You’re staring at a GPS in Milwaukee or Manitowoc, and it’s telling you that getting to Michigan requires a grueling six-hour slog through Chicago’s 94-corridor. Honestly, just the thought of the Borman Expressway or the Skyway at 4:00 PM is enough to make anyone want to cancel their vacation. But there's this blue shortcut on the map. A ferry to Michigan from WI seems like the dream, right?
Well, it’s a bit more complicated than just driving onto a boat and napping. People tend to think of these ferries as either "just a boat" or a "cheap alternative to gas." Neither is exactly true. Depending on which ship you pick, you’re either entering a 1950s time capsule that smells like coal and nostalgia, or a high-tech catamaran that feels like an airplane on water.
Let’s get into the weeds of what actually happens when you ditch the highway for the lake.
The Two Ships: A Tale of Very Different Vibes
Most people don't realize that the two main options for a ferry to Michigan from WI are polar opposites. They aren't even in the same city. If you're in Milwaukee, you’re looking at the Lake Express. If you're further north in Manitowoc, you’re looking at the SS Badger.
The Lake Express is all about speed. It’s a high-speed catamaran that cuts across the water at about 40 mph. It takes 2.5 hours to hit Muskegon, Michigan. It’s sleek, it’s modern, and it’s basically for people who want to get there fast and are willing to pay a premium for it.
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Then there’s the SS Badger. This thing is a legend. It’s the last coal-fired steamship operating on the Great Lakes. It’s a National Historic Landmark. It’s slow—four hours to get from Manitowoc to Ludington—but it’s an experience. You’ve got Badger Bingo, a movie lounge, and staterooms.
Why the "Fast" Ferry Isn't Always Faster
Wait, how can a 2.5-hour boat not be faster?
Think about the "dock-to-dock" reality. For both ships, you need to arrive 45 to 60 minutes early for security and vehicle loading. If you’re heading to Northern Michigan (like Traverse City) and you take the Lake Express to Muskegon, you might save an hour or two compared to driving through Chicago. But if the timing is off, or if you live in Southern Wisconsin, you might actually spend more time waiting at the terminal than you would have spent sitting in traffic in Gary, Indiana.
Basically, you take the ferry for the sanity, not necessarily the stopwatch.
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Let's Talk Money: It’s Not a Budget Hack
One of the biggest misconceptions about taking a ferry to Michigan from WI is that it'll save you money.
It won't.
Gas for a car driving around the lake is, what, $60? Maybe $80? Taking a car and two adults on the ferry is going to run you hundreds of dollars. For the 2026 season, adult fares on the SS Badger are roughly $89 one-way in the summer, plus another $102 for the car. The Lake Express is even pricier, often pushing the total for a couple and a vehicle toward the $350-$400 range for a single crossing.
You’re paying for:
- Avoiding the Chicago stress-headache.
- Not putting 200+ miles on your odometer.
- The sheer novelty of being in the middle of a Great Lake where you can't see land in any direction.
The "Great Lake Getaway" and Other Pro-Tips
If you're looking to save, the Great Lake Getaway on the SS Badger is probably the best-kept secret. It’s a passenger-only deal—no cars allowed. For 2026, they’ve got a rate of $112 per adult for a round trip if you finish it in three days. They even let two kids sail free per adult.
It’s perfect if you just want to see Ludington for a weekend. Ludington is super walkable from the dock. You can hit the beach, grab some ice cream at House of Flavors, and never need a steering wheel.
Seasickness: The Silent Vibe Killer
Lake Michigan is an inland sea. It behaves like one.
The Lake Express, because it’s a catamaran, can sometimes feel "choppy" or "bouncy" in rougher water. The SS Badger is a massive, heavy beast of a ship (6,650 tons), so it tends to plow through the waves more smoothly. But if there’s a gale warning? Both will give your stomach a workout.
Always check the weather before you book. Or just take a Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding. Trust me on that one.
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What to Expect at the Terminal
Checking in for a ferry to Michigan from WI is sort of like a low-stress airport.
- The Arrival: You pull into a staging lane. A staff member checks your ID and gives you a boarding pass.
- The Loading: This is the cool part. On the Badger, you actually leave your keys in the car, and professional porters drive it onto the ship for you. On the Lake Express, you usually drive your own vehicle on.
- The Crossing: Once the ship leaves, the car deck is strictly off-limits. If you left your sunglasses or your kid's favorite toy in the backseat, you’re out of luck for the next few hours. Pack a "ferry bag" with your book, snacks, and a jacket—it gets surprisingly cold in the middle of the lake, even in July.
Is it Worth It?
If you're a "road warrior" who doesn't mind 10 hours of driving, you'll hate the price tag. But if you view the ferry as the start of your vacation rather than just a way to get there, it’s unbeatable.
There is a specific kind of peace that happens about 45 minutes into the trip. The cell service drops out. The noise of the engines becomes a hum. You’re sitting in a deck chair with a drink, watching the Wisconsin shoreline disappear.
You aren't cursing at a semi-truck in a construction zone. You're just... floating.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book early for summer weekends. The car spots on both ferries fill up weeks in advance for Friday afternoon and Sunday evening crossings.
- Measure your vehicle. If you have a bike rack or a roof box, the ferry companies will charge you extra if you exceed certain dimensions. Measure before you book to avoid a "surprise" fee at the dock.
- Bring a physical book. Wi-Fi in the middle of Lake Michigan is spotty at best and non-existent at worst.
- Watch the time zones. Wisconsin is Central Time. Michigan is Eastern Time. The ferries usually list arrival times in the local time of the destination, which can be confusing if you’re trying to coordinate a dinner reservation on the other side.
- Check the 2026 Schedule. The SS Badger typically runs from mid-May through mid-October. The Lake Express often starts a bit earlier in late April.
If you're ready to book, head to the official sites for the Lake Express (Milwaukee to Muskegon) or the SS Badger (Manitowoc to Ludington). Compare the drive times from your specific house to the terminals—sometimes the "slower" ship in Manitowoc is actually more convenient if you’re coming from Green Bay or the Fox Valley.