About Us

About Us

The Society for the Preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1984 to preserve and display the historic S.S. City of Milwaukee, a 1931 railroad carferry and National Historic Landmark (designated in 1999). Our mission is to protect this remarkable vessel and share her rich maritime and railroad heritage with future generations through education, preservation, and public access.

A Legacy Saved

When the Grand Trunk Western Railroad ceased carferry operations in 1978, the City of Milwaukee was purchased by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). At the time, the State of Michigan still viewed carferry service as vital to the regional economy and actively worked to support the industry. Under MDOT ownership, the ship’s stacks were painted black, the Grand Trunk “wet noodle” logo was removed, and the port of registry “Lansing” was painted on her stern. She was then leased to the Ann Arbor Railroad and operated out of Elberta, Michigan, from 1978 to 1981.

In 1981, when the Ann Arbor Railroad was finally permitted to abandon its carferry operations, the City of Milwaukee was sold to the City of Frankfort for $1.00. Although several ideas were proposed, including converting the ship into a museum, restaurant, or even cutting the bow off for use as a bridge, none came to fruition. The vessel sat idle until October 17, 1988, when the Society for the Preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee purchased the ship from the City of Frankfort for $2.00, ensuring her survival and preservation as a museum ship.

From 1988 to 2000, the vessel was berthed on Betsie Lake. During this period, the organization faced a constant struggle to secure a permanent, stable dock. After relations with the local municipalities deteriorated, the ship was ultimately evicted. A temporary berth was secured at the end of 9th Street on Manistee Lake in Manistee, Michigan, and on January 14, 2000, the City of Milwaukee was towed from Elberta to Manistee. That same year, public tours began, along with Manistee’s now-famous Ghost Ship haunted attraction.

Although the 9th Street location was an improvement, it was not ideal due to limited visibility. After evaluating long-term options, it was decided that Manistee would remain the permanent home of the ship. In 2003, with assistance from a USDA loan, the organization purchased the Moonlite Motel and Marina on U.S. 31. The City of Milwaukee was moved to this highly visible, permanent dock in May 2004, dramatically increasing public awareness and visitation.

It soon became clear that the aging motel required extensive renovation. Rather than divert resources away from the ship, the decision was made to demolish the structure and focus solely on the museum ships, marina, and campground. The motel property was later sold and developed into what is now Joslin Grove Condominiums. With permanent utilities established at the new dock, the ship gained running water and expanded facilities, which allowed the launch of our extremely popular Boatel overnight stays, which quickly became a signature experience.

Expanding the Fleet

In 2009, the organization was offered an opportunity to expand its mission with the acquisition of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Acacia (WLB-406). The Acacia sailed to Manistee under her own power and has since been opened to the public for tours and private events. Today, she is proudly docked alongside the City of Milwaukee, creating a dual-ship museum experience.

In 2022, after years of flooding to the campground portion of the property, the organization once again made the strategic decision to focus exclusively on the ships. The campground was closed, and that portion of the land was sold and redeveloped into what is now the Wander In restaurant, park, and boat rental facility. This allowed the Society to concentrate fully on preservation and education.

Governance & Community Support

The Society for the Preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee is a membership-based, volunteer-driven organization governed by a nine-member Board of Directors. Directors serve three-year terms, are elected by the membership, and receive no compensation for their service. All directors are active, hands-on participants in the organization’s mission.

Our continued success is made possible through the dedication of our volunteers, donors, members, and community partners who help preserve two historic vessels and ensure they remain accessible to the public.