This trip has been over a year in the making. When I planned our route home months ago, I knew crossing Lake Michigan on a steamship would be the perfect way to end our journey. We even adjusted our return path north to make it possible. The SS Badger is a 70+ year-old steamship that runs between Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan. It’s a massive, 1950s-era vessel capable of carrying cars, passengers, semi-trucks, and more. Onboard, it has two dining areas, a bar, theater, arcade, and even a bingo hall.
On the drive in, my mom kept trying to tell me details about the boat, but I insisted on being surprised. And it was a wonderful surprise. I couldn’t quite picture a steamship that could carry cars until I saw it in person—and it was enormous. The large stern gate lifts to allow vehicles to drive inside and park beneath the passenger decks. Above, there’s plenty of open space for travelers to relax and enjoy the four-hour trip across the lake.
We had a small stateroom, which wasn’t large but gave us a private space to rest, play cards, and have our own bathroom. It served as a comfortable home base while the kids explored—spending time on the upper decks, watching movies, playing arcade games, and coloring in the playroom.
The four hours passed quickly. As we neared Ludington, I headed to the top deck to take in the fresh air and watch our approach. It was a moment to reflect on our three-month, 9,000-mile voyage—a fitting and memorable conclusion to an epic journey.
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