The W.G. Jackson serves researchers and educational groups from her berth at the Lake Michigan Center, which is the home of Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon, Michigan. The vessel was built and endowed through the 1994-95 Making Waves in Muskegon Campaign, a partnership between the Muskegon community, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Grand Valley State University, and the State of Michigan. The W.G. Jackson was launched on June 21, 1996.

Vessel dimensions:

• Length: 64 feet 10 inches 
• Beam: 20 feet Draft: 5 feet 
• Engine: Twin Detroit 6V-92T 
• Tonnage: 68.5 tons

A list of onboard scientific equipment can be found here.

The W.G. Jackson has served 27 Michigan counties from its home port at GVSU-AWRI's Lake Michigan Center at 740 W. Shoreline Drive, Muskegon, Michigan. Sampling areas near its home port include Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. The W.G. Jackson has also visited 34 ports of call in Lake Michigan.

There is no seating on the vessel and it has limited accessibility for passengers with disabilities. Questions about accessibility should be directed to Capt. Eric Hecox at (616) 331-3986 or [email protected]. Other questions such as scheduling the vessel should be directed to Cheryl Kastas at [email protected]. Read more about onboard experiential learning opportunities available through AWRI's Education & Outreach program.

Read more about the W.G. Jackson at the Great Lakes Association of Science Ships: Great Lakes Science Vessels - W.G. Jackson.

How did the vessel get its name? Learn about Dr. Bill Jackson in his biography: William G. Jackson: Enterprising Scientist.