Travel and Tour Guides
Many of our travel guides offer extensive information about what to do, where to stay, and how to get there.
The Lake Express
By Richard Herdegen
“As the crow flies” must certainly be the alternate route of choice for travelers by vehicle from Michigan and Wisconsin, and vice versa, who wish to avoid driving through or around Chicago. The problem has always been that there is a vast body of water between the two states, namely Lake Michigan. While boat service across the lake has existed for years, only recently has there been the introduction of a high-speed ferry called the Lake Express. Trans-navigating across Lake Michigan from Muskegon in Michigan to Milwaukee in Wisconsin at 40 miles per hour, the Lake Express completes its journey in about two and a half hours, approximately the same time it takes driving by car from, say, Milwaukee to the Michigan border via Chicago. However, travelers now have the option of enjoying their journey by relaxing, reading or watching a film aboard a modern, high speed catamaran.
A wealth of details and information about the Lake Express can readily be found on various websites, in brochures, pamphlets, articles and advertisements. On the other hand, I thought I could contribute to this arsenal of knowledge by experiencing first-hand a trip across Lake Michigan on the Lake Express and then putting my observations on paper.
Finding the ferry’s berth on the Michigan side is quite easy. It means simply crossing the state on interstate highway 96 to Grand Rapids and then joining state highway 31 north to the Laketon Ave. exit and then taking Laketon Ave. directly west to the Lake Express terminal.
The modern, well-appointed ship holds 46 vehicles with seating room for 248 passengers. In addition to the heavy demand for this service and since the number of passengers per car or the number of passengers wishing to travel without their vehicles is unknown, it is recommended to book one’s journey well in advance. And, those wanting to leave their vehicles behind, I recommend an early arrival at the terminal because there are a limited number of parking spaces. These spaces unfortunately must accommodate vehicles that have been left by previous travelers as well; therefore, it is impossible for the company to know just how many vehicles will be left behind and for how long. Finding a space is somewhat a “hit or miss” situation. In addition, the vehicle owners must obtain a two-part ticket from a nearby box to be completed. One part of the ticket is to be left on the car’s instrument panel while ticket-taking personnel collect the other portion. There is a charge of $4 per day calculated for the days the travelers will be away. In future, a more customer-friendly procedure may be introduced; however for now, the current method is pragmatic if not perfect. Again, arrive early to find a parking place.
On the Michigan side, the ferry is berthed in Lake Muskegon. This smaller lake is connected to Lake Michigan and its breakwater by a quarter mile long, man-made canal. Once aboard, both walk-on travelers and those traveling with their vehicles make their way to the main cabin to select their non-assigned seating. Again, early arrival is desirable for locating a seat of choice.
In addition to the main cabin, there is a separate room for Premium Class passengers featuring a premium service and amenities customarily associated with first-class travel.
The $18 million dollar ship began service in June 2004. Today, Lake Express makes three round trips across Lake Michigan from April 26th until October 1st at which date its round trip journeys are reduced to two until October 31st.
I found everything about my journey running like clockwork. Vehicles were loaded in good order as were the dozen or so motorcycles. Walk-on passengers entered the ship at a separate entrance. The staff at both terminals worked as a team and it was evident that everyone knew his or her task quite well. Walkie-talkies and headset communications appeared to keep every member of staff well informed.
The main seating area was neat and clean with a food and beverage service counter. Because of the availability of a good selection of food and drinks, the organization discourages passengers from bringing their own meals and drinks aboard for the short, two and a half hour sailing.
A movie is featured on each crossing. Headset rental is $3 for the main cabin and, as would be expected, free-of-charge for the Premium Class passengers. I should mention that the cost for Premium Class is $15 above the $55 adult fee for a one- way trip. The 2006 fares on the Lake Express are:
| Category | One-Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $55.00 | $95.00 |
| Senior (66+) | $55.00 | $85.00 |
| Premier Class | $70.00 | $130.00 |
| Child (Age 5-17) | $30.00 | $50.00 |
| Automobile | $65.00 | $130.00 |
| Trailer up to 8′ | $65.00 | $130.00 |
| Motorcycle | $40.00 | $70.00 |
| Bicycle | $10.00 | $20.00 |
One feature I enjoyed about my Lake Express experience crossing from Michigan to Wisconsin was seeing the Milwaukee skyline. This is possibly the only way one can see the outline of Milwaukee’s downtown buildings. Of course, on the return trip one can view the rapidly approaching Michigan coastline minus buildings and skyscrapers but equally welcoming.
Exiting the ship is very well organized. After the vehicles have departed with their occupants, the checked luggage of the walk-on passengers is taken to the front of the respective terminals for collection. The entire disembarking process and procedure is both fast and efficient.
I am very pleased to have experienced the service of Lake Express. In future, unless I have specific business or other reasons to visit Chicago when traveling by vehicle, I will always choose the Lake Express to take me from Michigan to Milwaukee and return.
Lake Express
2330 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53207
TOLL FREE: (866) 914-1010
Web Site: www.lake-express.com
Milwaukee Terminal
2330 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Muskegon Terminal
1918 Lake Shore Drive
Muskegon, MI 49441
Find maps of Michigan, Wisconsin and Milwaukee at the TravelStore.
« Back to Carole’s Chronicles
Search | Customer Support | Affiliate Program | Press Releases | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use
© Copyright 2000-2006 TravelSITE.com. All Rights Reserved Created by Media Genesis