S.S. City of Milwaukee/ USCGC Acacia, Michigan, United States

5garyo739 5:00 PM Aug 25, 2021

Historic tour
This tour of the old rail ferry is truly a bargain. Authentic period steamer that has one of the best planned guided tours I've ever been on. If you spend any time in Manistee you must visit this museum.

5Linda M 5:00 PM Aug 10, 2012

Unexpectedly excellent tour!
This guided tour was very interesting. The tour guide was extremely informative and knowledgable. There is a lot of history wrapped up on this remaining car ferry---cars, as in rail cars, not automobiles. Maritime, rail, and history buffs will appreciate this boat, as a sample of the many car ferries that once plied Lake Michigan, hauling iron ore, among other commodities, across the Lake. They were critical to this country’s massive and successful manufacturing ability during World War II. There are a number of stairs to climb up and down, but the tour guide allowed plenty of time for the senior citizens in our group to negotiate the stairs. There are places to occasionally sit down, too, if you need to do so from time to time. You will see the engine room, crew quarters including the captain’s and officer’s quarters, the rear wheelhouse, the wheelhouse, decks, passengers’ quarters, the kitchen, various dining rooms for crew, officers, and passengers, and of course, the ferry’s cargo area with rail tracks intact yet, and a few railcars on the tracks. (Sorry that I don’t know the official name for this area). I believe that the tour lasted somewhat longer than an hour. I lost track of time because it was so interesting, and it cost only $7 for adults. The adults and children on our particular tour all seemed to enjoy the S.S. City of Milwaukee very much, and I would recommend it if you are in the area.