Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Badger

On the evening of September 17, the S.S. Badger, which operates between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, encountered a serious incident when it allided with the docked S.S. Spartan. Reports indicate that the vessel's engines failed to respond, resulting in the collision. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but the incident caused damage to the seagate, a critical component designed to prevent water from entering the open car deck of the Badger. Following the accident, the damaged seagate was promptly removed overnight, allowing the Badger to resume its scheduled crossings on Lake Michigan by the morning of September 18. It is important to note that without the seagate, the vessel is restricted from operating in wave conditions exceeding 8 feet as mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Under normal circumstances, the Badger is considered safe to operate without this component. In light of the incident, thorough checks were conducted on the engines, confirming they were functioning properly. The operator continues to investigate the incident to enhance operational standards. The Badger's seasonal operations are set to conclude on October 12, after which the seagate will be replaced using the part from the S.S. Spartan, which is designated as a parts vessel for the Badger. For a detailed report with photos, visit: https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/09/engines-didnt-respond-in-ss-badgers-collision-with-docked-ship.html

On September 17, at 6:50 a.m., the historic vessel SS Badger experienced an allision with its permanently moored sibling, SS Spartan, while docking in Ludington Harbor. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any injuries among the passengers aboard the SS Badger. Following the collision, marine engineers conducted a thorough assessment of the damage to the stern sea gate of the SS Badger to evaluate the necessary repairs for its continued safe operation. The ferry service connecting Ludington, Michigan, to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was back on schedule, resuming operations on September 18 at 9 a.m. For more details, including photos and video footage of the incident, visit Seehafer News or watch the footage on YouTube.

The iconic SS Badger is scheduled to make a significant journey as it heads into dry dock for essential maintenance. This historic vessel will navigate to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, for propeller shaft bearing repairs, ensuring its readiness for the upcoming 2025 sailing season. The tentative departure from Ludington, Michigan, is set for April 29, embarking on a 12-hour journey. Notably, the Badger will take an alternate northern route, passing around the Door Peninsula and Washington Island before entering Sturgeon Bay from Lake Michigan. After completing the repairs, the vessel is projected to return to Ludington by May 10. This timing is critical as the sailing season is set to commence on May 16 when the SS Badger resumes its route along the officially designated extension of US 10 on Lake Michigan, connecting Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Recognized as the last operational steamship on the Great Lakes, the SS Badger holds the status of a registered National Landmark, underscoring its historical significance.

The iconic S.S. Badger is gearing up for a visit to Door County, where it will undergo essential repairs before launching its sailing season on May 16, 2025. Scheduled to depart from Ludington on April 29, the ferry will embark on a 12-hour journey to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, where it will be placed in dry dock for crucial propeller shaft bearing repairs. The repair process is expected to span two to three weeks and will involve getting the vessel’s engines and machinery ready for the bustling season ahead. Instead of taking the usual route through the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, the S.S. Badger will navigate a northern passage, steering from Lake Michigan along the tip of the Door Peninsula and passing by Washington Island before heading south back to Sturgeon Bay. This repair work, which necessitates the removal of the 13-foot, 10-inch starboard propeller, is distinct from the regular five-year dry dock inspection that the S.S. Badger last underwent during the winter of 2021-2022. Upon completion of the repairs, the ferry is projected to make its way back to Ludington, Michigan, approximately around May 10, just in time to kick off the spring sailing season.

On the evening of November 3, 2021, the iconic SS Badger set sail from Ludington, Michigan, around 9 p.m. Under the guidance of two tugs from Sarter Marine Towing, the historic ferry journeyed to Door County, arriving approximately twelve hours later as it entered the Sturgeon Bay channel for drydocking scheduled around November 15. In compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, the vessel undergoes a thorough inspection every five years. The last refit occurred in 2015, but due to its fresh-water operations and seasonal nature, the Interlake Steamship Company, which owns the ferry, secured a one-year extension. With the ferry's steam engines and operations inactive for the season, the SS Badger was towed to Sturgeon Bay for maintenance. This drydock will allow for an in-depth inspection of the hull's underwater components, including the removal of the tail shaft and the renewal of bearings. Remarkably, the ship will undergo its first sandblasting and repainting since its era of operation by the railroad, incorporating an added epoxy undercoat to enhance hull protection. After completing the necessary repairs, the SS Badger is expected to return to Ludington for the winter within approximately four weeks. Looking ahead to the upcoming 2022 season, operations will commence on May 12 and conclude on October 16, with plans for two daily trips scheduled from June 10 through September 5, as well as additional special cruises, including an evening cruise in Manitowoc.