI. We were not fans of Warren Dunes when we first visited because I had bruised ribs and it was raining. nautical history. The Badger loves bikes & bikers! It seemed that the magic of these wonderful ships would only live in memory, never to be experienced by future generations. Over 2.5 million passengers served, connecting Manitowoc WI to Ludington MI. The Lake Express crosses Lake Michigan 4 times daily during its spring and summer schedule. We transport thousands of motorcycles each year, and have earned a reputation for taking good care of the riders AND their bikes. We always wanted to take a trip on it and our daughter just loved running around the ship. Routes - Ferry across Lake Michigan - 40' DP - your experience iRV2.com Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts. Lake Michigan Camping Trip & Circle Tour Itinerary, The 51 TOP Blackstone Griddle Recipes for Camping. Sailing schedule updated 1/16/23 and subject to change. Make sure to head over to the east side of the peninsula to Cave Point County Park and see the cliff jumping. Traveling in what is called the Shoulder Season, between May For those wishing to bring a vehicle, the auto deck offers the flexibility to accommodate vehicles and trailers up to 8 6 in height, 8 in width and 18 in length. The Fast Lake Michigan Ferry - Visiting Milwaukee Wisconsin Pets may stay in the