Now in its 20th season of sailing, the high-speed ferry, its terminal located at 2330 S. Lincoln Memorial Dr., travels at 34 knots, or 39 miles per hour, and crosses Lake Michigan in 2 ½ hours, arriving in Muskegon, Michigan.

The ferry’s spring schedule begins May 5 through June 29, followed by the summer schedule, June 30 to Aug. 20, and the fall schedule, Aug. 21 to Oct. 22. 

The Lake Express auto deck can accommodate vehicles up to 8 feet 6 inches in height, 8 feet in width and 18 feet in length, including cars, bicycles, and motorcycles. Passengers can choose from classic and premier cabin options. 

Ferry features and amenities include spacious seating, accessible outdoor decks, wi-fi, complimentary headsets, an onboard café, and movies. 

Aaron Schultz, vice president of Lake Express, has noticed an increase in younger passengers interested in eco-tourism, along with outdoor recreation enthusiasts. “The lure of it is still there,” he said. “We are seeing an uptick in bicycle tourism.” 

Complimentary pet kennels for cats and dogs are available on a first come, first serve basis, and kennels must be selected with reservations. 

The ferry offers discounted rates for students, seniors, military personnel, and groups of 15 or more. Visit lake-express.com or call (414) 727-7881 for more information.

For more information and updates, visit lake-express.com.

Muskegon
From lighthouses to regattas and historic homes to a farmer’s market, plenty of restaurants, a distillery, and unforgettable views of shipwrecks, port city Muskegon offers a wonderful day or overnight trip for the whole family. 

Grand Haven
Grand Haven’s numerous hiking trails, beaches and sand dunes make the city an ideal getaway for those who love the great outdoors. Be sure to take a stroll along the city’s two-and-a-half-mile-long boardwalk, lined with restaurants, shops, marinas and charter fishing boats, and visit its charming downtown area.

Grand Rapids
With more than 80 breweries, it’s no wonder that Grand Rapids was voted Best Beer City by USA Today. One of the fastest-growing major cities in the Midwest, Grand Rapids, with its dynamic arts scene, which includes the 158-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, and diverse restaurants, buzzes with energy.

Saugatuck  
Nature meets art, culture, and wine in scenic Saugatuck, which lies in the middle of the Michigan wine trail and is home to a variety of restaurants and boutiques. Located near tranquil beaches, the city has a lake with a sizeable walleye and trout population, the perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts. 

Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Be sure to snap photos of the 2,000 acres of windswept sand dunes that form for miles along Lake Michigan’s shoreline and the 690-acre Silver Lake.