Over the centuries, the effect of ice on Lake Michigan has had an important role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of the region.
Native American tribes — such as the Menominee, Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk and others — navigated the waters of Lake Michigan, relying on the lake for food, transportation and trade.
The lake was a central route in the vast network of trade between tribes in the Great Lakes region.
The arrival of Europeans in the 17th century shifted the dynamics of transportation on Lake Michigan. French explorers and traders were among the first Europeans who immigrated to the region and utilized the lake for water-based commerce, connecting trading posts and settlements.
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Ice- and snow-covered port bow view of the Manitowoc-built submarine USS Golet (SS-361) returning after sea trials in 1943.
The continued establishment of European settlements and the expansion of trade in the 19th century prompted the development of commercial shipping routes across Lake Michigan.
While Lake Michigan’s waters were crucial for trade, they also presented a challenge, particularly during the winter months when much of the lake’s surface would freeze. The formation of thick ice disrupted shipping operations, often halting trade for weeks or even months.
The frozen waters posed serious obstacles for the transportation of goods, and ships were often forced to remain docked in ports until the ice melted in the spring.
View of the pilot house of the Daniel McCool tied up during winter, covered with ice. Six men are on deck and a bridge is visible in the background. Circa 1930.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the arrival of winter ice on Lake Michigan was more predictable, but still presented challenges and disruptions. Many businesses would rely on icebreakers, which became crucial for keeping the shipping lanes open. This was very important in ports like Manitowoc, where the ice could disrupt both shipments going out and materials coming into the shipyards.
During the second World War, the ice and cold did not stop Manitowoc from building submarines and carrying their part in the war effort. Submarines were still taken into Lake Michigan for their trial runs and would return covered in ice.
By the mid-20th century, advancements in icebreaker technology and more robust ship designs allowed for more reliable year-round shipping on Lake Michigan. Today, modern icebreakers and well-maintained shipping infrastructure ensure the disruptions caused by ice are minimized.
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Photograph of the tug Washington covered in ice in Wisconsin Dec. 9, 1959. Port quarter view, under way. The old Goodrich dock can be seen in the background.
However, the impact of climate change is now being felt on Lake Michigan, with fluctuating ice cover affecting the predictability and severity of the winter freeze. Some years, the lake experiences minimal ice cover, allowing for uninterrupted shipping throughout the winter, while other years have thick ice that causes disruptions. It clearly shows that although technological advancements have improved shipping reliability, the lake’s natural forces remain a significant factor.
As the challenges of ice on the lake continue to evolve, Manitowoc’s enduring role in the Great Lakes maritime industry reflects both the city’s historical significance and its ongoing importance to the region’s economy and culture.
Serena Stuettgen is collections & archives manager at Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Ice on Lake Michigan central to region’s economic, cultural landscape
