SS City of Milwaukee

SS City of Milwaukee The official page of the Society for the Preservation of the SS City of Milwaukee, Inc. One hour guided walking tours on the top of the hour.

A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the National Historic Landmark carferry as a museum ship, boatel, and event venue. Step back into time on a 1930s railroad and passenger carferry museum
May through Mid September. Visit our Great Lakes Gift shop. Retired USCG Acaia also available for self guided walking tours. Haunted attraction GhostShip Friday and Saturday nights in October.

REMINDER: Our Annual Fundraiser is THIS SATURDAY!Join us aboard the S.S. City of Milwaukee on Saturday, June 20, as we c...
06/18/2026

REMINDER: Our Annual Fundraiser is THIS SATURDAY!

Join us aboard the S.S. City of Milwaukee on Saturday, June 20, as we celebrate the ship’s 95th anniversary with a full day of activities!

🚘 Anchors & Axles Car Show
⚓ Tours of the S.S. City of Milwaukee and USCGC Acacia
🎟️ Silent auction and maritime displays
🍝 Homemade lasagna luncheon
🎤 Guest presentation by author Richard Gebhart
🎬 Premiere of Railroad on Water: The Legend of the S.S. Badger

The car show begins at 9:00 a.m., with activities continuing throughout the day. Events will be held rain or shine, and everyone is welcome!

Seating for the luncheon and documentary is limited, so please RSVP to reserve your plate and seat:

www.carferry.com/95

We hope to see you aboard this Saturday for a memorable day supporting the preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee!

Please RSVP for this event, and luncheon, on our website! www.carferry.com/95
06/10/2026

Please RSVP for this event, and luncheon, on our website! www.carferry.com/95

Following sold-out and highly attended world premiere screenings in Ludington and Manitowoc, an additional special screening of “Railroad on Water: The Legend of the S.S. Badger” has been added aboard the historic SS City of Milwaukee in Manistee, Michigan, on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

This unique event will take place on the railcar deck of the S.S. City of Milwaukee — the last surviving Grand Trunk Western railroad carferry and the final remaining carferry built by Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company. Nowhere else in the country can you watch the history of the carferries come to life inside an actual, preserved vessel surrounded by historic railcars.

Produced by Delay In Block Productions, “Railroad on Water” tells the story of the SS Badger from its construction in 1952 through its decades of service across Lake Michigan, its near-loss in the early 1990s, and its remarkable comeback as an auto-only ferry and moving National Historic Landmark. The feature-length documentary includes rare archival footage, restored photos, and exclusive access to areas of the Badger rarely documented on camera, including the engine room, boiler room, and steering spaces deep below deck.

All ticket proceeds from the screening will benefit the preservation and cosmetic restoration of the SS City of Milwaukee museum ship.

The full-day event aboard the ship will also feature the Anchors & Axles Car Show, food, a silent auction, and maritime history presentations leading up to the evening screening.

SCREENING TIME: 7:15 PM
ADMISSION: $15 per person

LOCATION:
SS City of Milwaukee
99 Arthur St, Manistee, MI 49660
Seating is limited, and advance RSVP registration is strongly encouraged.
For tickets and event information: https://www.carferry.com/95

06/08/2026

Twenty years ago today, USCGC Acacia (WLB-406) was officially decommissioned after a distinguished career in service to our nation.

On June 7, 2006, the State of Michigan proclaimed "Acacia Day" in honor of the vessel and the men and women who served aboard her. Today, we remember Acacia's legacy and recognize the dedication of all who helped keep the Great Lakes safe throughout her years of service.

🚢🎬 PREMIERE EVENT ABOARD THE S.S. CITY OF MILWAUKEE! 🎬🚢PLEASE RSVP ONLINE!!Join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 7:15 P...
06/06/2026

🚢🎬 PREMIERE EVENT ABOARD THE S.S. CITY OF MILWAUKEE! 🎬🚢

PLEASE RSVP ONLINE!!

Join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 7:15 PM for a special benefit screening of 'Railroad on Water: The Legend of the S.S. Badger', the new documentary by Drayton Blackgrove of Delay In Block Productions.

Experience the incredible story of one of the Great Lakes' most beloved ships while seated aboard another carferry, the National Historic Landmark S.S. City of Milwaukee in Manistee, Michigan.

From her construction in Sturgeon Bay in 1952, to her decades of service across Lake Michigan, to the dedicated efforts that saved her for future generations, this documentary celebrates the remarkable legacy of the S.S. Badger and the people who kept her alive.

