[ccsial]

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We were thinking about taking a ferry to see my daughter who lives in Grand Rapids, MI. Rather than going through the Chicago disaster, I was thinking about the ferry North of Milwaukee.



I'm wondering how bike friendly the ferry is and if the bike needs to be tied down.

 

[nobbie]

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There are two ferries a slow one further north and a faster one out of Milwaukee.

They both have websites with fares and times. Bikes are OK IIRC. Timing is everything because they do the preboarding inspections as if you are going on a plane as I read it.


I am pretty sure you can't stay with the bike so tie downs are needed. If you carry your own you will know that they fit your bike.

I don't enjoy driving around Chicago so a bike ride would be worse. The city itself is great.

 

[ccsial]

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The one North of Milwaukee is the one I was thinking about. Thanks for the info.

 

[Pwhoever]

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I took the one from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee. It was pretty cool. It is called the Lake Express: http://www.lake-express.com/ It is a tad more expensive than the S.S. Badger but twice as quicker. It was about 2 hours across. It is a modern high speed ferry. They supply the tie downs so you don't need them on this one. I didn't get a chance to take the other one yet. It is the S.S. Badger form Ludington, MI to Manitowoc, WI: http://www.ssbadger.com/home.aspx It is slower and a little cheaper but you have to bring your own tie downs. It is also larger.

FYI, if you happen to travel with firearms, it is like boarding a plane. They have to be declared. It is a federal violation if you don't. They don't ask to see a permit or license. Security will inspect them to make sure they are unloaded. They then have to be locked on the bike such as in the saddlebag.

 

[ccsial]

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Thanks for the info and links. I'll check them out. I won't have firearms or knives but I hope the let me keep my fingernail clippers.



The two hour one sounds pretty good. That's relly clipping along at some good knots.