s.s. city of milwaukee

We took the tour. Our tour guide was very informative. He was very friendly and took his time explaining things when we asked. Recommend this tour to those that like ships, nautical things.

The S.S. City of Milwaukee was built in 1931 and is the last example of a twin-stack carferry. We went this time during Reunion Weekend and enjoyed two video presentations on Great Lakes carferry history. There was also a Silent Auction with many donations from local businesses and individuals. The Silent Auction also included some carferry relics, which were both rare and interesting. There is now a huge steam whistle that you can blow by pushing a button and pulling a lever. Where else can you do this? Since our visit last year there were many updates to both the ship and the gift shop. The galley of the ship has something interesting additions, notably a vintage butcher block with a photo of one of the ship's cooks. Come and see all that's aboard the S.S. City of Milwaukee!

We did the haunted house on the SS Milwaukee. Pretty low budget but still a great time. It included all five decks and the wheelhouse.

This ship is truly a must-see, as she is the last of her kind and on the National Register of Historic Places. If you like ships, you will like this tour. It's rare to be able to see the original furnishings and equipment on a historic vessel. As you climb stairs, walk the deck, and scoot through doors, you get a real sense of what it was like for the crew to work and live on a Great Lakes car ferry. A corps of dedicated volunteers runs the entire show. The tour is worth every penny, and there is a nice little gift shop. In October the City of Milwaukee turns into "Ghost Ship", a floating version of a haunted house. Check it out--and be sure to drop a couple dollars in the donation jar. This grand lady of the Great Lakes is worth it.

It's just an old boat rusting into Manistee Lake. Do different than any other car ferry that used to cross Lake Michigan. This used to be in Elberta, Mi- They are still glad they got rid of it. Some history-but not worth the time or taking a family on it.

We were fornunate to get a personal tour with a great old gentleman. He was very knowledgeable and told many storys of the "life at sea". I did not know that the ship ran continiously for many years. They would fix or over-haul an engine at a time. We toured the complete ship. If you express a real interst and ask questions, you get an ever greater tour. Well worth it.

As an avid carferry fan it was only appropriate that I tour the ship. The guide was very knowledgeable in the history and I got an appreciation of what life was like aboard a vessel built almost 80 years ago. Excellent job!

We took our young children and they were fascinated by this ship (and the Coast Guard ship). I was amazed by the woodwork in the passenger areas.

Stopped in with family on trip up the coast. Office and boat need some work, but it seems they are doing the best they can with the budget they have. Tour guide was very knowledgeable having sailed the lakes on ore boats himself. Overlook the rough edges and enjoy seeing and learing about another era. Definately do this if you like the lakes and/or boats.

This guided tour was very interesting. The tour guide was extremely informative and knowledgable. There is a lot of history wrapped up on this remaining car ferry---cars, as in rail cars, not automobiles. Maritime, rail, and history buffs will appreciate this boat, as a sample of the many car ferries that once plied Lake Michigan, hauling iron ore, among other commodities, across the Lake. They were critical to this country’s massive and successful manufacturing ability during World War II. There are a number of stairs to climb up and down, but the tour guide allowed plenty of time for the senior citizens in our group to negotiate the stairs. There are places to occasionally sit down, too, if you need to do so from time to time.You will see the engine room, crew quarters including the captain’s and officer’s quarters, the rear wheelhouse, the wheelhouse, decks, passengers’ quarters, the kitchen, various dining rooms for crew, officers, and passengers, and of course, the ferry’s cargo area with rail tracks intact yet, and a few railcars on the tracks. (Sorry that I don’t know the official name for this area).I believe that the tour lasted somewhat longer than an hour. I lost track of time because it was so interesting, and it cost only $7 for adults. The adults and children on our particular tour all seemed to enjoy the S.S. City of Milwaukee very much, and I would recommend it if you are in the area.

I stayed on the Milwaukee for a night with my 9 year old son. We both enjoyed a tour of the boat and then exploring with him the different rooms and common areas. He was absolutely mesmerized with the history and appearance of the boat. We played games in the passenger lounge, talked with other guests, and slept well in the bunk beds. Much of the boat is in need of repainting and touch-ups but it seems there is a great group of volunteers and staff that are doing this as they can. Everyone that worked at the Milwaukee was very friendly and helpful. This was a unique experience.

Didn't go aboard so no review, just thought I'd add a photo but I have to write 100 characters to post this.

I was staying in Manistee for a week before I decided to check out this location. You get a great sense of history seeing the boat, and what life must have been like long ago. Good place for photos! The area of the harbour is not the greatest- but very easy to find. Good for children too.

It was okay I can't say I would recommend it. I generally enjoy visiting historic sites and have been to many ships as well. Nothing really special about this but I have not been there in years

An old rusty boat without anything of interest. The staterooms have been "robbed" of their once beautiful fixtures. Nothing to see