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.

Bring the whole family aboard for a full day of fun and discovery. Kids Day features hands-on activities, crafts, scavenger hunts, and opportunities to explore the ship while learning about Great Lakes maritime history. It’s a day designed especially for young explorers and curious minds. Kids Receive Free Admission All Day

Join us for a special community day focused on vision care and service. The Mackinaw City Lions Club will provide free vision screenings for children during museum hours. Visitors will also receive free museum admission when they donate a pair of gently used eyeglasses, helping support Lions Club programs that provide vision care to those in need. Come support a great cause while enjoying a day aboard the ship.   Free Museum Admission with a donation of a pair of gently used eyeglasses.

Join us aboard the ship as we honor the men and women who have served our country. Veteran Appreciation Day recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of military veterans with a day of gratitude and remembrance. Veterans are invited to explore the museum, connect with fellow service members, and enjoy the stories of those who served aboard Great Lakes vessels. Throughout the day, we will recognize the important role veterans have played in protecting our nation and shaping maritime history. As a token of appreciation, all veterans receive free admission during museum hours.

Celebrate community, history, and the start of Independence Day weekend during this special First Friday Volunteer Day as part of our 20th Anniversary Celebration. Join us aboard the ship to lend a hand while helping preserve the stories and spaces that make this museum special. Volunteers can join for one hour or the whole afternoon, assisting with a variety of projects such as organizing, light cleaning, painting, and other hands-on tasks that keep the ship shipshape. It’s a fun and meaningful way to connect with the community, celebrate 20 years of the museum, and kick off the Fourth of July... Read More »

Step into the spirit of the World War II home front and meet Rosie the Riveter, the powerful symbol of the women who stepped forward to help build, repair, and support America’s fleet. Visitors can meet Rosie aboard the ship, learn about the vital work women performed during wartime, and discover how their efforts helped keep vessels like the Mackinaw ready for service. It’s a chance to explore an inspiring chapter of history while celebrating the determination and teamwork that defined a generation. Stop by, ask questions, snap a photo, and discover why Rosie’s message still inspires today. Included with... Read More »

Celebrate Independence Day aboard the ship during our America 250 celebration, part of the nationwide commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Visitors can explore the museum, enjoy patriotic displays, and receive a special Fourth of July gift as part of the day’s festivities. In the evening, guests can experience one of the most spectacular views in the Straits during a fireworks viewing event aboard the ship. A special ticket is required for the fireworks viewing event.

Celebrate the 4th of July with the best seats in Mackinaw City—right on the decks of the historic ship! Enjoy evening tours of the museum while you relax on deck and take in the spectacular fireworks display over the Straits. As dusk falls, watch the sky light up during Northern Michigan’s largest fireworks show, all from the unique vantage point of the Icebreaker Mackinaw. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate an all-American Independence Day surrounded by history, community, and incredible views. Special tickets required. Weather permitting. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Step aboard and meet Rosie the Riveter as we celebrate the women whose hard work and determination helped support ships like the Mackinaw. During this special program, visitors can meet Rosie and learn about the important roles women played in shipbuilding, wartime industry, and maritime support during the World War II era. From factories and shipyards to communications and logistics, women stepped forward to help keep the fleet operating during critical moments in history. Their contributions helped power the ships, crews, and missions that protected the nation. Stop by to hear stories from the wartime home front, ask questions, and... Read More »