SS Badger arriving and departing Ludington MI

On a pleasant June weekend, the carferry SS Badger is seen here arriving at its home port of Ludington Michigan late in the afternoon, and then departing for Manitowoc the next morning.

[@fedora997]

It would be a sad day whenever the Badger is retired

[@Local-Of-The-Mitten-State]

She has a twin?!

[@timfletcher1840]

Yes, Spartan and Badger were both built in the early 50’s

[@Jleed989]

The third ship is the City of Midland which looks like the other two

[@RLTtizME]

The City of Midland was converted into a barge.

[@marleneshively6636]

Cool

[@pastorart1974]

Isn't there another Ferry operating out of a location south of Milwaukee near the airport?

[@summersbliss10]

Yes but that’s a catamaran that was built purely to carry passengers and vehicles. The Badger was originally built for rail cars, hence the term “carferry”. It is a relic, and the last of its kind still operating.

[@donaldwallace7934]

@@summersbliss10
A relic?! Yes, it’s had a long service life, but calling it a relic is to say it should have been scrapped long ago! She is very well maintained, and performs beautifully!! Hardly a “relic”

[@janicesullivan8942]

There is a high-speed ferry, don’t remember the name.

[@janicesullivan8942]

@@summersbliss10
I prefer the term “antique” over “relic.”

[@RLTtizME]

@@janicesullivan8942 Lake Express

[@freightersonthegreatlakes995]

I don’t think that’s coal because coal exhaust dosent do that

[@9TDF]

Different coals have different properties. Some produce more smoke and ash some less. There could also be an exhaust scrubber involved