A trip across Lake Michigan on the last coal-fired steamboat in the US is an experience in itself, but there’s plenty to do once you step off the boardwalk in Wisconsin.
SS Badger traverses Lake Michigan between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Michiganders looking for a unique weekend getaway need look no further. Among the Manitowoc offerings are a naval museum with a World War II submarine, a free art museum, a non-motorized trail overlooking Lake Michigan, a brewery, a waterfront restaurant and music venue, and a water center featuring a lazy river.
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Many of Manitowoc’s main attractions are within walking distance of the Badger Basin, and the city’s Tourist Relations Officers stationed at the Ship desk on arrival are always happy to point travelers in the right direction.
Here is a list of the top attractions in Manitowoc, according to the city’s tourism officials:
Kids explore inside the USS Cobia, a restored WWII submarine, at the Wisconsin Naval Museum, the 75 Maritime Dr. in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.Manitowoc
The crown jewel of the Wisconsin Naval Museum is the World War II submarine USS Copia. The restored sub is available for tours during museum opening hours and serves as an Airbnb for those who want a more intimate experience. The museum also has a rooftop bar, Sub Pub, which serves handcrafted beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages — downtown restaurants will serve hungry customers.
A view of the Rahr-West Museum of Art, located in an old mansion at 610 N. 8th St. in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.Manitowoc
Manitowoc has one of the 10 best fine art museums in Wisconsin – and admission is free. Inside an old mansion, the Rahr-West Museum of Art houses works by Georgia O’Keefe, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso. It also has periodic exhibitions.
For the outdoors type, Manitowoc offers Mariners Trail. This 6.2-mile non-motorized asphalt driveway is surrounded by gardens and offers a view of Lake Michigan from end to end. The trail is universally accessible and good for walking, biking and skating. It begins at Blue Rail Beach, which is also home to the Manitowoc Lighthouse.
Manitowoc’s old sweet shop, Beerntsen’s Confectionary, is known for its chocolate molding creations, items like high-heeled shoes and perfume bottles. With a custom order, they will make your chocolate into any shape you want. The shop also serves ice cream, sandwiches, and soup.
Patrons gather around the bar at The Wharf, 606 Quay St. In Manitowoc, Wis. The restaurant is famous for its outdoor patio which is used as a concert venue during the summer.Manitowoc
The newest on the Manitowoc scene is The Wharf, a vibrant bar, restaurant and music venue with indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor patio has a retractable roof. The courtyard is also a place of entertainment with concerts every weekend in the summer.
A selection of artisanal purees is displayed on the rooftop bar at PetSkull Brewing Company, 1015 Buffalo St. In Manitowoc, Wes (ed.).Manitowoc
Another new addition to the Manitowoc scene is the PetSkull Brewing Company, a Cajun brewery and restaurant. It’s the only place in town where you get a beignet. Famous for its unique flavors – like banana and blue lime juice – a new beer is released weekly.
Manitowoc Aquatic Center is the best in family entertainment with its outdoor pool, lazy river, water slides and diving board. There is also an 18-hole mini golf course on site.
The 2022 SS Badger sailing season begins Thursday, May 12, with daily departures from both Ludington and Manitowoc. Round-trip tickets range from $56 to $129. The ferry can also accommodate cars/trucks, trailers, motorcycles, RVs and bicycles.
The 69-year-old Badger became a National Historic Landmark in 2016. It is the last coal-powered passenger steamer in the United States. The 410-foot-long vessel can accommodate 600 passengers and 180 vehicles.
The Badgers first went to work in 1953 moving railroad cars across Lake Michigan for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. But by 1980, that was no longer profitable for C&O, and the ship was sold. It continued to move railroad cars until 1990 and appeared to be destined for the scrap yard at that point. However, it was rescued in 1992 by Charles Conrad, a Ludington native, who turned it into a car ferry. The Badger has been transporting passengers and vehicles across Lake Michigan ever since.
The ship came under new ownership when the Interlake Holding Company purchased Lake Michigan Carvery in 2020.
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