Spectators watch the S.S. Badger arrive in Manitowoc May 17, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The S.S. Badger is back in service after a longer-than-expected offseason.
It’s a sound that people in Manitowoc have waited 10 months for; the blowing horn of the S.S. Badger.
The ferry, which is the largest one to cross Lake Michigan, arrived in Manitowoc at noon Friday.
Hundreds of spectators watched the ferry return, including Doug Schwalbe and his newborn grandbaby.
“We’re welcoming the Badger back to the Manitowoc port, this is my granddaughter, Eden, it’s her first time seeing the Badger,” he says.
“We are extra excited to welcome her back for her 71st season which we hope – which we know – is going to be a great one across the board from today all the way through the beginning of October,” says Courtney Hansen, Visit Manitowoc’s Director of Tourism.
Friday marked the ferry’s first trip across Lake Michigan since last July, when a portion of its docking equipment on the east side of the lake, in Ludington, Michigan, broke.
Operators initially estimated the ferry would make its first crossing in June, but crews were able to complete repairs ahead of schedule.
Businesses in Manitowoc felt the difference when the ship wasn’t around.
“We get a lot of extra business from the ferry,” says Taylor Vega, who works at Beernsten Confectionary in downtown Manitowoc. “We always know when it comes in, there’s always a big wave of people that comes in, it’s really exciting now since last year it wasn’t running. We saw a noticeable difference last year so, it’s really cool, really exciting to be back.”
Hansen says tourism thrives because of the S.S. Badger.
“Over a thousand different people are coming in, experiencing the city of Manitowoc, eating in our restaurants, staying in our hotels, going to our attractions and shopping at our boutiques,” she says.
But, even with it’s shortened season last year, Hansen says Manitowoc had a near-record year. But now that it’s back?
“The full season, we are 100% sure we’re going to have a record-breaking year here in Manitowoc, for room night stays, total economic impact and direct visitor spend, it’s a great great year ahead.”
And residents like Schwalbe agree.
“We really missed it, and super happy to see it back. It’s good for the community, good for Ludington, good for Wisconsin, good for Michigan, so yeah we’re excited.”
The S.S. Badger makes its four-hour, 60-mile journey seven days a week from about mid-May to October and brings about 1,200 people into Manitowoc each day.
Trips up and down the shoreline of Manitowoc as well as Ludington are also available for those looking to take a shorter trip on the S.S. Badger. Information on shoreline cruises can be found here.
Comments