National Museum of the Great Lakes

The National Museum of the Great Lakes is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. Located in Toledo, Ohio, our museum offers a unique experience with over 300 artifacts, powerful audiovisual displays, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Tug Ohio as they journey through centuries of stories that highlight the significance of these waterways in North America's past. Join us to discover how the Great Lakes have shaped our culture, economy, and environment.

The National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio serves as a vital cultural hub dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history and significance of the Great Lakes region. As a premier tourist attraction, our museum features an impressive collection of over 300 artifacts that together narrate the extensive maritime stories tied to this incredible natural resource. Visitors can immerse themselves in our engaging audiovisual displays and take part in over 40 hands-on interactive exhibits that cater to all ages. Among our highlights are the remarkable Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, a 617-foot iron ore freighter that stands as a testament to Great Lakes shipping history, and the historic Tug Ohio. Our exhibits span centuries, showcasing tales from fur traders in the 1600s to Underground Railroad operators and rum runners in subsequent eras. Each narrative emphasizes the powerful role that these lakes have played in shaping social, economic, and political landscapes throu