National Museum of the Great Lakes

Explore the rich history of the world’s most important natural resource at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Our museum offers an immersive experience through unique media, hands-on exhibits, and captivating storytelling. Our campus features the historic museum ship Col. James M. Schoonmaker, the museum tug Ohio, and a scenic maritime park filled with fascinating artifacts and picturesque landscaping along the Maumee River.

With 500 breathtaking photographs, 250 incredible artifacts, and 45 interactive exhibits, the museum brings Great Lakes history to life in an engaging and educational way.As a Certified Autism Center, our museum is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. We offer Sensory Friendly Mornings on the second Saturday of every month from 9 to 10 a.m. During these special hours, guests can enjoy a more comfortable experience with dimmed lighting, reduced noise, and smaller crowds, creating an atmosphere tailored to their needs.

Coming Summer 2025: Our 5,000-square-foot Second Wave expansion will introduce exciting new exhibits and a dedicated space for community education.

Join us to discover why we are the gathering place for Great Lakes conversations and explore the past, present, and future of our region’s maritime heritage.

Our museum is open 7 days a week May 1 – October 31 from 10 am – 5 pm Monday thru Saturday and noon – 5 pm on Sundays. Between November 1 and April 30 our museum vessels close for the season and we are closed Tuesdays, however, visitors can still explore our 11,000 square feet of interior museum exhibit space.