Manistee’s Floating Museum, Boatel & Haunted Adventure
Manistee is full of surprises, but few are as unforgettable as stepping aboard a 360-foot National Historic Landmark that doubles as a museum, bed-and-breakfast, and haunted attraction. The S.S. City of Milwaukee, moored along Manistee Lake, is one of the most unique adventures in northern Michigan—part history, part lodging experience, and part straight-up thrill ride in October.
Whether you want to explore a vintage 1930s railroad car ferry, spend the night in a restored historic stateroom, or scream your way through Michigan’s most intense haunted house, the S.S. City of Milwaukee is an adventure you won’t forget.
A National Historic Landmark You Can Actually Explore
Built in 1931 for the Grand Trunk Railroad line, the S.S. City of Milwaukee is the last traditional railroad car ferry of its kind still afloat on the Great Lakes. Many museums let you look but not touch… this one lets you wander, climb, explore, and even sleep aboard.
Guided tours take you through the ship’s original engine rooms, crew areas, passenger lounges, and upper decks. With much of the 1929-era woodwork, brass fixtures, and mechanical systems still intact, it feels like time travel with steel walls.
You’ll learn how railroad car ferries transported up to 32 fully loaded rail cars across Lake Michigan—no small feat when the weather turned wild—and how this ship served the Great Lakes until its retirement in 1982.
Stay Overnight at Manistee’s Famous “Boatel”
If you are craving an unforgettable overnight adventure, book a stay at the S.S. City of Milwaukee’s seasonal boatel (late May through August). This is your chance to live the 1930s passenger experience without giving up Wi-Fi or cell service.
What to Expect
- Restored staterooms sleeping 1–4 guests
- Vintage furnishings preserved to original design
- Shared restrooms (two showers, men’s & women’s facilities)
- Continental breakfast in the historic galley
- Fans provided — but no A/C or heat
- Access to three upper decks for sunset-watching, stargazing, and quiet mornings overlooking Manistee Lake
It’s rustic in the best way—think: historical charm over hotel luxury. Pack light, climb the exterior staircase to the passenger deck, and settle in for a night that feels like stepping into a classic Great Lakes story.
Tour the Ship: Walk Through Maritime History
The S.S. City of Milwaukee offers guided tours during regular operating seasons. These tours take you through:
The Passenger Deck
View restored staterooms, the Grand Saloon, the crew quarters, and the airy observation room—perfect for reading, writing, or playing a quiet board game.
The Car Deck
Where 28–32 fully loaded rail cars once rolled aboard.
The Engine & Boiler Rooms
See the original Scotch marine boilers and twin triple-expansion steam engines—the powerplants that gave the ship its 2,700 horsepower.
The Pilot House
The ship’s navigation center, perched high above the decks with sweeping lake views.
Every corner of the ship is rich with stories, from its days braving icy crossings to its transformation into one of Manistee’s most beloved landmarks.
October Only: Survive Manistee’s Infamous Ghost Ship 👻
Every Friday and Saturday night in October at 7:30 p.m., the S.S. City of Milwaukee becomes Manistee’s Ghost Ship—a haunted house so intense it has its own fan following.
You’ll wind through 4–5 decks packed with:
- Live actors
- Animatronics and pneumatics
- Fog, lights, and immersive sound
- Terrifying themed rooms
- Eerie props and special effects
- Unexpected twists and tight, dark passageways
Each year features an entirely new path and new sets, so even repeat visitors get fresh scares.
From creepy clowns to graveyards, haunted forests, medical horrors, crawling creatures, and demons lurking in shadows, it’s widely considered the most elaborate and atmospheric haunted house in northern Michigan.
An Ideal Home Base for Exploring Manistee
Located right on US-31 between downtown Manistee and the Little River Casino Resort, the ship is perfectly positioned for an entire weekend of adventure.
Nearby Things to Do
Downtown Manistee
- Shopping in the historic district
- Dining from fine cuisine to casual taverns
- Riverwalk strolls
- The iconic Vogue Theater (1938)
- Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts
Outdoor Recreation
- Manistee National Forest
- Big M & Red Bridge mountain biking trails
- North Country Trail hiking
- Public beaches along Lake Michigan
- Rustic hidden beaches along Lakeshore Drive
- Kayaking and fishing on the Manistee River
- Multiple Golf Courses nearby
Entertainment
- Little River Casino Resort
- Live music around town in summer
Combine a ship tour or overnight stay with a day of trail exploring, beach lounging, fishing, or downtown dining—it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Why the S.S. City of Milwaukee Belongs on Your Michigan Bucket List
It’s not every day you get to:
- Sleep on a 1930s Great Lakes ship
- Explore one of the last surviving railroad car ferries
- Experience a museum that moves your imagination
- Enjoy a stargazing deck over a quiet lake
- Test your courage in the Ghost Ship
The S.S. City of Milwaukee isn’t just a historic site—it’s an adventure. Whether you’re a maritime buff, a haunted house fan, a history lover, or a family looking for something totally different, this is one Manistee attraction that delivers unforgettable memories.
Plan Your Visit
Before heading to Manistee, check availability:
- Boatel stays: Usually May–August
- Tours: Seasonal schedule varies
- Ghost Ship: Fridays & Saturdays in October
You’ll find more details on events, booking, and current hours on their official website.
Unique Experience
The S.S. City of Milwaukee is one of the most unique experiences in northern Michigan—part floating museum, part getaway, part haunted adventure. It combines history, storytelling, and pure fun in a way that you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you explore for an hour or stay for a night, the ship welcomes you aboard for an adventure you’ll be talking about long after your trip to Manistee ends.
