‘Seas’ the day: Great Lakes ferries and boat tours

For residents and visitors alike, ferries and boat tours are the perfect way to experience Michigan’s rich maritime history, stunning landscapes, and unique destinations.

If exploring historic islands, marveling at towering cliffs, or feeling the thrill of being on the water sounds like your kind of adventure, here are some of Michigan’s best on-the-water experiences.

FERRIES

For a true maritime adventure, board the Badger, a historic car ferry connecting Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Ludington, Michigan. The Badger is the last coal-fired steamship in operation in the U.S., offering a nostalgic four-hour crossing of Lake Michigan. Onboard, you’ll find a full-service bar, comfortable lounges, games, and even a movie theater. You can make the full trip or simply soak up the onboard atmosphere on a shoreline cruise. Either way, the Badger is a living piece of maritime history. The Badger runs on Michigan time (Eastern Time Zone) and reservations aren’t required but are highly recommended.

There is no more iconic ferry service on the Great Lakes than those that run to Mackinac Island. Dating back to 1878, Arnold Transit Company (formerly Mackinac Island Ferry Company), continues to provide reliable service, offering multiple departures daily from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. Arnold offers indoor and outdoor seating so you can enjoy panoramic views of the Mackinac Bridge.

For a more educational ride, Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry is another top choice. Known for its impeccable service, Shepler’s operates high-speed ferries with optional narrated tours that highlight the history and ecology of the Straits. Both companies provide seamless access to Mackinac Island, where cars are replaced by bicycles and horse-drawn carriages.

Dubbed “America’s Emerald Isle,” Beaver Island feels like a world apart. The Emerald Isle Ferry, operating out of Charlevoix, is the lifeline to this remote Lake Michigan island. This leisurely two-hour journey gives passengers time to enjoy views of sparkling waters and distant shorelines. Once on Beaver Island, visitors can hike, bike, or relax in its serene, forested landscapes.

TALL SHIPS

For those who dream of sailing back in time, the Traverse Tall Ship Company offers unforgettable excursions aboard the schooner Manitou. Departing from Traverse City, these tours let you hoist sails, savor a catered meal, or simply relax as you glide across Grand Traverse Bay. Their sunset cruises and wine-tasting sails are especially popular.

At the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven, you can step aboard the historic Friends Good Will, a replica of an 1810 Great Lakes sloop. These sails combine hands-on history with the thrill of being out on Lake Michigan. For an equally historic ride, the museum also offers Chris-Craft tours and an electric-powered replica river launch which explores the scenic Black River.

For an educational twist on a day at sea, Inland Seas Education Association in Suttons Bay lets visitors become citizen scientists aboard a traditional schooner. You’ll learn about the ecology of the Great Lakes through hands-on activities like water sampling and plankton identification, making this an excellent choice for families or school groups.

THE U.P.

Few sights in Michigan are as awe-inspiring as the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and the best way to see it is by boat. Pictured Rocks Cruises, departing from Munising, takes you along towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and caves etched by wind and waves. Their Sunset Cruise is especially stunning, as the cliffs glow with golden hues. Kayakers can get even closer to the formations, but the larger cruise boats offer comfort and expert narration.

No trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is complete without a visit to the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, where giant freighters are lifted and lowered to traverse the differing water levels between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Soo Locks Boat Tours put you right in the middle of the action, offering front-row seats to this engineering marvel. As you pass through the locks, knowledgeable guides share the history and mechanics of the system, along with fascinating tales of Great Lakes shipping.

TOURS AND CHARTERS

Another Traverse City gem, Discovery Traverse City Tours, provides intimate boat experiences with knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re cruising the bay, enjoying a specialty cruise (Sunday brunch, wine tastings, fireworks or fall color tours) or setting sail on your own chartered cruise, these small-group tours are perfect for learning about local history and enjoying Michigan’s stunning coastal scenery.

In Charlevoix, Sunshine Charters provides a more laid-back experience. Their sailing tours of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan are perfect for soaking up sunshine, snapping photos of the area’s iconic lighthouses, and enjoying a tranquil day on the water.

In Holland, the Holland Princess offers a unique way to explore the city’s canals, Lake Michigan shore and Lake Macatawa. This paddle-wheel riverboat provides themed dinner cruises and sightseeing tours with a distinctly Dutch flair. From the water, you’ll enjoy views of Holland’s iconic lighthouse, waterfront homes, and the vibrant sunsets the area is known for.

Michigan’s ferries and boat tours are as diverse as its waters. Hop a ferry to a remote island, marvel at natural wonders, or step aboard a historic vessel; there’s no shortage of ways to make waves. With so many options to choose from, your next great adventure is just a dock away.

TOP PHOTO: The S.S. Badger Ferry (ID 25892673 © KENNETH KEIFER | DREAMSTIME.COM)