Make History Part of Your Celebration
From intimate strategy sessions to 500-guest celebrations, our riverside campus pairs unmatched views of the Maumee River with the character of Great Lakes history. Choose from eight versatile spaces—indoors, outdoors, and even aboard a 617-foot freighter—and give your guests an experience they’ll remember long after the last toast.
Event spaces
Eight Spaces on the Toledo Waterfront
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Museum Gallery
Request this spaceGather among our signature exhibits for receptions, fundraisers, or formal dinners framed by Great Lakes artifacts. Sight lines shift as you explore, making the gallery a built-in conversation starter.
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Great Lakes Community Education Center
Request this spaceFloor-to-ceiling glass and built-in A/V make this flexible room ideal for workshops, retreats, or elegant dinners. Pair it with the adjacent Alexander & Marilyn Cook Leadership Center pre-event space and the William & Pamela Davis Family Community Plaza for indoor-outdoor access.
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Alexander & Marilyn Cook Leadership Center
Request this spaceHost VIP breakfasts, cocktail hours, or showers in this light-filled space that opens directly onto the William & Pamela Davis Family Community Plaza. It can also connect with the Great Lakes Community Education Center. A prep alcove with sink and ice machines keeps service hassle-free.
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Outdoor · Riverfront
William & Pamela Davis Family Community Plaza
Request this spaceRiverside concrete pad ready for tents, stages, or food trucks—perfect for weddings, mixers, and community gatherings with the Maumee River as your backdrop. Tent-friendly for evening receptions. Floor-to-ceiling doors can open to the Leadership Center and Great Lakes Community Education Center.
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Outdoor · Park & Grounds
Cliffs Great Lakes Maritime Park
Request this spaceGreen space, river views, and artifact-lined paths set the stage for festivals, ceremonies, and large-scale celebrations. The park connects the museum grounds directly to Glass City Metropark for seamless flow into surrounding attractions. Large-scale tent structures welcome.
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Iconic · By inquiry
Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship
Request this spaceWelcome guests aboard a 617-foot historic freighter, where open decks offer postcard views of downtown Toledo and the Veterans Glass City Skyway Bridge. Perfect for milestone celebrations and after-hours networking, this storied freighter turns every toast into a piece of Great Lakes history.
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Intimate · By inquiry
Executive Conference Room
Request this spaceA quiet, well-appointed space for small executive gatherings, board calls, and working dinners. Audio-visual and teleconference capability included.
Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the campus ADA accessible?
All rental spaces (excluding the Col. James M. Schoonmaker museum ship)—indoor and outdoor—meet ADA requirements. The museum ship is an artifact and not ADA accessible.
Is there a weather backup option for outdoor events?
Yes. Indoor galleries can be reserved as a weather plan for the William & Pamela Davis Family Plaza or Cliffs Great Lakes Maritime Park, based on availability.
Is parking available?
Complimentary on-site parking is available for you and your guests.
How much setup and teardown time do I get?
Two hours before and one hour after your event are included; additional time can be arranged. Note: the Col. James M. Schoonmaker and Museum galleries are not accessible during business hours.
Is alcohol permitted?
Beer, wine, and spirits are allowed with a licensed bar service and proof of insurance. The host will need to provide a permit if they plan to sell alcohol.
Can I bring my own caterer?
Yes. We maintain a preferred vendor list, but welcome licensed caterers of your choice with prior approval.
What's included with my rental?
Tables, chairs, standard linens, and basic A/V (where installed) are provided at no additional cost.