Lake Express Ferry Terminal
A high-speed ferry crossing Lake Michigan, offering scenic views and a unique travel experience between Milwaukee and Muskegon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Smoothest ride, best views
Lake Express Ferry Terminal
Best Time
Smoothest ride, best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A high-speed ferry crossing Lake Michigan, offering scenic views and a unique travel experience between Milwaukee and Muskegon.
"Great way to get across Lake Michigan for a Bloody Mary at Sobelman's Pub in Milwaukee!"
🚗 Car Parking Can Be Tight
Cars are packed closely. Be prepared for a tight squeeze getting in and out of your vehicle. 🚗
🥶 Cabin Can Be Freezing
The onboard cabin's AC can be intense. Bring layers or a blanket for comfort. :snowflake:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 959 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Lake Crossing
Lake Michigan
Enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan during this 2.5-hour high-speed ferry journey. Smooth rides are common, even in choppy conditions.
Pet-Friendly Travel
Onboard kennels
Bring your furry friend! The ferry offers kennels with attentive staff, ensuring a comfortable journey for your dog, even with motion sickness.
Milwaukee Destination
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Arrive conveniently near downtown Milwaukee, perfect for a quick visit to local attractions or a meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Consider the Cost vs. Time Savings
Book Ahead, Especially for Cars
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car Parking Can Be Tight
Cars are packed closely. Be prepared for a tight squeeze getting in and out of your vehicle. 🚗
🥶 Cabin Can Be Freezing
The onboard cabin's AC can be intense. Bring layers or a blanket for comfort. :snowflake:
Lake Express
Who rides that thing? I've always wanted to but 1 person and a car clears $500 to save a nominal amount of time vs driving around Chicago. I'd prefer this option if it was reasonably priced, but I can't imagine this is an economical mode of transport for anybody.
Lake Express
I'm planning a road trip to the east coast and am considering taking the Lake Express to Muskegon in order to avoid driving through Chicago and the high level of Interstate traffic on the south end of Lake Michigan. Alas, I easily become seasick. If you've taken the Lake…
🐶 Dog Comfort is Key
Staff are attentive to dogs, providing water and updates. Kennels are available and comfortable. 🐕
💰 Consider Bike Travel
Bringing a bike is a more budget-friendly option than a car. :moneybag:
Ferry travel in Lake Michigan
I am always a big fan of ferry traveling. I hope to try the Lake Michigan ferry in the summer. Looking up on some websites, the cost could be 700$ for a family of four to travel from Milwaukee to Michigan. The travel time seems quite long. I wonder whether there are some other…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car Parking Can Be Tight
Cars are packed closely. Be prepared for a tight squeeze getting in and out of your vehicle. 🚗
🥶 Cabin Can Be Freezing
The onboard cabin's AC can be intense. Bring layers or a blanket for comfort. :snowflake:
🐶 Dog Comfort is Key
Staff are attentive to dogs, providing water and updates. Kennels are available and comfortable. 🐕
💰 Consider Bike Travel
Bringing a bike is a more budget-friendly option than a car. :moneybag:
📱 Check for Cancellations
High winds can lead to cancellations. Stay updated via text alerts. ⚠️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers praise the Lake Express Ferry for its scenic views, smooth ride, and pet-friendly accommodations. The crew is frequently commended for their friendliness and attentiveness. However, the high cost and potentially freezing cabin temperatures are common points of dissatisfaction. Some also note that the time saved isn't always significant enough to justify the expense.
"Had a great round trip cruise on the Lake Express!
Great way to get across Lake Michigan for a Bloody Mary at Sobelman's Pub in Milwaukee! Our ride was smooth, the views were fantastic! The crew/staff were all very organized, friendly and accommodating. good selection of snacks & beverages.
I thought it might get rough during our return voyage because the waves were expected to reach 6-8 feet, But this vessel handled it like a boss!
We've crossed the big lake on the Badger before, but this was our first time on the Lake Express. Our experience was beyond our expectations and we'll definitely do this again."
