Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum

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 toda

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 si

An America 250 Celebration art show for ages 5-18 featuring paintings, drawings & photographs. Show runs June 20 - July 4, 2026. Submit by June 5. Open to Mackinac, Cheboygan and Cheboygan Counties. At the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum.

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 ex

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 stor

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

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

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 ic

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

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