The family crossed Lake Michigan by car on the ferry, it was worth it

• My family and I spent about $750 to take the ferry back and forth across Lake Michigan.
• We took our car on the ferrywhich made up the majority of our expenses.
• The trip was relaxing, but next time I’ll rent a car at my destination.

As one of most populous cities in the USChicago has some pretty terrible traffic. However, I have to endure this several times a year when traveling between Wisconsin and Michigan for work and family activities.

By the time I get to my destination, I usually have a migraine, my kids get seasick, and my husband is irritable and exhausted.

So when I found out that we could take Lake Express from Milwaukee to Muskegon, Michigan in our car and completely avoid traveling through ChicagoI was delighted.

My family tried the ferry over the summer. This was our experience.

We booked our tickets in advance and took advantage of some discounts.

I bought my tickets a few days in advance and took advantage of the student discount since I was in graduate school. We also saved almost $200 with our Kids Ride Free summer promotion.

After these discounts, we only spent $187 one way for four people.

However, at each stage of the journey we also had to pay $72 for port fees, security fees and fuel, as well we bring our car cost us $115 one way. In total, we spent $748 round trip.

We took the ferry in our car

For departure, we arrived at the terminal half an hour early and waited in a line of cars until it was time to board.

Entering the ferry was easy, but parking required some assistance as the cars were packed like sardines. Luckily, the Lake Express staff gave us hand signals.

It was much more comfortable on the ferry than by car.

I was pleased to find plenty of comfortable, padded seats in the Lake Express, even in the most basic cabin. My kids love coloring, card games, and messy snacks, and I love crocheting, so we got a large table with aisle access.

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My husband and I didn’t bring enough snacks with us, but luckily there was plenty to buy at the onboard cafe. Its menu included sandwiches, salads, coffee and even beer from Bell’s Brewery and Milwaukee Brewing Co.

The trip was not without stress, but the views made up for it.

For most of the trip, my stress melted away. Despite the moderate wind, the roof terrace magnificent views the sky and coastline were a treat. Sailboats, lighthouses, waterfowl and other surprises delighted my children throughout the trip.

However, the disembarkation process was tense. Since the cars were parked so close to each other, it was difficult for us to maneuver. Plus, walking between the cars required some acrobatics.

However, dealing with these minor inconveniences was still better than driving through Chicago. Next time we take the ferryHowever, at our destination, we will borrow someone else’s car or rent one from the terminal.

After all, the vehicle fee was the most expensive part of our booking, and leaving the car at home could have saved us hundreds of dollars.