Floating B&B's

I love to watch waves as they roll toward shore. The sound is so rhythmic and tranquil. That's why I like to find places to stay that are near one of Michigan's Great Lakes. A floating B&B (Boat and Breakfast) is a perfect way to enjoy the sights and sounds of a waterfront location. These unique lodgings are not common place. So, when I find one, I make note of it for a possible future overnight stay.

While the list is short, here are some Floating B&B’s in Michigan:

Sea Suites:

LOCATION: 219 North Union Street, Douglas, Michigan, USA

(269) 426-0381

Website:  Sea Suites

We have done a variety of cabin categories on cruise ships but this was our chance to stay overnight on a private yacht that is permanently docked near Lake Michigan.  In 2005, Pete and Sally (owners) had the unique idea of opening a floating B&B.  Sea Suites is a custom-built 105’ yacht with four staterooms. Each has a queen bed and private bathroom with a shower and marine-head toilet. 

Pete and Sally greet us at the door (as a courtesy, guests leave their shoes at the door – we had slippers with us). We have Room #3 with a view of a faux lighthouse. Our guest room has a number of lighting combinations and dimmer switches and a large ceiling fan over the queen size bed. Mirrors help to give the cozy room a sense of space.  

 Room 3 and Room View

At 9 am, we go down the hallway to the living/dining area where we have breakfast (waffles topped with fruit and whipped cream, yogurt, bananas, and orange juice/coffee).

Living Room

The Sea Suite has a partially covered Sky Deck that offers guests a great place to relax and enjoy the view. Unfortunately for us, the weather during our spring visit was to cold to use the rooftop Sky Deck … maybe another time we can get the full experience.

S.S. Badger:

Badger & Ludington Pier Light

LOCATION: 701 Maritime Drive, Ludington, Michigan, USA

(231) 845-9614 or (800) 841-4243

Website:  Badger Info

The 410’ long S.S. Badger began service in 1953 as a car ferry. Today, it still transports people and vehicles across Lake Michigan from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Near the end of the 2008 season, the Badger offered a limited number of private staterooms as a Bed and Breakfast option for guests sailing the next morning on the four-hour cruise to Wisconsin. So, we took advantage of this opportunity. Check-in was between 8-10 pm the night before our sailing.

Our stateroom was compact but functional. It had two twin beds against the side walls with a narrow aisle between the beds. The cabin had a toilet and sink but no shower. An added bonus of the B&B option allowed us to continue using our private stateroom during the four hour crossing.

Private Stateroom

During the evening, there was a feature-length movie shown in the movie lounge. Later, we shared some late-night snacks and refreshments (items we brought) with another couple we met onboard.

Included in the B&B package was a voucher for the breakfast buffet in the dining area. The mass-prepared buffet food was okay. Breakfast was available for purchase to those passengers doing the four-hour crossing. As a result, the dining area got a little crowded. For current information on sailings and the B&B option, please check their website by clicking on the link provided.

Badger docked in Ludington during the "off season"

In 2009, the S.S. Badger was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On February 18, 2016, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the S.S. Badger as a National Historic Landmark recognizing it for its “...exceptional value and in illustrating an aspect transportation technology in the mid-twentieth century.”

S.S. City of Milwaukee:

S.S. City of Milwaukee

LOCATION: 99 Arthur Street (aka US-31), Manistee, Michigan, USA

(231) 723-3587

Website:  SS City of Milwaukee B&B

Built in 1931, the S.S. City of Milwaukee is a 360’ long ship that transported passengers and rail traffic across Lake Michigan. In 1990, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Now serving as a Manistee landmark, this historic steamship is available for tours and offers a unique lodging opportunity on weekends from June through early September. We have not personally stayed overnight here but it is on my “check this out” list of places to stay.

MANITOU B&B:

I can't believe I don't have a photo!!

LOCATION: 13258 S.W. Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, Michigan (USA)
(231) 941-2000

Website:  Manitou B&B

This tall-sailing ship is a replica of an 1800’s schooner. There are 11 private cabins below deck. Each has two built-in single bunk beds and electric lighting … or if the weather is pleasant – sleep on deck under the stars!

Whenever we visit Traverse City, we keep an eye on Grand Traverse Bay looking for the big white sails of a tall ship. Seeing one of these sailing vessels makes me wish I were there on deck feeling the breeze gently blowing my hair, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, and feeling like … “I’m king of the world!”

This is another floating B&B that we haven’t had the opportunity to try yet. However, we did stop at the pier when the ship was docked to inquire about the B&B. We were allowed to come aboard and take a quick tour of the sailing ship. It’s modern but simple facilities are perfect for those wishing to experience a night (or more) aboard a windjammer. 

A floating B&B is a unique lodging experience. In the words of Mark Twain, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds.”

May all your travels be smooth sailing!

Looking for other unusual lodging opportunities?  I invite you to view my blog post on "Unique Lodging in Michigan" by clicking on the following link:
Denice's Blog Post - Unique Lodging in Michigan