Documentary Premiere: Railroad on Water - The Legend of the SS Badger
Schedule
Sat, 16 May, 2026 at 10:00 am
UTC-04:00Location
Ludington Area Center for the Arts | Ludington, MI
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Railroad on Water: The Legend of the SS Badger is a feature-length documentary from Delay In Block Productions, premiering at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with screenings at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.The film examines the history of the SS Badger and the broader role of railroad carferries on the Great Lakes. These vessels allowed railroads to move freight across Lake Michigan, avoiding congestion in Chicago and supporting regional industry for decades. The documentary follows the development of carferry operations from the late 19th century through their decline in 1990.
The SS Badger, built in 1952 and placed in service in 1953, was the largest railroad carferry ever constructed, with the capacity to carry 34 railcars. Today, she remains in operation between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and is the last coal-fired steamship in active service in the United States.
The film includes rare archival footage, including previously unseen builder’s material, along with interviews with historians, former crew members, and others connected to the vessel.
Attendees may also observe the SS Badger in operation on the day of the event, with a scheduled departure from Ludington at 9:00 AM and a return at approximately 7:00 PM.
Following the 10:00 AM screening, a meet and greet and panel discussion will be held at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, located at 217 South Lakeshore Drive. Doors open at 1:00 PM, and the program begins at 1:30 PM. Panelists include director Drayton Blackgrove, railroad historian Jonathon Leese, LACA member Shelby Soberalski, Lake Michigan Carferry Marketing Director Thom Hawley, and others.
The discussion will address the film's production and include a question-and-answer session. Bonus footage will be played during the panel, highlighting the SS Badger's construction in Sturgeon Bay and its early years of operation as a railroad carferry.
Runtime: 2 hours and 13 minutes
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Where is it happening?
Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St,Ludington, Michigan, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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