Rob VanSuilichem
"We had a one year old golden retriever who is VERY motion sickness and we were very nervous to bring her on the boat for the first time. Overall the experience went really good. There were too many dogs to fit in the kennels on our first trip- luckily they had a pop up XL kennel that she fit in and was comfortable. Each kennel had a cushion mat. Someone was sitting next to the dogs the entire trip (from what we were told) for comfort. When we picked her up from the first trip she seemed good! First trip was 1-2 foot waves and hardly any movement. On our way home, waves were much larger (3-5 foot) and we were more nervous. She was the only dog in the kennels on the way back but the workers were really kind wrote “gets motion sickness” on her kennel so all workers were aware. They also came into the main cabin halfway through and let us know that our pup was doing good! They also give water to all dogs in the kennels- which was really nice! When we picked her up from the kennels on the way back, she was more tired and frantic with the waves, but overall did much better than we thought!
When there were many dogs- we drove her in the car onto the boat and then got out of the car with her and brought her over to the kennels. When she was the only dog in the kennels- they had one of us drive the car onto boat and the other walk our dog on before everyone else and we stood with her until we had to go to the cabin. We also had the option to keep her in the car but it was hot and we could only crack the windows/otherwise had to keep them shut and preferred her to be in a kennel with the cooler airflow.
Hope this helps for the first timers!! The workers are so nice and were really helpful!"
Alyssa Lokensgard
"It is high speed, but 2.5 hours versus 4 to drive is not a huge savings. It is a cool bucket list thing to do, but very expensive. The worst thing is we took it round trip. On the way over, there were not a lot of people or cars on board. Two hours before our return, they texted us that due to high winds and potentially high seas, the return was cancelled, and they would refund me have of my ticket price over night. First, it was no more windy then when we came over. Second , they cancelled, so if you walked on, you were now stuck. How do you get home? Third, they should refund more than half for the inconvenience of having to drive back. Fourth, it has been three days and they have not refunded me yet."
Michael St. Denis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lake Express Ferry operates between Muskegon, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Muskegon terminal is located at 1412 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441. The Milwaukee terminal is at 247 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
The ferry journey across Lake Michigan takes approximately 2.5 hours, covering about 78 miles. This is significantly faster than driving around the lake.
Yes, you can bring your car on the ferry. However, car spots are limited and often sell out, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Be prepared for tight parking on board.
Parking availability can vary. It's advisable to check with the specific terminal in Muskegon or Milwaukee regarding parking options and any associated fees.
If you're looking to save money, consider traveling as a walk-on passenger or bringing a bicycle instead of a car. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of your trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary. A round trip for one person can be around $187, and bringing a car significantly increases the cost, potentially reaching $700 or more for a round trip for two passengers and a car.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Lake Express Ferry website. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season or if you plan to bring a vehicle.
Discounts may be available for children, and sometimes promotions or special offers are advertised. Donating a bike has also been mentioned as a way to potentially get a free ticket.
Cancellations can occur due to high winds or rough seas. If your trip is cancelled, you may receive a refund, though some travelers have reported issues with the amount or timeliness of refunds.
Yes, it is strongly advised to book your car spot well in advance, as they are limited and can sell out quickly. Travelers have reported securing the last available car spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ferry offers a high-speed, smooth ride across Lake Michigan. Passengers can relax in the cabin, which has a concession stand, or enjoy the views from the deck.
Yes, there is a concession stand offering snacks and beverages. Some travelers have noted the cabin can be quite cold due to the air conditioning.
Yes, pets are welcome! The ferry provides kennels for dogs, and staff are attentive to their needs, even offering water and checking on them during the trip.
The crew is aware of pets that may experience motion sickness and takes extra care. They will inform you about your pet's well-being during the journey.
The cabin seating is generally comfortable, offering space for passengers. However, be prepared for potentially very cold temperatures inside the cabin.
📸 📸 Photography
The deck offers excellent vantage points for capturing panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the shorelines of both Milwaukee and Muskegon.
Absolutely! If you're traveling with a pet, you can capture memorable moments of them enjoying the journey, especially if they are in the kennels or with you on deck (if permitted).
From the shorelines of Milwaukee or Muskegon, you can capture impressive shots of the high-speed ferry as it approaches or departs the terminal.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful, soft lighting for capturing the lake and the ferry. Sunset views can be particularly stunning.
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