Tour the S.S. City of Milwaukee Ship in Manistee
This part of Western Michigan along the Lake Michigan shoreline was once the home to numerous carferries that sailed to Wisconsin in the late 1950s. One of them was the S.S. City of Milwaukee, which is now permanently docked off Arthur Street in Manistee. This National Historic Landmark offers tours throughout the year, and becomes a "Ghost Ship" every October.
Built in 1930 by the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, the S.S. City of Milwaukee measures 360 feet in length and and at the time of active service, could hold an entire freight train and 300 passengers. The vessel was retired in 1981 when the State of Michigan halted cross-lake ferry service and was declared a National Historic Monument in 1990. The ship was towed to Manistee in January 2000, and moved to its present location in 2004.
The S.S. City of Milwaukee is open for tours, where you can visit the cavernous car deck, engine room, officers quarters and staterooms. If you're having a special event, such as a wedding or party, you can rent the ship for a specified time. The waterfront setting, along with large deck spaces, makes this a unique venue and one that will be memorable to your guests. The S.S. City of Milwaukee is also available for overnight stays (groups only). Every Friday and Saturday night, the ship invites scout troops, church groups, 4H members or any parties of 10 or more to spend the night. Price is just $35 per person and includes linens and a continental breakfast. Call (231) 723-3587 for availability of lodging or to reserve the ship for your next event.
The marina where the S.S. City of Milwaukee is moored is right on Manistee Lake, with access to Lake Michigan. It offers restrooms, showers, ice, picnic tables, and fish cleaning station for both seasonal and transient boaters.
The S.S. City of Milwaukee becomes a "Ghost Ship" during the month of October. Every Friday and Saturday night, dare to tour the vessel, which has been transformed just for Halloween. This is not a recommended event for children eight and under.
The Victorian port city of Manistee is proud of its most famous historical landmark...the S.S. City of Milwaukee.
