Hello,

We are planning on visiting friends in Grand Rapids, MI and then going over to Door County, WI for a family reunion the last week of July. Which is a better option - the Lake Express to Milwaukee or the Ludington Ferry to Manitowoc? I'm concerned about traffic volumes from Milwaukee. Also, which one of the "ferry" areas of Michigan is nicer? Muskegon or Ludington?
Thank you for your input!!

Please price your ferry options first. Do you know that the car, and each individual require a fare? And I've heard of cases where they didn't leave because of weather etc. Nearly every person who I've known that has used the ferry, including us, has only used it once.

You are going to have to drive North a LLOOONNNG way regardless. Wouldn't it be more fun to go through the Upper Peninsula? Just a thought, but you may not have the time or inclination. But I still think the drive you have is so considerable that it shouldn't be discounted.

As for the driving route, I've done both and I far, far prefer to follow the route around Lake Michigan to Traverse City and then cut through the UP of MI over to WI than to go around the Southern end of L.Michigan at all.

Using the ferry is an option that is expensive, but in your time frame???? I wonder if the drive is that much shorter because you are going to have to drive much farther North at the WI end regardless.

I've never taken the ferry from Muskegon only Ludington, but I like Muskegon. I like Ludington as well. You have to know that I am prejudice for the MI UP regardless if it only to enjoy the view driving through. Mackinaw City, the bridge- all of it! I think Traverse City is one of the most beautiful towns in all of North America.

I love Grand Rapids too. Have fun!

And your very last option should probably be taking that ferry to Milwaukee. You then put yourself at risk for traffic back ups from hell in July. My best friend has a home in Wisc. Rapids and I've heard more tales of woe about this than about our own I-80E through Indiana into Michigan I-94 North drive. She's been in gridlock at two different places for up to a total of 4 additional hours before she gets to mid-state WI going North from Chicago.

We took the Ludington, Manitowac one. It takes about 4 hours, but was really fun. They play bingo and you can walk around and eat. It is pricey though. But so is gas.

I think the Ludington Ferry is a great experience too. I am sure you will enjoy it and it sure saves you the time of going up to the UP and then around. It is a nice trip if you like to drive a lot, but takes time. Try the ferry!!

Here's the website for the Ludington-Manitowoc ferry:

http://www.ssbadger.com/

As warm as it's been, I'm surprised they aren't running it right now!

Traffic Jams in Milwaukee.....its all relative. If you are from Grand Rapids a 15 minute jam is bad...if you are from Chicago its a drive through the park.

Thanks for all the input! Wish we had the time to drive the UP. Unfortunately, we do have time constraints so probably out of the question? How long do you think it would take? I would think you would want to take it leisurely.

I think that are friends primarily want to show us around Grand Rapids. Our main focus is the family reunion in WI so that's where we will be spending most of our vacation. Grand Rapids is a side trip.
Traffic - yes, well being from Seattle (dubious honor of some of the worst traffic in the nation) we would prefer NOT to spend vacation in traffic. Sounds like the Badger is it?

Any thoughts on what to see in GR or places to stay in Ludington or visit en route?
Regards,
Carlene

Traffic in Milwaukee is not a big deal. the biggest question is which ferry is your style.


Author: sobolik
Date: 08/21/2005, 10:23 pm
We took both in July 2005. The Lake express was very windy top side. Crowded and feared we would not be able to sit together. Drive yourself on and off (good thing) Minimal entertainment. Fast so as to take the edge off the anticipation thus a good choice for the first leg going and getting there quicker. Very nice port in Michigan with lots to do in the vicinity. Arrival time less critical.
The Badger. Better arrive 1 hour early at least or risk a mad rush. Kids drive your vehicle on and off (can be bad, mirrors etc) Big ship to include semi trucks and mishaps off loading (1 hour delay) Much different cruise experience. Never feel crowded. Big undertaking assortment of entertainment More ocean liner like. Very pleasant sail. Extra time to cross went unnoticed.
Over all I would say the sailing experience goes to the Badger. I would do it again. The effiency get me there cuz I don't like the trip goes to the Lake express.
I had the most wierd experience with the Badger. I originally arrived in Wisconsin about 11:20 pm. I went past Manitowoc again in the day time on a Sunday so I decided to return to the dock for some day time photos for the album. I could not help but notice that there were 5 cars there with people in them waiting for their departure. I even asked the ticket agents if this is normal. She said in a not surprised fashion - ya. usually about 10 cars. What is so odd about all of this? It was over 5 hours early! These people apparently planned to sit and wait in the cars for 5 hours! I do not know if this speaks of the peoples lives or the appeal of the Badger. You be the judge

ps I Think Muskegon is way nicer than Ludington. Milwaukee vs Manitowoc? what is your style?

sorry another think of it later ps. Stories per a crew member and a passenger. If Lake Michigan has 6' waves most on the Lake Express are sick. So if choosing LE go very early like 6am when LM can be smooth as glass.

Since I am unfamiliar with either city I couldn't say what my style is --love picturesque with good food and nice atmosphere and love lighthouses!

We will be walk on passengers on either ferry as we are arranging transport on the other side. We have ferries here as well and find it much more convenient to walk on than sit in ferry lines.

You know, I think the Manitowac ferry has some deal where you can spend the night on the ferry before the trip vs. getting a hotel room. I'm not sure if they still do that or not.

since you said. "Since I am unfamiliar with either city I couldn't say what my style is --love picturesque with good food and nice atmosphere and love lighthouses!"
Then I would suggest that you go to Manitowoc on the Badger.

I would suggest taking Lake Express. The ship is a catamaran style and the seats onboard are really comfortable. The terminal in Muskegon is only 30-45 minutes from Grand Rapids. The ship makes 3 roundtrips a day so you have a couple of choices for departure times. It only takes 2 1/2 hours and really flies across the Lake. I've taken it many times and love it! Also, Milwaukee is a great city - lots to see and do. Will take you about 2-3 hours to get to Door County from Milwaukee. If you are traveling on the weekend, make sure to make your reservations early, Lake Express is very popular. www.lake-express.com