If you’ve ever planned a trip in the Great Lakes region, there’s a good chance you’ve thought some version of, "I wish there was a faster way to get around Lake Michigan.” Well, you're in luck! There's a better way to get from point A to point B via sea. Okay, not exactly sea, but just go with the flow. All aboard the Lake Express High-Speed Ferry. Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip / that started from this Midwest port to Milwaukee quick.

This short, scenic ride between Muskegon, Mich., and Milwaukee cuts your journey in half, while giving you some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see of Lake Michigan. The voyage is just 2.5 hours and includes plenty of comfortable seating, observation decks and amenities that make every trip a first-class experience. So come along with us aboard the Lake Express Ferry as we give you the insider’s guide to a ride aboard this shiny ship on a three-hour tour! (From boarding to arrival, that is).

Boarding

A journey of 1,000 knots begins with a single choice: To bring your car or not to bring your car?

Passengers

For the spontaneous traveler looking for a little more flexibility, you can hop aboard as a passenger on foot with ease. Simply park in the lot outside of the Lake Express Terminal, pay the appropriate fee and pass through security. If you haven’t pre-purchased your ticket, you can purchase one at the gate. Then, simply wait for boarding, show your ticket, and proceed upstairs or take the elevator.

Drivers

Bringing your car aboard the ferry is a convenient way to explore Milwaukee once you’ve arrived. To make sure the ferry has enough space, we encourage you to book your trip ahead of time. All cars are required to be at the Lake Express Ferry lot no later than 45 minutes before boarding, so be sure to get there a bit early. Your car will board gradually and be secured by the crew before you can head upstairs or to the elevator.

Seating

As you arrive in the cabin’s main seating space, you’re welcome to grab the seat that most appeals to you. Seating is first-come, first-served, but the chairs are spacious, comfortable and often come with a view of the pure blue waters as they pass.

Dining

The ferry features a full kitchen, loaded with pizzas, brats, burgers, chips and snacks, but you’re also welcome to bring your own. Grab a bite at the galley or your bag, and watch the waves pass by your window with a full stomach.

Best Views

Unlike airplanes or cars, the ferry is one mode of transportation where you can usually get up and stretch your legs. The ship has an observation deck on the roof, with limited seating but plenty of standing room. Then, there’s the outdoor seating area that overlooks the ferry’s rear and motor as it churns the great Lake’s waters. And, of course, there are window seats, which offer calm, wind-free glimpses at the blue hues extending to the horizon. Here’s where you should sit to see the sights.

Observation Deck

Milwaukee Shoreline
As you near Milwaukee, the unmistakable silhouette of the city’s skyline comes into view. Headlined by the Milwaukee Art Museum’s immediately recognizable wings, head up to the observation to watch your final destination come into focus and let that excitement build. It really doesn’t get better than this.

Muskegon Port

That said, the departing scenes of Muskegon are idyllic. It feels as if you are passing through a strait into a great sea, not a Great Lake. On one side, you see campers frolicking in the water near the public beach, on the other, old boat houses and historic lighthouses.

Sun Deck

Muskegon Port
Alongside the upper observation deck, as Muskegon begins to fade, you can watch it float off into the distance as your journey begins.

Lake Michigan
Everywhere on the ferry is good for this, but for the best nautical experience without the blustery winds of the upper deck, the sun deck is the place to be. Watch the steady churn of the motor, catch the lapping waves in the distance and enjoy the Lake Michigan air without having to hold on to your hat.

Cars Loading/Unloading

If you’re fascinated by the process of a ferry transporting cars across the lake, you can watch the cars as they drive on or off the ship perfectly from the sun deck.

Inside

It’s the most relaxing seat in the house. You can peer out the window to your heart’s content as the lake slips by.

Disembarking

Passengers

If you’ve made the journey without a vehicle, getting off the ferry couldn’t be easier. Check to make sure you have all your belongings, then head to the observation deck as you watch the ship ease past the breakwater into port. Then, simply walk down the stairs or take the elevator down to exit the ferry.

Drivers

Shortly before the ferry docks, the captain will direct all drivers to their vehicles. There, you’ll wait until it arrives, dropping the ramp and allowing you to exit one by one at the direction of the crew.

Getting to Downtown Milwaukee

Passengers

Port Milwaukee is located a short Uber, Lyft or taxi ride from downtown (<10 minutes). If you brought your bike, a quick 25-minute ride through the Harbor District, Walker’s Point and the Historic Third Ward will do the trick, too!

Drivers

Getting downtown from Port Milwaukee couldn’t be easier (or more scenic). All you have to do is take the Hoan Bridge to the Lakefront of Milwaukee Street exits, and you’re practically there. On your way, you’ll see the Milwaukee skyline, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Summerfest grounds and that big blue body of water that brought you here.

Welcome to Milwaukee, your aquatic escape on a Great Lake. Book your stay, plan your getaway and start charting your course for a nautical adventure to the Fresh Coast today!