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!
The Ward Room
Chief Petty Officer Mess
1st Class Petty Officer’s Lounge
Berthing Crew Quarters for the Women Crew Members
Watch your step!
If this ship were operating, you would get a pair of ear plugs before entering the Engine Room, our next stop. Jim told us about how the engine worked.
The engine room was impressive even silent, we could imagine the power it would have running. We went back up the ladder to the Main Deck again. The route is clearly marked with arrowed signs. Saw this plaque commemorating 50 years of ice breaking on the wall. Congratulations on a half-century of fine service to the fleet!
Since I am a cook, the galley was of particular interest to me. I took a picture through the plexiglass. There was a small monitor with a video describing kitchen operations. One of the docents answering people’s questions in this area offered to take me inside the kitchen, thanks! This kitchen is bigger than I expected for being on board a ship, very impressive!
After the galley went out to the deck. we are looking to the former Railroad Dock area of the marina. On shore is a marker describing it.
Now we enter the Enlisted Crew area.
Engineering Office
HALON Storage
Executive Officer Office
Log Room
Now we head upstairs to the deck and Pilot House. What a great view up here!
And now the view from the deck! Ferries, freighters and parasailing all at the same time. This is a very busy place in the summer!
Our tour is at a conclusion. Allow yourself at least 2 hours to explore the ship, and be sure to pick a memento at the Ship Store. If you don’t have time to take the tour, you can still stop in the store.
We highly recommend coming here for the tour. We learned a lot and had a great time. It’s not every day you get to see the inside of a Coast Guard Icebreaker.
