Going home, is a 5-hour drive from Grand Rapids. It’s manageable, but not always the most convenient trip for a weekend visit or doctor’s appointment. Fortunately there are other ways to get home. Flying from the Ford Airport or taking the Amtrak are two popular options, but my favorite alternative to driving is a trip on the Lake Express ferry. The port is located in Muskegon, only a 40-minute drive from Grand Rapids. It’s a 2.5 hour ride across the lake and operates from April to October.

I’ve taken the ferry 3 times round-trip and have always had a great experience. I wasn’t sure what to expect my first ride. I get motion sickness easily so I was worried about a long boat ride, but it’s a smooth ride. For two of my trips, the weather was beautiful and I got to go on the roof of the ferry. If the weather permits, you are allowed to sit on top of the ferry to enjoy the sun and chilly breeze. I like to go up as the ferry is leaving and arriving in to the ports. Seeing the shoreline come and go from the boat is different than seeing it from a plane. For me, it brings about bittersweet feelings of coming and going.

On the ferry there are airplane style seats, for those who want to nap or rest, or seats at tables for people who want to work comfortably. I love the table seats so I can do homework or play cards with whomever I am traveling with. The refreshment counter opens about 20 minutes into the ride and offers a variety of snacks and beverages including burgers, salads, chips, soda, and even Wisconsin and Michigan beers. Which certainly trumps airplane peanuts! My favorite order is a cheese and sausage personal pizza with a lime La Croix. They always play a family-friendly movie to entertain anyone who is interested.

There are always a mix of families, young and old, couples and singles, business people, and vacationers. The ferry is for everyone. Every ride I’ve taken, I’ve met someone new and learned more about Wisconsin and Michigan from fellow riders. On my most recent trip, I met a lovely couple who had visited Milwaukee for the weekend to go to a Milwaukee Brewer’s baseball game. Originally from Muskegon, they are traveling the country to visit every MLB park and had been to over 100 White Caps and Detroit Tigers games. There’s never a shortage of friendly faces and interesting conversations.

I love the Lake and I love this convenient way for me to enjoy it and all it has to offer. With the amenities it provides, views it passes by, and feelings it brings, each ride brings good memories and safe travels.