Things to do in Manitowoc
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit Manitowoc
![Looking at driving to MI from WI or Vis Versa take the S.S. Badger across Lake Michigan. You'll enjoy the relaxing ride.
The Badger was constructed as a rail car ferry in 1952–53 by the Christy Corporation of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin,[4] along with her twin the SS Spartan (named after the mascot of Michigan State University) with a reinforced hull for ice-breaking. It was originally used to carry railroad cars, passengers and automobiles between the two sides of the lake all year long. Today, the ferry connects the eastern and western segments of US 10 in the two cities from May to October.[5]
Launched September 6, 1952, the SS Badger entered service March 21, 1953, for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (from 1973 a subsidiary of the Chessie System). The C&O had acquired the rail car ferry operations in Ludington with its acquisition of the Pere Marquette Railway in 1947.[6] After 1972, service was gradually curtailed; all but the three newest vessels were retired, and sailings to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, were discontinued, leaving only the route between Ludington and Kewaunee, Wisconsin. On July 1, 1983, the Chessie System ended its car ferry service when it sold the steamers Badger, Spartan, and City of Midland 41 to Glen F. Bowden of Ludington. He organized the Michigan–Wisconsin Transportation Company (MWT) to continue the operation.[7]
The railroad car ferry concept on Lake Michigan was facing serious economic troubles during the 1980s and by November 1988, the Badger was the only vessel running. It was the last of the 14 ferries since 1897 based in Ludington remaining in service.[4] On November 16, 1990, facing bankruptcy, Bowden laid up the Badger, ending 93 years of railway car ferry service out of Ludington and 98 years on Lake Michigan as a whole. #History #CarFerry's #Adventure](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/8829/6aa4660f-9272-4715-9e1b-93b891dde0ac.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
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What to do in Manitowoc
Popular places to visit
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Wisconsin Maritime Museum during your trip to Manitowoc. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.
West of the Lake Gardens
Explore the great outdoors at West of the Lake Gardens, a lovely green space in Manitowoc. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.
S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry
Explore the waterfront in Manitowoc with a trip to S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry. Discover the restaurants and its museums while you're in the area.
Capitol Civic Centre
You can get tickets for a performance at Capitol Civic Centre during your stay in Manitowoc. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the area's museums.
Rahr West Art Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Rahr West Art Museum in Manitowoc. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Why not see the exotic and native animals who call Lincoln Park Zoo home during your travels in Manitowoc? While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.
Holy Family Memorial
Though Holy Family Memorial might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Manitowoc while you are here.
Silver Lake
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Silver Lake during your travels in Manitowoc. Stroll along the area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center during your trip to Manitowoc. Stroll along the area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.
