The mighty “Queen of the Great Lakes” will take center stage this summer as the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary as a museum attraction.
The milestone season will kick off with a formal ceremony on June 20 before a two-week period of festivities that will honor the legacy of the historic USCGC Mackinaw WAGB-83. The World War II-era icebreaker spent more than 60 years on the Great Lakes before being decommissioned in 2006. The anniversary celebrations will commemorate the ship’s long history of service to Great Lakes commerce and transportation.
Many of the events will include prior captains and crew members of the USCGC Mackinaw. The schedule includes everything from fireworks to cookie recipes from the icebreaker’s days on the water.
The celebration is overseen by the museum’s executive director Sarah Overmeyer, who was hired in September 2025. She became aware of the position through her husband, U.S. Coast Guard Officer Herbert Boggs, who has been an active duty member of the USCG for 23 years.
“They asked (Boggs) to fix the pump so they could wash down the icebreaker last year,” Overmeyer said with a laugh. “That’s how I heard about it and how I got the job.”
Since the museum closes for the year in October, Overmeyer spent the winter planning events for the 20th anniversary. It opened for the 2026 season on May 15 and is open seven days a week with the help of 10 employees and volunteers.
Today, the ship operates as one of Northern Michigan’s most distinctive maritime museums. Visitors can explore the bridge, engine room, captain’s quarters, mess deck and other areas while learning about the vessel’s role in keeping Great Lakes shipping lanes open during harsh winters. The Mackinaw is widely regarded as one of the largest icebreakers to ever sail the Great Lakes.
“I think it is amazing when you think about the mission (the icebreaker and crew members) had all those years,” Overmeyer said. “The crew was out there breaking ice so that commerce could continue. That’s a big job because we know how bad the winters can be up here.”
Docked along the Straits of Mackinac waterfront, the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum is a floating symbol of technology, power and dedication, Overmeyer said. It has become a popular stop for tourists and history enthusiasts visiting the region. The ship’s preservation also helps tell the broader story of Great Lakes industry, shipping and military service during and after World War II.
Overmeyer’s other goals for the museum are to preserve the ship and share her history with as wide of an audience as possible. She hopes to attract more school-aged tour groups in September and is launching a comprehensive educational plan later this year. Overmeyer also plans to start a podcast that would be produced on the Mackinaw itself at some point in 2026 called “Breaking the Ice.”
Funding is also a big part of the Overmeyer’s goals. Much of its budget has traditionally been funded through museum ticket sales, but Overmeyer has secured funding from four grants so far to help with maintenance and operational costs. She hopes to get even more financial support.
“We’re looking to identify projects that we need to be (completed) and get sponsors,” she said.
For those interested in attending the June 20 celebration fundraiser, tickets are $50 for members and $60 for non-members.
The museum is located at 131 S. Huron Ave. in Mackinaw City. Learn more at themackinaw.org or by calling 231-436-9825.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Icebreaker Mackinaw museum celebrates 20th anniversary with summer events
Reporting by M. Alan Scott, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
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