Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw

Over sixty years ago, the federal government excavated a turning basin in the mouth of the Cheboygan River to accommodate large lake vessels entering the Cheboygan harbor.

Today, that basin is the home to the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw WLBB-30. Cheboygan has been the homeport for the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw since 1944. The original Mackinaw, WAGB-83 was decommissioned June 10, 2006, and will soon be turned into a museum in Mackinaw City. The new version, USCGC Mackinaw WLBB-30 is a 240-foot icebreaker and bouy tender, equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and engineering systems. While its main role will still be icebreaking, the Mackinaw's duties also include search & rescue, aids to navigation, Homeland Security, marine environmental protection and public relations.

When the ship is moored, tours are available by appointment. Please call ahead to make sure tours are available, 231-597-2030.