S.S. City of Milwaukee

Embark on an experience not to be found anywhere else. Step aboard the S.S. City of Milwaukee and step back into time. Learn the fascinating story of "Rails Across the Water." How do you manage to get a train aboard a ship and transport it over 90 miles of ice-covered or storm-swept sea? How do you prepare meals for 46 crewmembers and hundreds of passengers in monstrous waves and keep railcars from rolling and thrashing about? Find out how ingenuity, hard work and perseverance solved these challenges and created one of the most unique chapters in American history.

Your first step aboard the ship will bring you into the cavernous space of the car deck, where over 30 rail cars were well secured and protected from the ravages of the Great Lakes. You will visit areas of the ship that passengers were never permitted to view, like the massive triple expansion reciprocating engines and other fascinating steam equipment in the engine room. Experience what life was like for coal passers, who were housed below the car deck and ice crusted waterline in the "flicker." Walk into the officers quarters 40 feet above the water, then up to the wheelhouse with all its polished brass. Enjoy the varnished oak splendor of the well-appointed passenger spaces designed in the Arts and Crafts period style, including Pullman and staterooms, smoking lounge, observation and dining rooms.

Trained and knowledgeable staff will guide you on all regular tours which last approximately one hour each. New for 2007, we now offer half-hour tours if your schedule doesn't permit a longer visit. Beverages and snacks are available. Don't forget to visit our new Boxcar Museum, along with our theater and gift shop boxcars.

Full tours leave at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm.
Half-hour tours leave on the half-hour.

Sunday - Friday (11am - 5pm--last tour leaves at 4pm) & Sat. (11am - 7pm--last tour leaves

Full tour (one hour long)
Adults: $ 8.00
Seniors & Children (ages 6 - 17): $ 5.00
Family Rate (4 or more): $25.00

Half-hour tour
Adults: $ 5.00
Seniors & Children (ages 6-17): $4

Children under 6: FREE for both tours

Members: FREE for both tours