 The railroad car ferry concept on Lake Michigan was facing serious economic troubles during the 1980s and by November 1988, "Badger" was the only vessel running.It was the last of the 14 ferries based in Ludington remaining in service.On November 16, 1990, facing bankruptcy, Bowden laid up "Badger", ending 93 years of railway car ferry service out of Ludington and 98 years on Lake Michigan as a whole.