Annual Auction on June 8, 2025 Will Raise Crucial Funds for SS Milwaukee Clipper Preservation Efforts
SPRING LAKE, MI – May 27, 2025
The SS Milwaukee Clipper Preservation, Inc. has announced its much-anticipated annual benefit auction, scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2025, at The Trillium Event Center in Spring Lake, Michigan. This pivotal fundraising event is set to unite community members, maritime enthusiasts, and history supporters to contribute to the ongoing restoration of the SS Milwaukee Clipper —a National Historic Landmark and the oldest surviving passenger steamship on the Great Lakes. Tickets, which include lunch, are available for purchase on the organization’s official website .
Affectionately known as the "Queen of the Great Lakes," the SS Milwaukee Clipper represents over a century of maritime innovation and regional history. Funds raised during the benefit auction provide essential support for ongoing restoration and maintenance, ensuring that this floating museum continues to educate and engage future generations. As the ship’s chief fundraising event of the year, the auction’s success is vital to preserving an irreplaceable piece of Great Lakes heritage.
The 2025 auction promises a dynamic afternoon featuring a rich selection of local auction items, historical displays, and an opportunity for attendees to connect with fellow supporters. All proceeds will go directly to the SS Milwaukee Clipper’s restoration, supporting critical projects such as structural repairs, artifact conservation, and expansion of the ship’s museum programming. Each ticket, priced at $50, includes lunch, creating an all-inclusive experience for guests who value both culture and community impact.
The SS Milwaukee Clipper Preservation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, has been leading restoration efforts since the vessel’s return to Muskegon in 1997. As a monument to travel and design, the ship features original Art Deco furnishings, an intact movie theater, and staterooms that once welcomed nearly 900 passengers. The Clipper’s history spans its 1904 launch as the SS Juniata, vital service as a passenger and automobile ferry, and current role as a floating museum—a journey mirrored in ongoing public tours and educational initiatives.
Regionally and nationally, the SS Milwaukee Clipper holds a special place among maritime preservation projects. The annual benefit auction draws support from leading heritage foundations, local businesses, and individuals passionate about historic preservation, including partnerships with the National Park Service and Museum Ships. Such broad-based backing reinforces Muskegon’s reputation as a center for Great Lakes heritage and underpins the vessel’s long-term sustainability.
Beyond restoration, the SS Milwaukee Clipper is a living classroom, opening its decks, pilothouse, and iconic soda bowl to visitors each season. Tours are offered every weekend through Labor Day at 2098 Lakeshore Dr., Muskegon, where guests can explore the ship’s legacy firsthand and engage with interactive displays on maritime history. Proceeds from the benefit auction ensure that this unique educational resource remains open, accessible, and relevant for years to come.
Your participation directly impacts the survival of the Clipper and its ability to inspire new generations about the importance of the Great Lakes and our maritime heritage. Through auction attendance, donations, and membership, supporters play an active role in preserving an icon for both local residents and national audiences interested in history, innovation, and community pride.
Call Us Today & Grab Your Tickets Now!
Secure your spot at the SS Milwaukee Clipper’s June 8 benefit auction by purchasing tickets online or calling +1 231-683-1590 for more information. The auction will be at Trillium, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI 49456 on June 8, 2025. 12pm sharp.
About SS Milwaukee Clipper Preservation, Inc.
SS Milwaukee Clipper Preservation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the SS Milwaukee Clipper , a National Historic Landmark and the oldest U.S. passenger steamship on the Great Lakes. Established in 1997, the organization is governed by a board of community leaders and sustained through tax-deductible donations, grants, and volunteer efforts. Today, the Clipper operates as a floating museum in Muskegon, Michigan, offering tours, educational programs, and cultural events that celebrate Great Lakes history.
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Media Contact
SS Milwaukee Clipper Preservation, Inc.
Phone: + 231-683-1590
Website: milwaukeeclipper.com
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