Welcome to Best Western Splash Park Inn

S.S. Badger
Photography by toddandbradreed.com

S.S. Badger - Lake Michigan Carferry

When you stay at the Best Western Splash Park Inn, we'll provide a free shuttle from the carferry to our hotel. All you need to do is let us know when you'll be arriving.

Anyone familiar with Ludington knows the S.S. Badger—the largest carferry to ever sail the Great Lakes. Summertime finds tourists and locals out on the breakwall, at the marina, or on the beach at the Ludington State Park, watching this magnificent ship sail in and out of the Ludington port. The S.S. Badger is a 410’ carferry that can carry up to 620 passengers and 180 cars, tour buses, RVs, and semi-trucks. During the summer months, it makes the four-hour trip across Lake Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and offers all the comforts of home.

The Badger began in 1953 as a railroad carferry and was completely renovated in 1992 with the mission as a passenger and auto vessel. Today’s passengers save time, money, and gas as they enjoy the leisurely trip across Lake Michigan. The Badger features spacious outside decks for walking or lounging, free movies and satellite TV, live entertainment, two restaurants, full cocktail service, shopping and staterooms for sleeping during the cruise. There are even activities for kids, including a video arcade, coloring contests and playroom.

The Badger sails from mid-May to mid-October, with two daily round trips during the summer months. Ludington is very proud of its maritime heritage, and the S.S. Badger represents all that special and unique to our area.

Reservations on the S.S. Badger carferry can be made by calling the Lake Michigan Carferry Service at 800-841-4243 or at their website - www.ssbadger.com

Call to make your room reservations at the Best Western Splash Park Inn today and let the adventure begin. The entire family will enjoy our new indoor waterslide. Hold onto your stomach as you plunge more than 100 feet and 4 hairpin curves. Need a break from the slide? Jump into our heated pool or sit back and relax in our whirlpool. Water not your thing? Our arcade offers hours of dry fun! Whew, all this adventure has worked up an appetite. Finish off the adventure the next morning with our free breakfast bar.

Don't delay, your adventure awaits at Best Western!

Completely Renovated Spring 2007! Our upgrade to Best Western includes new mattresses, refrigerators in every room, new carpet in all guest rooms, new linens in all rooms, and many more upgrades.