Manitowoc
Travel Guide
![Looking at driving to MI from WI or Vis Versa take the S.S. Badger across Lake Michigan. You'll enjoy the relaxing ride.
The Badger was constructed as a rail car ferry in 1952–53 by the Christy Corporation of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin,[4] along with her twin the SS Spartan (named after the mascot of Michigan State University) with a reinforced hull for ice-breaking. It was originally used to carry railroad cars, passengers and automobiles between the two sides of the lake all year long. Today, the ferry connects the eastern and western segments of US 10 in the two cities from May to October.[5]
Launched September 6, 1952, the SS Badger entered service March 21, 1953, for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (from 1973 a subsidiary of the Chessie System). The C&O had acquired the rail car ferry operations in Ludington with its acquisition of the Pere Marquette Railway in 1947.[6] After 1972, service was gradually curtailed; all but the three newest vessels were retired, and sailings to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, were discontinued, leaving only the route between Ludington and Kewaunee, Wisconsin. On July 1, 1983, the Chessie System ended its car ferry service when it sold the steamers Badger, Spartan, and City of Midland 41 to Glen F. Bowden of Ludington. He organized the Michigan–Wisconsin Transportation Company (MWT) to continue the operation.[7]
The railroad car ferry concept on Lake Michigan was facing serious economic troubles during the 1980s and by November 1988, the Badger was the only vessel running. It was the last of the 14 ferries since 1897 based in Ludington remaining in service.[4] On November 16, 1990, facing bankruptcy, Bowden laid up the Badger, ending 93 years of railway car ferry service out of Ludington and 98 years on Lake Michigan as a whole. #History #CarFerry's #Adventure](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/8829/6aa4660f-9272-4715-9e1b-93b891dde0ac.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Manitowoc
The Inn on Maritime Bay, an Ascend Collection Hotel
101 Maritime Dr Manitowoc WI
The price is S$184 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$184
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Manitowoc. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Stay here every year and it’s always pleasant
Reviewed on 9 Mar, 2026
Holiday Inn Manitowoc by IHG
4601 Calumet Ave Manitowoc WI
The price is S$132 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
S$132
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Manitowoc. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (570 reviews)
The entire hotel reeked of weed the whole time we were there . Felt dirty and very out of date. We wouldn’t return.
Reviewed on 2 Mar, 2026
Harbor Town, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
4004 Calumet Ave. Manitowoc WI
The price is S$91 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
S$91
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Manitowoc. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Quiet and comfortable
Reviewed on 4 Mar, 2026
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pet Friendly Lake Michigan Home - 15 Acres!
Manitowoc WI
Stay at this cottage in Manitowoc. Enjoy patios. Popular attractions Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center and Silver Lake are located nearby.
Grandstay Residential Suites Hotel - Sheboygan
708 Niagara Avenue Sheboygan WI
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Sheboygan. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Walk to Beaches + Restaurants: Elkhart Lake Escape
Elkhart Lake WI
Stay at this business-friendly cottage in Elkhart Lake. Enjoy free parking, balconies and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Farmers Market and Elkhart ...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Popular places to visit
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Wisconsin Maritime Museum during your trip to Manitowoc. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.
West of the Lake Gardens
Explore the great outdoors at West of the Lake Gardens, a lovely green space in Manitowoc. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.
S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry
Explore the waterfront in Manitowoc with a trip to S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry. Discover the restaurants and its museums while you're in the area.
Rahr West Art Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Rahr West Art Museum during your trip to Manitowoc. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.
Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center
Enjoy an outing to Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center during your stay in Manitowoc. Stroll along the area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center during your travels in Manitowoc. Stroll along the area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Things to do
Manitowoc Shore Segway Tour w/ Private Tour Option
S$128
per adult
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