Saturday, June 20, 2026; 7:15 PM

S.S. City of Milwaukee
99 Arthur Street
Manistee, Michigan

Best of all, 100% of ticket sales directly benefit the preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee Carferry Museum.

Whether you're a maritime enthusiast, railroad fan, history lover, or longtime Badger passenger, this is a screening you won't want to miss!

Please RSVP today and help support Great Lakes maritime preservation.

https://www.carferry.com/95

🚢🚘Join Us for a Full Day of Fun at the S.S. City of Milwaukee!Mark your calendars for our annual fundraiser event aboard...
05/26/2026

🚢🚘Join Us for a Full Day of Fun at the S.S. City of Milwaukee!

Mark your calendars for our annual fundraiser event aboard the historic S.S. City of Milwaukee in Manistee! From classic cars and the silent auction to a presentation and documentary premiere, there’s something for everyone throughout the day!

Saturday, June 20th, 2026; 99 Arthur St, Manistee, MI

Anchors & Axles Car Show:
- 8:30am – Registration Opens ($10/vehicle)
- 9:00am – Car Show Begins
- Public voting is FREE, and awards 1st - 5th place awards will be presented at 3:00pm

Silent Auction
- Opens at 10:00am on the Car Deck
- Features nautical items, local goods, memorabilia, and more
- Closes at 4:00pm

Homemade Lasagna Lunch Onboard
- 12:30pm on the Passenger Deck
- $20 per person

Evening Presentation
- 5:15pm – Richard Gebhart, author, presentation on famed naval architect Frank E. Kirby

- Documentary Premiere
- 7:15pm – “Railroad on Water: The Legend of the S.S. Badger”
- $15 admission

Throughout the day:
- Explore one of the last remaining railroad car ferries in the world
- Enjoy the atmosphere of a National Historic Landmark
- Food, history, automobiles, and maritime heritage all in one place!

We strongly encourage everyone to RSVP for lunch and the documentary, and view full details online at:
www.carferry.com/95

All proceeds support the ongoing preservation and restoration of the historic S.S. City of Milwaukee.

We pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice p...
05/24/2026

We pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice preserved the freedoms we enjoy today, and we are forever grateful for their courage and dedication.

This Memorial Day, we invite you to step aboard the historic S.S. City of Milwaukee and reflect on the generations of Americans who served both at sea and ashore throughout our nation’s history.

We will be OPEN on Memorial Day, Monday 5/25, from 11:00am–3:00pm for guided tours. Come explore one of the last remaining railroad car ferries in the world and experience a unique piece of Great Lakes maritime history.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

Join us for a full day of history, cars, food, and entertainment at the annual fundraiser aboard the historic S.S. City ...
05/16/2026

Join us for a full day of history, cars, food, and entertainment at the annual fundraiser aboard the historic S.S. City of Milwaukee!

Saturday, June 20th, 2026
All proceeds support the ongoing preservation and restoration of the S.S. City of Milwaukee and USCGC Acacia museum ships.

Anchors & Axles Car Show, in conjunction with Wander In
- Registration begins at 8:30am; $10 per vehicle
- Car show runs 9am–3pm
- Public admission and voting are FREE
- Awards presented at 3pm

Silent Auction
Beginning at 10am on the car deck, featuring nautical memorabilia, local items, gift baskets, and more! Auction closes at 4pm.

Lasagna Lunch Onboard
12:30pm on the passenger deck; $20/person
Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard a National Historic Landmark! The luncheon will include homemade meat and cheese lasagna, garlic bread, salad, a cookie, and a choice of drink, made fresh by Ann Lind.

Special Presentation – Frank Kirby
At 5:15pm, maritime historian and author Richard Gebhardt will present on legendary naval architect Frank Kirby, designer of many iconic Great Lakes vessels.

Documentary Premiere
At 7:15pm, join us for the premiere screening of Railroad on Water: The Legend of the SS Badger by DIB Productions.
Admission: $15/person

Bring your friends, family, and fellow history lovers down to the ship for a fun-filled day supporting the preservation of Great Lakes history. All members of the public are welcome. We hope to see you onboard!

For full event details, ticket information, and to RSVP online, please visit:
www.carferry.com/95

We strongly encourage everyone planning to attend the lunch and/or documentary premiere, to RSVP online in advance to help us prepare for the event as both will be limited.

Address

99 Arthur Street
Manistee, MI
49660

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 3pm
Thursday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

Telephone

+12317233587

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