Dockside Events are held while the S.S. Badger is docked in Ludington for the Evenings.
Lake Michigan Carferry announces the final dockside Open Boat Night and the official end of the 2026 sailing season for the historic S.S. Badger on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The final Open Boat Night takes place dockside in Ludington, Michigan, on Friday, October 9, , from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., giving visitors a last chance to explore the vessel before it wraps up the year. The iconic 410-foot S.S. Badger—recognized as the last operating coal-fired passenger steamship in the United States—will complete its final seasonal crossing on October 11. There are daily voyages from Ludington, Michigan, at 9 a.m. (ET), and 2 p.m. (CT) from Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Open Boat Night is a self-guided exploration of passenger areas and outer decks with live entertainment in the Cabana Room, and full access to the gift shop, concessions, and full-service bars. The admission is $10 per person.
Those wishing to book an autumn crossing before the end of the season or attend the Open Boat Night can visit SSBadger.com, call 800-841-4243, or stop by the Ludington ticket office on Maritime Drive for more information.
"The Badger remains a cherished maritime tradition on the Great Lakes," said company spokesman Thom Hawley. "We invite the community and visitors to join us for our final dockside open event and celebrate another incredible season aboard this floating piece of history."
Based in Ludington, Lake Michigan Carferry operates the S.S. Badger, carrying passengers, vehicles, and memories across Lake Michigan. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the ship has served as a vital and nostalgic link between Michigan and Wisconsin for decades.
Email: info@ssbadger.com
