Photo by Steve Begnoche, American Coot Photography

Shoreline Cruises Aboard the S.S. Badger Carferry

Celebrate on the S.S. Badger Carferry by taking one or all of the shoreline cruises offered during the summer months. It’s a guaranteed fun time for all!

If you’ve never taken a trip across Lake Michigan aboard the S.S. Badger, start small and take a Shoreline Cruise! Each summer cruise lasts approximately two hours. It’s time to join in the festivities and celebrate this grand ship. For all cruises, tickets are non-refundable but are transferable. The ticket price does not include the security fee. Kids under five are always free. No passes will be accepted for the shoreline cruises, and they go on rain or shine. 

2026 Shoreline Cruise Schedule:

Ludington Shoreline Cruise Dates

Passengers will board the ship at 8:30pm EST. The SS Badger will cruise along the Ludington shoreline from 9-11pm EST.

Saturday, June 6th, 2026
Entertainment: TBA

Saturday, July 4th, 2026
Entertainment: TBA

Saturday, July 25th, 2026
Entertainment: TBA

Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
Entertainment: TBA

Manitowoc Shoreline Cruise Dates

Passengers will board the ship at 1:30pm EST. The SS Badger will cruise along the Ludington shoreline from 2-4pm EST.

Saturday, June 13th, 2026
Entertainment: TBA

Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Entertainment: TBA

Saturday, August 1st, 2026
Entertainment: TBA

Saturday, August 15th, 2026
Entertainment: TBA

For more information on the S.S. Badger Shoreline Cruises, please contact the Lake Michigan Carferry:

Ludington: 701 Maritime Drive, Ludington, Michigan 49431
Manitowoc: 900 South Lakeview Drive, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220

(800) 841-4243

ssbadger.com

Current Events

Fishing Tournaments & Events

Ludington fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.

Pure Ludington Brrrewfest

The Pure Ludington Brrrewfest hosts breweries that offer patrons a taste of their beers, wines, ciders, and meads from all around Michigan.

Family Friendly Events

Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!

Performances in West Michigan

Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year ’round.

Events Happening Soon

Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area activities and attractions.
 

Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!

Ludington Has Two Lighthouses!

Ludington visitors flock to the area to view our two majestic lighthouses, the North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

The Baby Badger

A children’s flotilla that’s a miniature replica of the historic S.S. Badger carferry. Children get to ride in one of many “cars”.

Ludington Salmon Fishing

Ludington’s natural resources, charter captains, and outfitters provide great salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and the Pere Marquette River.

Night Life

The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! Nightlife here includes festivals, cozy restaurants, and local performances.

Reed Father Jacques Marquette Shrine Cross

Father Jacques Marquette Shrine

The Father Jacques Marquette Shrine marks where Father Marquette died in 1675. It’s a peaceful setting on Pere Marquette Lake in Ludington.

Festivals & Events

There are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events make Ludington special.