For the second time under the ownership of the Interlake Steamship Company, the S.S. Badger Car Ferry is sailing into Manitowoc for the start of the sailing season today.
During the off-season, the 70-year-old vessel was sent north to Sturgeon Bay, where she received a fresh coat of paint and had her lifeboats and cranes that lower the lifeboats replaced.
We spoke with Mayor Justin Nickels who said he is very excited for the start of the Badger sailing season.
“This is always a fun time of year for Manitowoc. The Badger coming back is kind of the kickoff to summer,” Nickles said. “It’s just so important to the City of Manitowoc. The tourism dollars, the folks to our downtown, and to our area.”
Mayor Nickels also voiced his excitement regarding the Badger’s return to sailing twice a day. He said that during COVID, the Badger only made one trip in each direction.
“They are going to start their season with one, and then in the midst of summer will go back to two sailings,” Nickles explained. “They will also be doing some extra shoreline cruises. They are going to have a night one this year in Manitowoc. I think they are going to have three total.”
We also spoke with Shelby Soberalski, the Director of Marketing & Sales for the Badger, who said last year was a great first year under the new ownership.
“It was definitely a great season, especially for our first season under the Interlake flag,” she said. “It was smooth sailing. We couldn’t have asked for a better first season, and we are looking forward to the next [one].”
As is the usual schedule, the Badger is expected to come into Manitowoc at around noon today, and the public is invited to come out to the dock and welcome her back to her Wisconsin home.
There will be 100 employees working on opening day, including 40 between the deck and engine crews, to ensure safe and enjoyable passage on the vessel.
