Welcome the SS Badger on its first sail of the season, and more can't-miss events in Manitowoc this week

Also this week is the Model Ships and Boats Contest at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and a Member Swap Weekend at several local museums.

Visit Manitowoc

Special to Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter

MANITOWOC – You can help welcome the S.S. Badger back to town on its maiden voyage of the season this week.

Plus, the Model Ships and Boats Contest returns to the Maritime Museum, it’s Member Swap Weekend at several local museums, mini golf opens at the Aquatic Center and several establishments offer live musical all weekend long.

Here’s your look at can’t-miss events in the Manitowoc area this week. For more events and live music schedules, go to https://www.visitmanitowoc.com/events/.

1. Welcome back the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Car Ferry

All are invited to join in celebrating the maiden voyage of the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Car Ferry May 17.

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In addition to viewing the 410-foot S.S. Badger make its first crossing of the sailing season from Ludington, Michigan, to Manitowoc, there will be entertainment from special guests including alpacas from LondonDairy Alpacas and more. The public is invited to attend the celebratory event at the car ferry's dock, 900 S. Lakeview Drive

In addition, S.S. Badger cups will be given away to attendees, while supplies last.

The S.S. Badger will arrive at noon and debark back for Ludington at 2 p.m.

For more about the first sailing, head to Visit Manitowoc’s website: https://www.visitmanitowoc.com/event/s-s-badger-lake-michigan-car-ferry-maiden-voyage-celebration/1143/.

2. Attend the Model Ships and Boats Contest

Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Drive, hosts the 47th annual Midwestern Model Ships and Boats Contest May 18-19.

Make plans to stop by to join in the celebration of maritime heritage and craftmanship.

Modelers hail from six states and are presenting an array of 30 meticulously crafted ships and boats.

This event is complete with judging, an awards ceremony and time for remote-controlled models to take the water.

The event runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 18 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 19.

For the full weekend schedule, visit https://www.wisconsinmaritime.org/event/midwestern-model-ships-boats-contest/.

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3. Participate in Member Swap Weekend

It’s Member Swap Weekend from May 16 to 19.

This weekend encourages museum members to explore other museums across Manitowoc County with family, friends or anyone covered by the membership.

Throughout weekend, members of the following participating sites will be able to gain admission to the other participating museums free of charge:

• Farm Wisconsin Discover Center;
• Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum;
• Manitowoc County Historical Society;
• Rahr-West Art Museum;
• Rogers Street Fishing Village; and
• Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

4. Play a game of mini golf

Grab a friend and play a round or two of mini golf!

The mini golf course at the Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center, 940 N. 18th St., opens for the season May 18.

On both May 18 and 19, you can play from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

18 holes runs $5, and 36 holes costs $8.

For more information about the spring and summer mini golf schedule, visit www.manitowoc.org/mfac.

The pool will open for the season June 8.

History:Two Rivers’ Post Office opened in 1933. It remains one of the finest federal buildings of its size, style and age in the state.

5. Listen to live music

Enjoy the sounds of live music, great company and cold drinks across Manitowoc this weekend!

May 17

• The Glam Band takes the stage at The Wharf, 606 Quay St., at 6:30 p.m.

May 18

• Listen to Logan Spicer at The Wharf at 1 p.m.
• Groove Therapy performs at PetSkull Brewing, 1015 Buffalo St., at 4 p.m.
• Hear Newski live at Sabbatical Brewing Co., 835 S. 29th St., starting at 7 p.m.

May 19

• Listen to Diamonds in the Rough, The Music of John Prine, at PetSkull Brewing beginning at 2 p.m.
• The Dweebs hit the stage at The Wharf at 2 p.m.

Visit Manitowoc is the city of Manitowoc's Department of Tourism. Email tourism@manitowoc.org, call 920-686-3508 or go to Visit Manitowoc's downtown Visitor Center, 824 S. Eighth St., open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays (closed holidays). For more about upcoming events, follow @VisitManitowoc on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.