05/27/2026
ANNOUNCEMENT: Benefit Screening of "Railroad on Water" Aboard the SS City of Milwaukee
MANISTEE, MICHIGAN — June 20, 2026
Following sold-out and highly attended world premiere screenings in Ludington and Manitowoc, an additional special screening of “Railroad on Water: The Legend of the S.S. Badger” has been added aboard the historic SS City of Milwaukee in Manistee, Michigan, on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
This one-of-a-kind event will take place on the railcar deck of the SS City of Milwaukee — the last surviving Grand Trunk Western railroad carferry. Launched in 1931, she is also the only remaining carferry built by the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company. Nowhere else in the country can you experience the history of the Lake Michigan carferries aboard an authentic preserved vessel, surrounded by historic railroad cars now repurposed as exhibits.
Produced by Delay In Block Productions, “Railroad on Water” tells the story of the S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry from its construction in 1952 through its decades of service across Lake Michigan, its near-loss in the early 1990s, and its remarkable comeback as an auto-only ferry and moving National Historic Landmark. The feature-length documentary includes rare archival footage, restored photos, and exclusive access to areas of the Badger rarely documented on camera, including the engine room, boiler room, and steering spaces deep below deck.
All ticket proceeds from the screening will benefit the preservation and restoration of the SS City of Milwaukee museum ship.
The full-day event aboard the ship will also feature the Anchors & Axles Car Show, food, a silent auction, and maritime history presentations leading up to the evening screening.
SCREENING TIME: 7:15 PM
ADMISSION: $15 per person
LOCATION:
SS City of Milwaukee
99 Arthur St, Manistee, MI 49660
Seating is limited, and advance RSVP registration is strongly encouraged.
For tickets and event information:
https://www.carferry.com/95
