National Museum of the Great Lakes Offers Free Admission During Community Appreciation Days

January 8, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio)—This month, the National Museum of the Great Lakes is hosting Community Appreciation Days, offering free admission from January 18 through January 20 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s holiday. This special initiative is our way of expressing gratitude to the community while encouraging reflection on the values of service, equity, and justice.

“As a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing Great Lakes history, we also feel it is our responsibility to reflect on and celebrate the diverse communities that shaped our region’s legacy,” said Kate Fineske, Executive Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “By offering free admission during these days, we hope to inspire individuals and families to connect with history and consider how they, too, can contribute to a better future.”

Visitors will have access to our exhibits, including our latest micro exhibit, Frozen Fun: Recreational Activities on the Frozen Great Lakes. Families are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to explore the interactive displays and gain a deeper understanding of the Great Lakes’ impact on industry, culture, and daily life.

Following the free admission days, the museum will close for its annual cleaning and maintenance period from January 21 through January 31. This essential pause allows us to tackle exhibit repairs, reorganization, and cleaning, including addressing construction dust from ongoing improvements. The museum will reopen its doors to the public on Saturday, February 1, 2025.