One of West Michigan’s iconic tourist attractions—and an important transportation link for some—is unexpectedly shut down. And there are serious questions about its future in 2024 and beyond.
The S.S. Badger, a historic ferry that carries vehicle traffic across Lake Michigan between Michigan and Wisconsin is out of service for the rest of the season after its ramp system was damaged in July, the vessel’s operators said.
The S.S. Badger’s daily crossings between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, were suspended indefinitely by operator Lake Michigan Carferry after the ramp system failed July 21.
This week, parent company Interlake Maritime Services announced that the ferry would not resume operation this sailing season because damage to the ramp’s counterweight system requires months of repairs
“This is a very complicated process and one that will not be complete in time to resume service this season,” Sara Spore, general manager of Lake Michigan Carferry, said in a news release.
The release said a counterweight structure on the port side of the ferry’s ramp system failed on July 21. Divers, marine construction contractors and an engineering firm later determined it will take months to clear the collapsed structure and erect a new one.
The S.S. Badger, which can accommodate 600 passengers and 180 vehicles, including RVs, motorcycles, motor coaches and commercial trucks, began its sailing season on May 18 and was scheduled to run daily crossings until Oct. 9.
The vessel, designated a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1953 by Christy Corp. in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, for C&O Railway Co.
City officials and tourism industry leaders in Ludington are assessing the impact of the S.S. Badger’s shutdown on tourist activity in their area. Several hotel operators have been quoted as saying business from Badger passengers is significant during the Summer season. And now, it’ll be gone—at least for the rest of 2023. Their unspoken fear is that the cost of repairs and the length of time they’ll take might spell doom for the ‘one of a kind’ steamship ferry.
An expert at the Muskegon Maritime Muserum said the so-called ‘Apron Docking System’ that was damaged is unique—probably the last one operating on the Great Lakes. About 80 years old, the section in question is extremely heavy, built to handle loaded rail cars that once were carried on the Badger. He said similar docking systems in Muskegon and Frankfort are long gone, and speculates that repair parts may have to be specially designed and built to resurrect the Ludington dock system.
Ludington tourism operators also fear that visitors who now must drive a longer route from Illinois or Wisconsin may simply choose to spend their vacation time—and vacation dollars—in South Haven, St. Joseph or Saugatuck, never venturing North to Ludington.
The Associated Press contributed to this report, including the headline photo.
