We ended our College Visits and College Friends Tour on the Michigan side of Lake Michigan. Rather than drive back down through Chicago, we decided to go on an adventure by taking a ferry ride across the Lake from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. What a historic, slice of Americana!
It was a perfect morning for the trip across. Departure was at 8:30, but we loaded our vehicle at 7:30. It had been an early morning, since we'd driven 2 hours from Mount Pleasant, MI where we'd visited Central Michigan University. The dark, foggy, wooded and pastoral drive was a relaxing way to start the morning.
The ferry was quite full, since it was a Saturday morning. Some passengers seemed new to the experience, soaking up the history of the ship like we were, watching the on-board informational movie and reading signs.
Other passengers seemed to be enjoying a family tradition. Grandmas and Grandpas played bingo with their grandkids. Some people enjoyed the all-you-can-eat breakfast or grabbed a quick breakfast at the concession stand.
There was a variety of seating options, both inside and outside. It was a little cool on the deck, so we started outside, but then headed in after awhile.
We even watched a full length movie in the movie theatre.
There was a museum and store on board also. We were on board for 4-5 hours, so it helped to have a variety of seating and entertainment options. We had fun exploring all the nooks and crannies on board.
Seeing the coal black smoke billow out the smokestack into the clear, blue sky, and watching the ship cut through the green water was a treat after driving many miles on the highway.
We disembarked in Manitowoc, as the next passengers and their vehicles were lining up. What a fun experience, and a great way to cut down on the driving at the end of a trip.
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