In this case the State of Michigan refers to a training ship operated by the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. It is use to train future mariners on the great lakes. when they graduate they will have a degrees in business and will be qualified to sail on the great lakes and oceans.
The State of Michigan usually makes a run to Duluth, Minnesota in the spring. I happened to be in Duluth when it arrived this year.
It is an impressive ship as it comes into the harbor. I noticed that there were a large number of bikes on the ship. Apparently when it docks in a port the crew/students take advantage of the visit to bike around town.
It docked at the DECC in Duluth Harbor overnight before heading out in the morning.
Philip Schwarz Photography Blog 