Exhibit Philosophy
“Our exhibit philosophy is simple; educate and entertain.”
Our exhibit philosophy is simple; educate and entertain.
Our displays will educate the visitor about the importance of the Great Lakes to our national story.
The experience is designed to educate a diverse audience both in age and knowledge of the topic.
We accomplish this goal of education in visually, auditory and tactile compelling ways so that the experience is engrossing and entertaining.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Join us in the fascinating stories of the Great Lakes as you learn about the rich history of the world’s most important natrual resource and immerse yourself in unique media and hands-on experiences. The National Museum of the Great Lakes is a complete experience—our campus includes the museum ship S.S. Col. James M. Schoonmaker and a maritime park with unique artifacts and beautiful landscaping along the banks of the Maumee River.
Most visitors spend one to one and a half hours at the Museum to take in all of the exhibits. That’s one reason why Museum memberships are so popular since they afford our members the opportunity to come back and visit at as often as they like for “deeper dives” into our exhibits. If you plan to include the Schoonmaker in your trip to the Museum, you’ll want to set aside even more time to explore and experience life on a Great Lakes ship.
Download our new app to get a guided tour of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker in the palm of your hand!
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
**November 1 – April 30: The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
(Col. James M. Schoonmaker and Tug Ohio open May – October)
(Last Schoonmaker boarding is at 4:00 pm)
The Museum is Closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
NOTE: For customer safety, the Museum will close for Lucas County Level 2 or 3 Snow Emergencies.
The Schoonmaker and Ohio will close during periods of high wind, bad weather, or extreme heat.
The Museum site offers several parking lots for its visitors. Designated handicapped parking is available in each lot.
HOURS
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Closed on Tuesdays: November 1 - April 30
Museum is Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve
SS Col James M. Schoonmaker and Tug Ohio
open May – October
