6-23-16
We finished our day in Mackinaw City by exploring The Icebreaker Mackinaw, a decommissioned Coast Guard ship built to keep an open waterway in the winter. It is open May through early October, admission is $11 for adults, ages 6-17 are $6. Get your tickets at the end of the pier in the ticket building. It looks like a buoy. There is also a ship propeller on display. The marker above is also nearby.
We began our walk towards the ship, there were informational signs along the way.
Al served in the Navy in the 1980’s, and he informed me that rank and decorations for service are the same in Coast Guard. Al showed me the decoration he earned during his years of service.
We approach the gangway and are welcomed aboard. The staff are friendly and are there to answer any questions you might have.
We began with an orientation before our self-guided tour. We saw a short film about the ship and it’s important role keeping the seaways open during WW II and after. The citizens of Mackinaw City didn’t want this ship to be sitting in a scrapyard after it was decommissioned. They banded together and purchased the ship and converted it into a maritime museum. We are so glad they did! The way between levels are essentially ladders, watch your step!