LUDINGTON, Mich. – The giant car ferry Badger, which has plied Lake Michigan since 1953, has been purchased by a shipping company that operates barges and other lake vessels. Ohio-based Interlake Holding Company said the Badger will continue in service. The ship traverses a 62-mile lapse in transcontinental U.S. 10 between Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan. The Badger is the last car ferry on the Great Lakes.
Four-hour voyage. The Badger has hauled 2.5 million passengers in its 67 years. Lake ice precludes winter service.
Ship profile
Length: 410 feet. Beam: 60 feet. Weight: 6,650 tons. Speed: 18 mph
Passengers: 600, Fare: $72. Crew: 60, Vehicles: 180
Original fuel: Coal. Current fuel: Diesel