2026 Luck of the Lakes Raffle
TWO GRAND PRIZES
Winner takes their pick!
Interlake Maritime Services Freighter Trip
Explore the Great Lakes on a Working Freighter: Choose a 7-day trip for four on a classic Interlake freighter (an opportunity not available to the public), taking in incredible sunrises and sunsets, legendary freighter fare, and witnessing real-time commerce in action. Additional prize details below.
Victory Cruise Lines Trip Around the Great Lakes
Set sail on a beautiful journey across all five Great Lakes: Choose this 9-day voyage for two between Chicago and Toronto (or vice versa) offering a unique blend of luxury, history, and immersive exploration. Additional prize details below.
Previous Purchasers Raffle
The Previous Purchasers Raffle is held every year as a thank you to everyone who has supported our Luck of the Lakes raffle in the past. Each year we offer to our previous supporters the chance to purchase their Luck of the Lake Raffle tickets early and be entered into an exclusive raffle with additional prizes. If you support this year’s Luck of the Lakes raffle, you will be invited to participate in the previous purchaser’s raffle next year.
2026 Previous Purchasers Raffle Winners
- First prize: Reid & Julie F. from Ashland, OH
- Second prize: Paul and Kathyrn S.
- Third prize: Ken & Jean L. from Maumee, OH
THIRD PRIZE
10 Tickets for the 2027 Luck of the Lakes Raffle
Every cent raised, helps keep Great Lakes history afloat!
Your raffle ticket purchase supports the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes whose mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story. Learn more about our mission and the Great Lakes Historical Society here.
Raffle Details
Luck of the Lakes raffle tickets can be purchased online until 11:59 p.m. on September 29, 2026. The drawing is held on September 30, 2026 and will be broadcast live online. Winners will be notified via email and phone. Click here for additional raffle rules and regulations.
Two Grand Prize Options
Trip of a Lifetime for 4 Aboard an Interlake Freighter
You’ll experience the Great Lakes like never before aboard an Interlake Maritime Services freighter, witnessing incredible sunrises and sunsets, enjoying legendary freighter fare, and watching real-time commerce in action aboard a working bulk carrier.
- Enjoy a 7-day trip for four on a classic Interlake freighter (such as the M/V Lee A. Tregurtha or the M/V Kaye E. Barker). You’ll experience the Great Lakes like never before, witnessing incredible sunrises and sunsets, enjoying legendary freighter fare, and watching real-time commerce in action aboard a working bulk carrier.
- See the Soo Locks up close as you travel through Lake Michigan from Duluth, MN.
- During the adventure, witness professional mariners navigate the lakes and river systems while skillfully loading and delivering the building blocks of America.
- Passenger quarters include well-appointed private rooms with attached bathrooms and comfortable lounge areas that overlook the expansive decks that are more than two football fields in length.
- Enjoy an immersive and highly exclusive experience. Freighter trips are not available to the public, so it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Trips will be scheduled in collaboration with the Interlake Steamship Company team.
- All attempts will be made to schedule your journey to begin and end at the same port.
OR
Great Lakes Cruise with Victory Cruise Lines
Set sail on a beautiful journey across all five Great Lakes with Victory Cruise Lines! Choose this 9-day voyage for two from Chicago to Toronto (or from Toronto to Chicago) offering a unique blend of luxury, history, and immersive exploration.
- Sail all five Great Lakes on an intimate small-ship cruise, with exclusive stops at iconic destinations like Mackinac Island, Cleveland, and Detroit.
- Experience curated shore excursions in both bustling cities and historic ports, with tours designed to connect you to each community’s culture and story.
- Enjoy luxury accommodations and enriching onboard programming, including Lakelorian lectures and exhibits in partnership with the National Museum of the Great Lakes.
- Prize must be booked in 2026 for a 2027 voyage, offering you plenty of time to plan your perfect Great Lakes adventure.
Third Prize
- 10 tickets for the 2027 Luck of the Lakes Raffle.
