MANITOWOC, Wis. — The S.S. Badger passenger ferry is ending its season early due to unexpected mechanical issues. 

The company which operates the passenger service between Manitowoc and Ludington, Michigan, said part of the vessel’s ramp system failed. Parent company Interlake Maritime Services said repairs and reconstruction are expected to take months.  

The early end to the season came as a surprise to many in Manitowoc. It was disappointing news not only for locals who love the tradition of the S.S. Badger, but also for businesses and local tourist attractions that depend on it to bring visitors to town. 

Kevin Cullen is the Chief Curator at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. As a vessel with plenty of history, Cullen said the S.S. Badger naturally drives many history fans to the museum. He expects its absence will be felt for the rest of summer and early fall. 

“We see traffic everyday coming and going from the Badger dock so to know those folks that were going to get on the boat now may not have a reason to come to Manitowoc we are probably going to see a reason why we will see a bottom line issue with our economic outcome,” said Cullen. 

Several local businesses in downtown Manitowoc are bracing for the fallout as well.

Waterfront Wine Bar is located just blocks from the ferry dock. Co-owner Rachel Beck said the noon arrival often brings many people in for lunch. 

Beck said she will miss getting to meet passengers. 

“It is always nice talking with people, learning why they are traveling, they are here to support us,” said Beck. “It is not ideal, no.” 

Teams are issuing full refunds for passengers with reservations, and those people will be contacted individually in order of their reservation date.

The S.S. Badger has been running since 1953 and is the last coal-burning passenger steamship left operating in the United States.