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Badger passes the Manitowoc lighthouse for the last time in 2026.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — The SS Badger concluded its 2026 sailing season Sunday, Oct. 11, wrapping up what Lake Michigan Carferry officials have described as one of the historic steamship’s best seasons in recent years.
According to Lake Michigan Carferry spokesman Thom Hawley, the 2026 season was among the most successful in recent years for the 73-year-old vessel, which carries passengers and vehicles across Lake Michigan between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wis.
Capt. Ed Wiltse, right, and Wheelsman Corey Ottgen navigate the Badger out of Ludington harbor Sunday morning.
The Badger began its season May 15 and completed its final round trip Sunday, departing Ludington at 9 a.m. and Manitowoc at 2 p.m.
Sunday’s weather provided favorable conditions for the final crossings. Sunshine greeted passengers departing Ludington, with temperatures around 60 degrees. Light southerly winds made for a pleasant crossing, with temperatures climbing into the 60s throughout the day.
As the Badger prepared to back into No. 2 slip, its home berth, some of the crew members performed a life boat drill. After the lifeboat was lowered from its davits on the starboard side, the crew rowed it around the bow of the ship and back on its port side.
During the summer months, the Badger operated additional nighttime crossings, returning to one round trip daily in the fall.
The Badger’s crew will now prepare the ship for its winter layup and begin preparations for the 2027 sailing season, which will begin in May.
Passengers play the last rounds of Badger Bingo for the season.
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