Ditch the Drive: How Long’s That Ferry Ride from Muskegon to Milwaukee, Anyway?

Ditch the Drive: How Long’s That Ferry Ride from Muskegon to Milwaukee, Anyway?

So, you’re thinking about skipping the whole “driving around Lake Michigan” thing and hopping on the Lake Express ferry instead? Smart move! It’s a total game-changer for getting between Muskegon, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. But the big question is: how long are you actually stuck on the boat?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase: you’re looking at about 2.5 hours on the ferry i. That’s it!

Here’s the lowdown: The Lake Express is the only ferry running that route, so they’re your go-to i. They usually start sailing in May and wrap things up around October – basically, the prime time for lake travel i. These aren’t your grandma’s ferries either; we’re talking high-speed, zipping across the lake at roughly 40 mph i!

Now, the schedule can be a little tricky. In the spring and fall, you’ll usually find a couple of departures each day from both Milwaukee and Muskegon i. But during the summer? They often throw in extra evening trips i. Pro tip: Head to the Lake Express website to check the schedule for the day you want to travel i. Trust me, it’s worth double-checking.

Oh, and a quick heads-up: Muskegon’s on Eastern Time, while Milwaukee chills in Central Time. That means Milwaukee’s an hour behind i! Don’t let that throw you off when you’re planning your trip.

They recommend getting there about 45 minutes before you set sail, and they cut off boarding 15 minutes before departure i.

Why bother with the ferry in the first place, you ask? Well, think about it: you’re dodging a massive drive around the lake, which saves you serious time i. Plus, it’s way more relaxing! Comfy seats, Wi-Fi, even a little café i. Forget battling traffic and those soul-crushing tollways around Chicago i! And let’s not forget the views – Lake Michigan can be absolutely stunning, and seeing the Milwaukee skyline pop up on the horizon is pretty cool i.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind. Tickets can set you back anywhere from $110 to $140 i. And if you’re prone to seasickness, well, Lake Michigan can get a little choppy sometimes i. Also, schedules can change on a dime, so always peek at the Lake Express website for the latest updates i.

Bottom line? The Lake Express ferry is a super-fast and fun way to bounce between Muskegon and Milwaukee. Two and a half hours, and you’re there! It’s a no-brainer if you’re looking to save time and skip the whole driving headache.