Manitoulin to take on disabled Michipicoten’s cargo
Manitoulin arrived in the Port of Thunder Bay just after noon June 14, 2024 to assist with unloading Michipicoten so the latter ship can head to dry dock for repairs after a hull crack occurred on June 8th near Isle Royale. Unloading was underway Saturday morning.
Michael Hull
Hotel. Motel. Boatel? Stay on this
historic car ferry in Northern Michigan
MANISTEE, MI – Soft lighting, old magazines and newspapers, big band music, closet-sized staterooms and spectacular views: There’s a “boatel” in Northern Michigan that offers all this and more.
The boatel on the historic S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry is a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast, inviting guests to step back to the 1930s. What once were the passenger areas of the 360-foot ship now serve as the boatel.
This railcar ferry, which operated from 1931 to 1982, also carried passengers across Lake Michigan. It was a four- to five-hour trip, which could provide a good amount of rest for road-worn travelers who booked staterooms.
Guests of the boatel stay in the restored staterooms (with new, surprisingly comfortable mattresses), socialize in the Grand Saloon and observation room, eat in the passenger dining room and have access to the ship’s top three decks, including the pilot house.
State rooms, ranging from $60 to $105 a night, can sleep one to four people. Most of the rooms have bunk beds. Only the Private Room, which was used by the railroad president, and the Radio Room have double beds. Rooms are accessed using real, metal keys. Restrooms and showers are community style. Each room includes a (non-operating) sink, mirror, wooden window shades and storage for bags – and enough space to turn around and walk out to explore the rest of the ship.
The Grand Saloon has original furniture, including restored leather chairs, rugs, and end tables scattered with magazines and newspapers going back to the 1930s. Big band music plays from a replica record player.
The passenger dining room features tables and chairs, windows and a raised skylight. Guests can bring their own food and drinks on board. Breakfast is provided in the galley. Another place to gather is the crew mess, off the galley.
Throughout their stay, guests have access to explore the top three decks of the ship, which includes the passenger deck, Texas deck and pilot house. Stargaze, watch the sunrise or simply enjoy panoramic views of Manistee Lake any time of day.
The boatel season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day with rooms available Thursday through Sunday nights.
“Our rooms are really starting to fill up,” said Robby Laurain, executive director of the Society for the Preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee and USCGC Acacia. “Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest, but we still have many rooms available on Thursday and Sunday nights.”
The S.S. City of Milwaukee took nine months to build and began service in 1931, replacing the S.S. Milwaukee, which sank during a Lake Michigan storm. It transported up to 32 railcars plus passengers across the lake until its retirement in 1982. It then became a museum ship, mooring in Frankfort until 2000 when it moved to its current home on Manistee Lake. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1990.
“We are truly lucky to still have the S.S. City of Milwaukee,” Laurain said. “She is the last ship of her style, and almost entirely unaltered from her 1920s design.”
More information: https://www.carferry.com/boatel
MLive
Possible fire on Manitowoc
DRUMMOND ISLAND, MI – Unconfirmed waterfront reports indicate the Grand River Navigation Co./Rand Logistics self-unloader Manitowoc experienced a fire while loading at Drummond Island and has been at the dock since June 12. On Friday afternoon, with the tug Wm. Boyd standing by, the Manitowoc moved under her own power to Potaganissing Bay and went to anchor so her fleet mate Robert S. Pierson could load. There are no other details available at this time, including where the fire was located.
Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise
Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/
