Frozen in Time: A Wooden & Antique Boat Showcase

December 5, 2025 – February 15, 2026
National Museum of the Great Lakes • Temporary Exhibit Gallery
Included with Museum Admission | Free for Members

Get your winter boating “fix” along the backdrop of the Maumee River with Frozen in Time: A Wooden and Antique Boat Showcase. This special indoor display brings together a curated collection of both new and historic vessels, inviting visitors to appreciate the art, craftsmanship, and cultural legacy of wooden and antique boats across the Great Lakes.

Featuring a handful of remarkable watercraft—from an Indigenous canoe to classic wooden cruisers—the showcase highlights the evolution of boatbuilding design while exploring the social and recreational traditions that have shaped boating communities for centuries.

Curated by Director Emeritus Chris Gillcrist, Frozen in Time offers a unique winter escape into Great Lakes maritime heritage.

“Wooden boats are timeless works of art,” Gillcrist notes. “They reflect the creativity of their builders, the spirit of adventure of their owners, and the enduring connection people have with the Great Lakes.”

Plan your visit and explore the stories that continue to inspire Great Lakes boaters, past and present.