MUSKEGON, Mich. — The Lake Express has begun its 2024 season with its first trip across Lake Michigan on Friday. And while it's still spring to some, Lake Express Senior Vice President Aaron Schultz said the start of the travel season almost feels like the start of summer to him.
"We had a really great turnout already," said Schultz. "Lake Express is unique in the nation, but familiar here at home."
Schultz said the high speed auto passenger ferry is the first of its type, and the only of its type in the United States. He said his favorite part of the ferry is experiencing Lake Michigan.
"I think we get a little bit used to it," said Schultz. "But when you're out in the middle of the lake, you see this changing weather and you're kind of bathed in this blue and all these great things going on. This morning we had a sunrise and we had kind of a fog that lifted."
Schultz said the views taking the ferry to get across the lake are much better than those you might see taking a highway.
"I don't think you can put a price on that," said Schultz. "Versus looking at tail lights or, you know, saying are we there yet. You're roaming around, you're able to go outside and you can go inside and spend time with your family, eat something, relax, play a game with your kids at a table, have that freedom. But I think that Lake Michigan experience is why people keep coming back."
And people have been coming back for almost 20 years. June 1 will mark the 20 year anniversary of the ship's first voyage.
The Lake Express makes four trips across the lake every day. The first of which sets sail at 6 a.m. On select days this summer the ship will make six crossings with the addition of some evening sailings.
For information on the ships schedule, rates and more you can visit lake-express.com.
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