Join us in Mackinaw City as we celebrate 20 years of preserving and sharing the history of the Mackinaw! The day begins with an official anniversary ceremony from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, honoring the people, partners, and community members who helped make the museum what it is today. After the ceremony, the celebration continues with a parking lot party featuring free food, tours of the ship, and plenty of opportunities to explore and celebrate together. Bring your friends, bring your family, and help us mark two decades of maritime history, community, and the remarkable story of the Mackinaw. Free... Read More »

Join us on Saturday, June 20 at 7:00 pm for a festive 20th Anniversary Celebration on the deck of this historic Great Lakes icebreaker. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, live music, a cash bar, and an exciting silent auction—all while surrounded by the beauty and history of Mackinaw. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display viewed right from aboard the ship. This milestone celebration honors 20 years since Mackinaw arrived in Mackinaw City and began her new mission of preservation, education, and inspiring future generations. Event Details Saturday, June 20 | 7:00 pm Aboard the Icebreaker Mackinaw $50 IMMM... Read More »

We warmly invite all past crew members of the Mackinaw to come aboard and reconnect with the ship and your fellow crew. Share your stories, reminisce about life on the icebreaker, and help bring history to life for our visitors. From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the museum will be open for you to explore, revisit old memories, and meet other former crew members. Your experiences are the heart of Mackinaw’s story, and we’d love to celebrate them with you. Included with regular museum admission.

Join us for a special Meet the Author event featuring local historian and author Sandra L. Planisek, whose book Icebreaker Mackinaw: WAGB 83, 1944–2006 explores the remarkable story of one of the Great Lakes’ most legendary vessels. During this engaging program, Planisek will share stories from her research, discuss the history of the Mackinaw and her crew, and reflect on the ship’s important role on the Great Lakes, offering visitors the chance to learn more about the ship’s legacy and the people who served aboard her. Sandra L. Planisek is an author of local history in Emmet County, Michigan, a... Read More »

Get ready for some “knot”-so-serious nautical fun! Join us aboard the ship for a hands-on program where visitors of all ages can learn the ropes and try their hand at classic maritime knot-tying. Through interactive demonstrations, games, and activities, you’ll discover how sailors used knots every day aboard ships like the Mackinaw. From practical skills to playful challenges, this program is a fun way to connect with maritime traditions while exploring the ship. Perfect for families, curious learners, and anyone who wants to test their knot skills! Events at 10AM, 2PM, and 4PM Included with regular museum admission.

Sweeten your visit with Mackinaw Cookie Day! Guests visiting the ship can enjoy free cookies while supplies last and discover one of our favorite traditions—our not-so-secret Mackinaw WAGB-83 cookie recipes. It’s a fun and tasty way to celebrate the history of the ship and the community that has supported the museum over the years. Stop by, grab a cookie, and enjoy a delicious treat while exploring the decks of the Mackinaw. Included with regular museum admission.

Discover how the Mackinaw conquers the frozen waters of the Great Lakes and keeps vital shipping lanes open during the toughest winter conditions. In this interactive program, visitors will learn how powerful icebreakers work—from the ship’s design and weight to the techniques crews use to break through thick ice. After learning the science and strategy behind Great Lakes icebreaking, guests can test their own skills in a fun, all-ages icebreaking challenge. It’s a hands-on way to explore one of the Mackinaw’s most important missions and experience a little of the challenge faced by the crews who served aboard her. Included... Read More »

Join us for a special History Happy Hour featuring Northern Michigan author and journalist Mike Fornes, whose book USCGC Mackinaw WAGB-83: An Illustrated History of a Great Lakes Queen tells the story of one of the most iconic ships on the Great Lakes. Fornes spent 26 years covering both Coast Guard icebreakers named Mackinaw for several Northern Michigan media outlets, including the Cheboygan Daily Tribune. As a frequent guest aboard the icebreakers, he sailed with the crews and witnessed firsthand the shiphandling, seamanship, and icebreaking techniques used by these remarkable vessels. During this engaging talk, Fornes will share stories from... Read More »

Get ready for an exciting day of skill, teamwork, and maritime training as Coast Guard crews put their abilities to the test during the DC Olympics. Visitors can watch as crews demonstrate the kinds of skills used during real maritime emergencies—showcasing the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork that define life aboard Coast Guard vessels. Visitors will then have the chance to test their own abilities in a series of timed, hands-on challenges inspired by real shipboard emergency response scenarios.  Come see the action and experience a unique look at the training and expertise behind maritime safety. Free event.

Step into the world of shipboard communication during Ham Radio Day aboard the Mackinaw. Visitors can meet local amateur radio operators and see live demonstrations of how ham radios connect people across cities, states, and even oceans. Learn how radio communication has played an important role in maritime operations, safety, and global connections. Special guest Rosie the Riveter will also be on board, celebrating the history of communication and the vital roles people played in supporting maritime missions. Stop by to explore the technology, ask questions, and experience radio communication in action. Included with regular museum admission.