The Badger was the first harbor steamboat ever constructed and the third vessel built at Milwaukee. She was fitted only for river work. She was used to convey freight and passengers to ships in Milwaukee Bay.

"The steam-boat Badger will run during the present season from the foot of Chestnut Street to the Lake and back, touching at Chase's Point, once an hour, visiting such boats and vessels as may have passengers and freight on board to be be landed, and to tow any vessel which may wish it in or out of the harbor. For freight passage, or towing, apply to the Captain on board." Milwaukee Advertiser, Saturday 11/18/1837 p.1, c.3
There are two different accounts as to the demise of the Badger.
One lists her as being abandoned in the Milwaukee Harbor after the harbor was dredged.
The other account says the Badger was wrecked on the shore south of the mouth of the river, in 1837.