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National Museum of the Great Lakes
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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.

    Explore our Virtual Tour

    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.

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    Preserving Great Lakes History

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    News

    • Museums for All BannerMuseum Announces Access Program for Low-Income Individuals and FamiliesJanuary 17, 2023 - 1:30 pm

      January 17, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) is pleased to announce it has joined Museums For All—a program providing free and reduced admission

    • Free Museum Admission Banner 2022Museum Celebrates Community with Free AdmissionJanuary 10, 2023 - 9:51 am

      January 10, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – In the community improvement and service spirit of the Martin Luther King holiday, beginning Saturday, January 14, through Monday, January 16th, The National Museum

    • Museum Kicks Off 2023 Great Lakes Book ClubJanuary 4, 2023 - 4:09 pm

      December 29th, 2022 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is kicking off 2023 programming season with our virtual lunchtime Great Lakes Book Club, featuring three books

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    VISIT US

    National Museum of the Great Lakes
    1701 Front Street
    Toledo, Ohio 43605
    United States of America
    Phone: (419) 214-5000
    Url: www.nmgl.org

    HOURS

    Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
    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
    newsletter

    EXPLORE THE MUSEUM

    The National Museum of the Great Lakes reveals the varied and fascinating history of our treasured Great Lakes, which make up 84% of all of the fresh water in North America. Come explore the history of the world's greatest natural resource—from canoes and schooners to early steamers and freighters—some of which ply the mighty Maumee River right next to the Museum.
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