LAKE MICHIGAN -- It feels more like the ocean than Lake Michigan. We're out in the middle of the lake, and there's no land to be seen in any direction.

Attentive Brew City landlubbers recognize the lake's astonishing ability to transform itself into wild shades of blues, greens and grays. But as the S.S. Badger pulls out of its slip near downtown Manitowoc on a June day, Lake Michigan is rocking with activity that makes it look more like the north Atlantic, thanks to high winds, cloudy skies and a steady rain.

"It was very interesting going out today," S.S. Badger director of publicity, Tom Hawley tells us. "We had sustained winds at 70 knots, which is pretty exciting. There were a few water spouts as well. Nothing came down."

He's as calm as can be, but we're thinking, "Thank God, we didn't see those." Luckily, about halfway through our trip from Manitowoc to Ludington, Mich., the sun peeks out, and it looks like we've settled in nicely between two weather fronts.

We car-bound midwesterners rarely consider alternate means of transportation, so when we think of Michigan we often think twice, as visions of hours spent in a hot car in slow-moving Windy City traffic are quickly conjured.

But the S.S. Badger, which plies the waters of Lake Michigan every day from May through September, offers if not a quick, at least a painless, unusual and fun way to make the trip. And many from our area take advantage of this service.

"There are a number of folks that have cottages in Michigan that commute from northern Chicago or Wisconsin, and they use (the ferry) to avoid the hassles of driving through Chicago," Hawley says. "Most of our business is travelers looking at vacation destinations (and) we have some business travel. Over 50 percent of our business is repeat customers."

The ship can carry 180 cars and 625 passengers and makes the journey two times every day. At the height of the summer season, the S.S. Badger is often filled to capacity.

"Certainly there are alternatives to driving around the lake," Hawley admits. "But when you add the carferry experience to a destination it creates part of the vacation memory."

Although there's no shuffleboard on the lido deck (no lido deck, at all, in fact), there's plenty to keep the sailing party amused during the four-hour trek. Most of those onboard are families and so much of the entertainment is kid-centered. But, if you're a kid, what's more fun than simply being on the ship?

Well, how about a video game arcade or two movie lounges with a pair of free films on tap during each cruise? There's also a museum that offers a glimpse into the history of carferry service on Lake Michigan, as well as the maritime pasts of Manitowoc and Ludington. Old photos, memorabilia and descriptions bring the past to life. What about free bingo with fun S.S. Badger prizes?

Travelers can bring home a memento of their cruise in the well-stocked Badger Boatique, which stocks clothing, knick-knacks, postcards, newspapers and more.

Save your appetite, because there are a pair of noshing opportunities in the Upper Deck Cafe, which features cafeteria-style breakfast and lunch, and the Badger Galley on the lower level, which has sandwiches, pizza, salads, snacks and beverages. Each eatery has a full-service bar, too.

"When we took over the ship a lot of the passenger space had grown tired and needed some updating and renovation," Hawley says. "So, what we did was try to put in amenities that give a mini cruise experience.

"Food is probably the most popular of all. I don't know what it is about getting on the water but, it's just one of those things, you get hungry. It's all part of creating an experience and providing ease for our customers."

For the full cruise experience, consider renting a stateroom for a private place to rest. Rooms are $32 each way and include a pair of single beds, a sink and a toilet.