60 miles
0 feet ascent
0 feet descent
? Calories
The S.S. Badger is the last coal fired steam engine car ferry in operation in the U.S., so riding it across Lake Michigan was like taking a trip back in time. Before each journey a large tractor trailer rolls into it and loads it with coal for the journey.
S.S. Badger Arriving in Manitowoc, WI
Big Rigs Ready to Disembark
Built in 1952, it was originally used to carry train cars for the B&O Railroad, but as more freight move to the Interstate Highway system, the S.S. Badger was taken out service.
Prepare to Board
Eventually a private investor modified it and brought it back into service as a car ferry in 1992.
On The Bow of the S.S. Badger
Goodbye, Wisconsin
(Harbor water muddy from recent flooding)
One of the most surprising aspects of the crossing was all the Monarch butterflies. Sitting on the aft deck watching Manitowoc fade away, I noticed one flying west. A few minutes later I saw another one, and another one. The guy I was chatting with noticed too. We didn't think much of it until we got further and further out in the Lake. They never stopped, and we must have seen a hundred by the time we reached the Michigan shore. Bizarre, but interesting.
Despite the rough weather that pushed through days before that spawned tornados in both Wisconsin and Michigan, the lake was incredibly calm, even all the way out in the middle.
Lake Michigan Midway Between WI and MI
Arriving in Ludington meant I was in Michigan!
Ludington MI Harbor
Welcome to Michigan
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