As you approach Manitowoc, Wisconsin, USA, on the banks of Lake Michigan, youll notice a plaque marking the location of Wisconsin State Historical Marker 369. This marker pays homage to the citys rich maritime history and its role in the development of car ferries that transported passengers and vehicles across the Great Lakes.

For years, Manitowoc was home to a thriving shipbuilding industry. During World War II, the local shipyards were buzzing with activity as they built submarine chasers, PT boats, and other vessels for the United States Navy. This shipbuilding heritage eventually extended to car ferries that connected the city to nearby islands and the bustling city of Milwaukee on Wisconsins western shoreline.

The Car Ferries were a unique innovation in transportation during their time, allowing passengers to travel with their automobiles across the vast waters of Lake Michigan. These ships enabled the easy movement of people and goods between Manitowoc and its neighboring communities. The ferries were operated by companies like the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company and provided a convenient and efficient means of transportation for many years.

One notable ship to come out of the Manitowoc shipyards was the SS Badger, which began service in 1953. This vessel continued to operate as a car ferry until its retirement in 2015, making it the last operating passenger and auto ferry on the Great Lakes. Today, the SS Badger remains an iconic symbol of Manitowocs maritime history.

As you stand at Wisconsin State Historical Marker 369, picture the bustling harbor filled with ships coming and going, carrying passengers and vehicles to their destinations on the shores of Lake Michigan. Envision the excitement and pride that the people of Manitowoc must have felt as they watched these remarkable vessels take shape in their citys shipyards, contributing to a legacy of innovation and progress that continues to shape the region today.

Your tour through Manitowocs maritime history is now complete, but the memories youve gained from this experience will stay with you long after you leave the shores of Lake Michigan.