Community Forums

ga80486 · 12-08-2015, 02:49 PM

Has anyone here taken their Class A MH (with or w/o toad) across Lake Michigan on the S. S. Badger? I'm planning a 2016 trip from the Grand Rapids Mi area to Ludington, across the lake to Wisconsin, then up to the U.P to Pictured Rocks, returning across the Big Mac and down to GR.

Looking for suggestions for places or things to stay, see, avoid etc., and how's the ride on the boat?

Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.

Gordy

oakcreekeric · 12-08-2015, 02:59 PM

I looked into doing it from the WI side this summer.. but at $6.95 per foot (36 x $6.95 = $250.20).. it was cheaper to drive it... especially if gas prices stay as low as they are now..

Good Luck !!

baraff · 12-08-2015, 03:38 PM

Can't speak about Badger because we've never been on it, but if you do go, be sure to check out the WWII submarine at the maritime museum in Manitowoc, which is where the ferry comes in. You can tour it and sometimes they have one or two of the original crew members on board to answer questions, although those guys have to be getting pretty scarce by now. It is the USS Cobia, which fought in the pacific theater. Well worth the stop.
USS COBIA | Wisconsin Maritime Website
Badger is the last coal-fired steamship in the US, there were supposed to stop running a couple years ago due to an EPA edict, but I believe they got an extension to give them time to convert to diesel.
EDIT: The EPA edict was about fly ash pollution, Badger would dump the ash into Lake Michigan, and now they developing a collection system. It looks like it will stay a coal-burner.
Pretty cool to see Badger come into port.

youngf · 12-10-2015, 11:21 AM

I don't know about a motorhome first hand, but I have watched the Badger load and unload and have seen big 18 wheelers (semi-trucks with trailers ) load on. so if they can do it you should be able to do it also.

oakcreekeric · 12-10-2015, 12:31 PM

Ok... If you're doing the 1/2 lap around Lake Michigan..

Once into Manitowoc, I would suggest the following:

Taking HWY 42 north, along Lake Michigan, to Door County WI... Depending on when you come.. there are LOTS of things to do/see around all the little towns in Door County.. They call it the "Cape Cod" of the Midwest.. If you can, see about spending a couple nights in Peninsula SP, probably the crown jewel of the Wisconsin SP system..

After exploring Door County... No trip up the Lake Michigan shoreline would be complete without stopping in Green Bay.. Now, I know you're from MI, but a tour of Lambeau Field would be a great experience.. especially if you see the new renovations done and, of course, the Hall of Fame..

Hope that helps... Once into the UP, you're on your own.. I'm sure others will have good suggestion.. I just don't have much experience in that area..

Good Luck !!

DAJO · 12-10-2015, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oakcreekeric

I looked into doing it from the WI side this summer.. but at $6.95 per foot (36 x $6.95 = $250.20).. it was cheaper to drive it... especially if gas prices stay as low as they are now..

Good Luck !!

Plus you have to pay something like $80 per person. Way to expensive and will take up a whole day loading and unloading.

Rich-n-Linda · 12-10-2015, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oakcreekeric

I looked into doing it from the WI side this summer.. but at $6.95 per foot (36 x $6.95 = $250.20).. it was cheaper to drive it... especially if gas prices stay as low as they are now..

Good Luck !!

Is the cost the only criteria for making this decision? What about the unique experience of traveling on this moving piece of history? That's worth the price of admission right there.

Someone else mentioned that it took all day to cross the lake on this boat. It will also take all day to drive the same route. Plus you get the wonderful experience of driving through Chicago. Yeah...that's always fun.

Rich

WDW · 12-11-2015, 09:12 AM

I have rode aboard the sister ship, City of Midland many times as a child.

I can recall the loading of train cars in the bottom hold where now, they place trucks and motorhomes.

We plan to cross from Ludington in late June. I'm excited to relive thus journey and take my family on an experience of my childhood.

A memory like this is priceless!

But I'm wondering about the process for loading MHs. Who drives them? I'm assuming all systems need to be shut down. Anyone know?

Taking in the sights ...where my Trolley takes me.

2016 Coachmen Mirada 35BH

Statgeek · 12-11-2015, 09:25 AM

I can offer absolutely zero advice on this, but if you go, please take loads of pictures and share them with everyone! This sounds uber-cool to me!

twogypsies · 12-11-2015, 02:40 PM

In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan be sure to include the many waterfalls on the western side. You can pick up a 'waterfall map' at many places.

For Pictured Rocks, stay in Munising at the forest service campground right on the water...big sites. Take the late afternoon boat trip for the sun to shine on Pictured Rocks - beautiful.

Go up to Copper Harbor and stay at the state park - Fort Wilkins.

Stay at Tahquamenon Falls State Park at Paradise - it really is! While there, tour the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point.

Dropping down to the lower Michigan, make Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat'l Lakeshore a 'must do'. Stay at Platte River campground in the park if you can get reservations. Otherwise, there are many places to stay in the area. The Leelanau Peninsula is gorgeous and many unique small towns.

Have a great trip!

68fastback · 12-11-2015, 02:57 PM

We have taken the following trip many times. Our kids live in Madison Wi. and we live in the Northern lower Peninsula of Mi. I would not take the Badger. I would go thru the U.P. and enjoy one of the smoothest.. scenic.. (yet long road) there is in the north. The City Park at the bordering states of Marinette and Menominee is a premium park for class A's. You'll enjoy this leg of your trip.. promise!

sparkydog · 12-11-2015, 03:03 PM

We've travelled on the SS Badger from Wi to Ludington, but not with the M/H. It was a Corvette trip, and I requested that I be able to load the car myself, which they allowed. They guided you, it was tight. As I recall the same was available for motorhomes. The trip was about 4.5 hours long, 60 miles @ 15-16 knots. We had a calm day, good food and great view.

ChallengerRN · 12-11-2015, 03:16 PM

Haven't don't that one yet but will at some point. I'll post a picture of my GPS when we were on a Ferry crossing Lake Champlain. Go for it ---cost not the issue. You will love it.

Russell