The Colonel James M. Schoonmaker was once known as the 'Queen of the Lakes' for being the largest freighter in the world upon its launch.
The Museum Tug Ohio is one of the oldest preserved steam tugs in the United States.
The collection includes a diving bell used for underwater research and salvage operations in the Great Lakes.
The museum grounds are positioned on the historic site of the Toledo Shipyard, which built vessels for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Interactive exhibits include a simulator that allows visitors to pilot a lake freighter through a virtual storm.
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is situated on the Maumee River and houses over 300 artifacts detailing the history of the Great Lakes. Its primary attraction is the Colonel James M. Schoonmaker, a 617-foot iron ore freighter launched in 1911 that visitors can board. The museum grounds also feature the Museum Tug Ohio, a 1903 steam-powered tugboat. Exhibits cover regional topics including indigenous history, the fur trade, the War of 1812, and the evolution of shipping technology. The museum is operated by the Great Lakes Historical Society. It is located at the site of the former American Ship Building Company yard.
The riverfront walkway provides a full-length profile shot of the Colonel James M. Schoonmaker freighter against the Toledo skyline.
Wear comfortable, flat shoes, as navigating the narrow stairwells and decks of the historic freighter requires climbing.
Check the museum website for specific dates when the freighter might be closed due to weather or maintenance.
Allow extra time to walk the outdoor pier area to see the exterior scale of the vessels.
Do not attempt to explore the freighter if you have limited mobility, as the ship's internal stairs are steep and narrow; stay on the main deck if necessary.
Closed on Tuesdays from November through April; also closed on major winter holidays.
Sturdy, closed-toe footwear is required for boarding the historic vessels for safety reasons.
