The historic S.S. Badger car ferry that carries passengers across Lake Michigan from Manitowoc to Ludington has been reportedly sold. The coal-fired ferry was sold to Interlake Holding Company of Ohio last Wednesday along with two other vessels, including the Badger's sister ship the S.S. Spartan, which is not in operation right now. The Pere Marquette Shipping Company and Lake Michigan Car Ferry Company also sold a tug-barge in the transaction. The S.S. Badger, built and launched by Christy Corporation in Sturgeon Bay nearly 70 years ago, is the last coal-fired passenger steamship operating in the country. Kewaunee was once a port for the car ferry before discontinuing service in 1980. Offering four-hour daily trips between Manitowoc and Ludington from May until October every year, the S.S. Badger was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2016.
(Photo courtesy of J.R. Manning and S.S. Badger website)
