S.S. Badger’s online gift shop is open for Christmas

LUDINGTON, MI - This 410-foot historic gem has all the gifts you need to commemorate your trip across Lake Michigan – or to tease an upcoming adventure - this Christmas.

The S.S. Badger car ferry's online gift shop is open for Christmas shoppers looking for something uniquely Michigan.

"The holidays are right around the corner," officials said on the car ferry's Facebook page . "Need some gift ideas? Take a look at our shop."

The ship's shop includes apparel, model kits, puzzles, drinkware, bags, stuffed animals, books, ornaments, playing cards, coasters, chip clips and more. Shop here .

Orders can be shipped or picked up from the Lake Michigan Carferry office, 701 Maritime Drive in Ludington.

For those who prefer to shop in person, the gift shop inside the office will be open from Black Friday, Nov. 29 to Dec. 21. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays.

The S.S. Badger is the last coal-fired passenger steamer in the United States. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2016. Originally designed to transport railcars across Lake Michigan, it now offers a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers. The Badger is the last Great Lakes railcar ferry in operation.

The ferry offers daily round trip service between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wis. The route is an extension of U.S. 10 and serves as a short cut. The ship makes the 60-mile journey in four hours. It can accommodate 600 passengers and 180 vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, campers, RVs, motorcycles, motorcoaches, commercial trucks, oversized loads, bicycles, trailers and more.

Find the full fee schedule here and the season schedule here . The 2025 season will begin on May 16; tickets are not yet on sale.