Milwaukee Clipper - A Legend Worth Saving (1990)

Set sail on a nostalgic journey through the captivating story of the SS Milwaukee Clipper, the last grand cruise ship to grace the Great Lakes. Mark Howell's 1990 documentary captures the essence of this iconic vessel, a National Historic Landmark facing an uncertain future.

Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of archival footage and photographs, reliving the Clipper's golden age as she carried passengers on luxurious voyages across the vast inland seas. Hear firsthand accounts from the ship's former crew, their voices weaving tales of maritime adventure and camaraderie.

The year is 1988, and dark clouds gather on the horizon. The Clipper, once a queen of the lakes, now a museum ship, finds herself adrift, her future shrouded in doubt. The need for a new home becomes a desperate plea, it's a race against time to save this beloved ship.

Two years later, in 1990, the tension reaches a fever pitch. The Clipper faces the ultimate test: an auction where her very fate will be sealed. Will she succumb to the crushing weight of debt, or will a glimmer of hope emerge from the ashes?

This captivating documentary is a prequel to the 1997 film, "The Milwaukee Clipper: A Legend Saved," offering a glimpse into the pivotal years that shaped the ship's destiny. It's a story of resilience, of a community banding together to preserve a cherished piece of maritime history.

So, set your course for adventure and let the SS Milwaukee Clipper take you on a voyage you'll never forget. This documentary is a must-see for anyone who loves ships, history, or simply a good yarn about overcoming the odds.

This film is the prequal to the documentary, The Milwaukee Clipper: A Legend Saved (1997)

The Milwaukee Clipper is currently docked in Muskegon, Michigan at the old Grand Trunk Ferry dock, undergoing restoration by volunteers of the SS Milwaukee Clipper Preservation, Inc. organization. In the summer season, visitors tour the pilothouse, some staterooms, crew quarters, dance floor, soda bowl, movie theater and more.