The Fascinating Floating Post Office That You’ll Only Find In Michigan

For most Michiganders, mail delivery is simply a mundane element of everyday life. We depend on our delivery-people to park their trucks, stroll through our neighborhoods, and bring us everything from letters to packages to unwanted bills. But there’s a mail delivery system here in Michigan that’s absolutely one-of-a-kind, and you’ll never see our postal service in the same light again.

Located on the cool waters of the Detroit River, the wonderfully unique J.W. Westcott II is the only floating post office in the United States.

This incredible boat operates under the zip code 48222, and primarily delivers mail to crew members stationed on vessels throughout the river.

The Westcott Company itself was initially established in 1874 and delivered both supplies and mail via rowboat to ships making their way through the water.

In 1949, the J.W. Westcott II was built — and it maintains its fascinating appeal today. The boat itself stretches on for 45 feet and travels at a speed of 14 knots.

Tragically, the boat suffered an accident in 2001 that claimed the lives of several crew members, but it was ultimately salvaged, refurbished, and reopened.

Today, the floating post office continues to deliver mail to freighters and other vessels making transit trips through the Detroit River.

So, the next time you’re in the Motor City, take a peek at the waterfront. You might just catch a glimpse of the country’s one and only floating post office!

Have you ever seen the J.W. Westcott II in action? Better yet, have you utilized this one-of-a-kind marine postal service? We’d love to hear your stories in the comment section below!