Lake Express Ferry.
Breezing Across the Water in Style
A sure sign of spring is the start of the Lake Express high-speed ferry’s sailing season between Milwaukee and Muskegon, Mich. This year the Lake Express begins its 15th season on May 6.
Passengers on the Lake Express are assured of spacious seating and scenic views, as well as hassle-free travel between Milwaukee and Michigan (without Chicago traffic).
Some travelers may think of car ferries as slow, historic vessels with minimal conveniences. The Lake Express offers a 21st Century take on ferry travel – modern cabins, an onboard cafe and sun deck for snapshots and videos. It’s the only high-speed ferry on the Great Lakes, and one of only a handful in the U.S. Passengers have the option of selecting a Classic or Premier Cabin experience. Discounted rates for seniors, students and military personnel are available.
Traveling at 34 knots, or 39-miles-per hour, the ferry reaches Muskegon in just two and a half hours. That saves passengers a considerable amount of driving time! Aaron Schultz, Lake Express vice president and marketing director, says that a trip on the Lake Express ferry is an unforgettable experience that appeals to travelers worldwide. “We bring people from all 50 states and 50 countries. Being out in the middle of the lake, you can actually see the curve of the earth.”
The ferry’s spring schedule runs from May 6-June 16, with two round trips from Milwaukee to Muskegon per day.
The summer schedule runs from June 17-Sept. 5, and includes three daily round trips; the fall schedule, from Sept. 6-Oct. 23, includes two daily round trips.
For more information and updates, visit lake-express.com.
Michigan Destinations:
Muskegon
With sandy beaches, gorgeous sunsets, sailing regattas, fishing, and fantastic underwater views of shipwrecks, port city Muskegon is an ideal stop for a day or overnight trip. The city’s downtown also boasts restaurants, antique shops, a distillery, and a farmers market.
Grand Haven
Grand Haven offers plenty for the outdoor enthusiast, including beaches with sand dunes and many hiking trails. Stroll along the city’s two-and-a-half-mile-long boardwalk, lined with restaurants, shops, marinas, and charter fishing boats, and be sure to visit the city’s quaint downtown area.
Grand Rapids
One of the fastest-growing major cities in Michigan–and the Midwest overall—Grand Rapids, voted Best Beer City by USA Today readers, is a gourmand’s paradise, with more than 80 breweries and loads of diverse restaurants. Its vibrant arts scene includes the 158-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Visit the Gerald Ford Museum and Presidential Library and Museum, city institutions rich in history.
Saugatuck
This is a haven for art and nature enthusiasts, along with wine aficionados, as the city lies in the middle of the Michigan wine trail. From boutiques and restaurants to relaxing beaches and a lake with a sizeable walleye and trout population, Saugatuck offers the perfect mix of culture and the great outdoors.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes
2,000 acres of windswept sand dunes fringe miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline and the 690-acre Silver Lake, providing much inspiration for photographs.
