I took a high-speed ferry across Lake Michigan, and the beautiful shortcut saved me from hours of traffic

Adam DietzAug 31, 2023, 21:13 IST

I recently took the Lake Express ferry for the first time and I fell in love with just about everything except the price.Adam Dietz

I recently took the Lake Express ferry to avoid traffic and get from Wisconsin to Michigan.
The ferry ride had incredible views, the ship seemed clean and stylish, and I loved it.

Driving through Chicago is one of the great miseries of my life.

I live in Wisconsin but I have family in Michigan and Indiana, so I've spent countless hours sitting in standstill Chicago traffic, shaking my fist at Willis Tower and Guaranteed Rate Field as I inch along the expressway.

So with an upcoming engagement in Michigan, I decided to try "The Lake Michigan Shortcut," also known as the Lake Express ferry. The high-speed ferry goes from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Muskegon, Michigan, and cuts across Lake Michigan, turning a stress fest that can take well over three hours by car into a relaxing two-and-a-half-hour ferry excursion.

Here's what it was like.

I started by buying my ferry ticket, which I thought was quite expensive.

My round-trip Lake Express ticket cost over $200.Adam Dietz

I thought both Lake Express terminals were well-kept and well-organized.

The Lake Express ferry terminals were quite nice.Adam Dietz

The ferry also allows people to drive onto it so they have their car at their final destination.

Those with vehicles were lined up nearby, awaiting their turn to drive on board the lower decks.Adam Dietz

The interior of the ferry was much more modern and comfortable than I expected.

The Lake Express ferry interior felt stylish.Adam Dietz

Passengers were also able to track the ship.

It was cool to see views from other parts of the ship.Adam Dietz

Wi-Fi was also available for purchase.

Wi-Fi on the ship was about $15.Adam Dietz

The concession area proved to be a hit with passengers.

The Lake Express concession stand before it got crowded.Adam Dietz

I got in line for a snack about an hour into my trip.

The concession stand was popular.Adam Dietz

The sundeck was a great spot to enjoy the views of the lake.

I loved the views of the sundeck but I wished there were more seats.Adam Dietz

The seating on the sundeck was limited, though there was plenty of space to stand.

Arrival and departure were good times to enjoy the views off of the sundeck without too much wind.Adam Dietz

The views were fantastic throughout the entirety of both trips.

I saw breathtaking views throughout my Lake Express journey.Adam Dietz

Notably, both of my ferry trips ended up taking longer than anticipated.

My Lake Express ferry trips experienced some delays.Adam Dietz

I loved my time on the ferry, but the cost will prevent me from doing it again.

The ferry felt like more of a special treat than something I'd do regularly.Adam Dietz

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