Summer will be just around the corner as Visit Manitowoc gears up for the 2026 sailing season.
The S.S Badger will make its return from Ludington next Friday (May 15th) at the Car Ferry dock on S. Lakeview Drive.
Festivities for the Badgers’ return will begin at 11:30 a.m. with special guests to include the Manitowoc Lincoln marching band, alpacas from LondonDairy Alpacas, the Red Hatters, and local elementary school students.
Lunch will also be available for purchase from area food trucks, including China Wok Bubble Tea and El Taquila.
After the festivities, Visit Manitowoc Tourism Director Courtney Hansen, Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels, and some common council members will board the Badger to make the first trip of the season to Ludington.
They will spend the weekend in Michigan, participating in additional maiden voyage celebrations and meeting S.S. Badger leadership and city officials to collaborate on the shared vision of providing a world-class travel experience for residents and visitors of both communities.
The car ferry’s season runs from May 15th to October 11th.
Regular overnight crossings run from June 19th to September 7th.
More information can be found at ssbadger.com.
