Lake Michigan Ferry

[randyf74]

We are planning a trip west to South Dakota this July. Has anyone taken a Motorhome on any of the Ferry's across the great lakes? We took our Suburban across lake Michigan a few years back and it saved driving around the lake and was different for the kids. Other possibilities are going through Canada, seeing something new and avoiding quite a bit of 90 on 90W. Any new ideas or input is much appreciated.

[sherman12]

If you go through Canada you would be crossing over at either Buffalo, NY or Lewiston with Buffalo being the less busy bridge most times. Its a nice ride up to Hamilton, Ont., Canada where you hook up to the I believe Red Jacket Pkwy connecting to the 406. The route number changes a few times heading towards Port Huron, MI but its a straight shot across Ontario and I pleasant ride. Before heading into Michigan at the Blue Water Bridge still in Canada is the town of Sarnia which is real nice. They also have one of the Good Sam rated top ten campgrounds there which the name skips my memory but you could find out. As far as taking a ferry goes, every time my wife sees one capsize somewhere in the world makes her fear every taking one so that question is beyond my grasp. Enjoy your trip.

[JustB_Rad]

The SS Badger allows vehicles of any size. The Lake Express does not. If you do it, it would have to be more for the experience than the cost/time savings because the Badger takes 4 hours to cross vs the Lake Express at 2.5 hours. SS Badger lands in Manitowoc from Michigan....Lake Express is Downtown Milwaukee.

[Kevin & Judy]

You can go up through the UP of Michigan, Many things to see and do. Nice roads and great scenery. This is how we go. We will go this way or do the ferry, Anything to avoid the Chicago area.

[JustB_Rad]

Originally Posted by Kevin & Judy

You can go up through the UP of Michigan, Many things to see and do. Nice roads and great scenery. This is how we go. We will go this way or do the ferry, Anything to avoid the Chicago area.

Drive through Chicago going that direction after 10 AM and before 2PM and you're pretty safe MOST days as far as traffic is concerned around the bypass. I also don't mind driving through at 4AM!

[Kevin & Judy]

One time we decided to go through around 3 am, Figured we be good at that time, Got into about the mid part of the city, traffic was dead stopped, found out they were swinging in new concrete beams for a new bridge, sat 2 1/2 hours waiting to get trrough, I decided never again to go through Chicago, have used the bypasses and usually are slow and backed up, Living in Michigan in the summer months, If we go into Chicago for a weeked to go to the museums and site see we take the amtrak in and bus it or cab it to get around.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by randyf74

We are planning a trip west to South Dakota this July. Has anyone taken a Motorhome on any of the Ferry's across the great lakes? We took our Suburban across lake Michigan a few years back and it saved driving around the lake and was different for the kids. Other possibilities are going through Canada, seeing something new and avoiding quite a bit of 90 on 90W. Any new ideas or input is much appreciated.

SS Badger Do it and Cross it off your "Bucket List"! Youroo!!

[randyf74]

We have taken the SS Badger a few years ago when we made the trek. Definitely worth doing if you haven't gone on it. We are leaning towards a trip across Canada and into the UP of Michigan. Kevin & Judy any recommendations or "don't want to miss" while on the UP?

[aceinspp]

So what do they charge for the ferry? Later RJD

[JustB_Rad]

$67 for an adult
$24 for a kid
$6.95 a foot for campers

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by JustB_Rad

$67 for an adult
$24 for a kid
$6.95 a foot for campers

Thanks for the info. Later RJD

[rockfordroo]

If you want to take the Badger, do it before the Enviro-freaks shut it down. It's a coal-burner. They just worked out a deal to keep it going, but who knows for how long. I'm guessing eventually, the EF's will win.

[youroo]

They "Measure Total Length,Tip to Tip"! They do Not measure People though! Youroo!!

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by youroo

They "Measure Total Length,Tip to Tip"! They do Not measure People though! Youroo!!

Thank goodness Later RJD

[Still Kickin]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

If you want to take the Badger, do it before the Enviro-freaks shut it down. It's a coal-burner. They just worked out a deal to keep it going, but who knows for how long. I'm guessing eventually, the EF's will win.

But it's on the National list of Historic.... Can those types sink that ship?

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Still Kickin

But it's on the National list of Historic.... Can those types sink that ship?

They did Stop the "Delta Queen" from running on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers,she was a "Beautiful Steam Powered Wood Paddle Wheeler"! Another Bucket List Trip we really enjoyed! Youroo!! And She was on the "National Register" as well!

[updhaul]

If you can, the Niagra Falls (Buffalo) with Ontario travel through to Detroit (tunnel) or further north to Blue Water Bridge, Sarnia and Port Huron north to The Mackinac Bridge..Or even further North through Canada (favorite) to Sault Ste. Marie to re-enter the US at the Soo locks in The UP. Summer time alternative to Pa. Ohio Turnpike I75 repetitions.

[Evereddie]

Originally Posted by Kevin & Judy

One time we decided to go through around 3 am, Figured we be good at that time, Got into about the mid part of the city, traffic was dead stopped, found out they were swinging in new concrete beams for a new bridge, sat 2 1/2 hours waiting to get trrough, I decided never again to go through Chicago, have used the bypasses and usually are slow and backed up, Living in Michigan in the summer months, If we go into Chicago for a weeked to go to the museums and site see we take the amtrak in and bus it or cab it to get around.

I'm originally from Chicago and when I go back to visit it shocks me that they have traffic reports on the radio at 3am! Go figure. How sad is that?

[randyf74]

Updhaul - that you for the recommendation. We went through Quebec to Ontario and crossed at Sault Ste Marie. We liked it so much we went back the same way. We didn't want to leave the Soo Locks and the town has lots for the kids to see and do. Thats where we spent our final night. The campground there is great and right on the water. I didn't miss traffic or tolls one bit!