SS Milwaukee Clipper, also known as SS Clipper, and formerly as SS Juniata, is a retired passenger ship and automobile ferry that sailed under two configurations and traveled on all of the Great Lakes except Lake Ontario. The vessel is now docked in Muskegon, Michigan.
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
Art Cats Gallery
4.8
(23)
Muskegon Lakeshore Trail
4.6
(54)
Wonderland Distilling Co
4.6
(188)
$$
Slappy's Slaw Dog and Sandwich
4.8
(53)
$
Subway
4.0
(62)
$
I stopped here at the Milwaukee Clipper with my mom, and it was an interesting experience (in a good way). We always come over on the Lake Express, and we wanted to finally tour the ship, so we gave it a try. The service was great onboard, the actual tour was informative, and the price was not bad either.
First, the service. All of the volunteers working at the Milwaukee Clipper were kind, passionate, and informative. You could tell they were interested about the vessel, and it made for an enjoyable experience. The only gripe I have with the Clipper is the spotty availability. For a Friday, the hours are 1-5pm and the gate is supposed to be open, so we get to the attraction and it was closed with a posted phone number to call. We called the phone number and it wasn’t even the Milwaukee Clipper that answered. So, that was an interesting miscommunication. My Rating for this Category: 4/5
Second, the tour itself. The tour was fabulous, and the tour guide takes you all around the vessel, explaining everything in detail in the process. Their enthusiasm was appreciated, and she always made you want to know more. The tour took about 40 minutes which was plenty of time. My Rating for this Category: 5/5
Finally, the price. My mom and I paid about $12/piece, and for a 40 minute tour of an extremely historical boat, we found the price to be reasonable. There are other pricing rates available depending on various circumstances. Also, with the great customer service, we had no complaints here. My Rating for this Category: 5/5
The next time that I am in the Muskegon area with friends or family between Wednesday and Sunday, I would have no reservation taking them on the Milwaukee Clipper. The great tour with great service and a nice price makes this a no-brainer when in the Muskegon area. So, I have no reservation recommending the Milwaukee Clipper...
Read more
Very interesting ship to see both what it was like and what time does to a ship. A bulletin explains the history of the ship and gives directions for the tour.
If you are planning to enjoy some ice cream like we were, call ahead to make sure it's happening. It's all-volunteer, so it may be happening, and it may not. Lots of good places nearby for ice cream.
Here's a summary of the ship's history from the organization's website:
Commissioned in 1904 by the Erie & Western Transportation Company, the steamer JUNIATA was a luxurious 361-foot passenger and package freight vessel built for service on the Great Lakes. Powered by a rare 3,000 horsepower Quadruple Expansion steam engine, she accommodated 350 passengers in first-class comfort with elegant mahogany interiors, fine cuisine, and grand architectural features. Operating between Buffalo and Duluth, she served for over three decades until 1937, when stricter safety regulations required her retirement due to her wooden superstructure.
In 1940, the JUNIATA was purchased and transformed into the S.S. MILWAUKEE CLIPPER, featuring a fireproof steel superstructure, air-conditioned staterooms, and modern amenities like a movie theater and dance floor. She served as a passenger and auto ferry between Muskegon and Milwaukee from 1941 to 1970, with continued use during World War II and year-round service through the early 1960s. After several ownership changes and relocations, she was recognized as a National Historic Landmark and eventually returned to Muskegon in 1997 by a preservation group dedicated to restoring the historic steamer to its...
Read more
We’ve been wanting to go here for the last 2 summers since our kids worked on the ferry. Yesterday me and my youngest finally got the chance. Our family is very big into maritime history and this iconic ship is such a treasure. Our tour guide was very passionate and knowledgeable.
The gift shop attendant was very friendly also.
I’d love to come back with my oldest son who would have enjoyed this the most.
This is run all by a small group of volunteers so restoration is a slow and ongoing process. If you’re in the area, consider helping with some projects on your free time.
tip: they are open limited hours so be sure you are at the gate just before the top of the hour on...
Read more
