Follow the story of the Great Lakes at this museum that provides fascinating insight into Detroit’s role in both maritime and national history.
Discover the hands-on exhibits and marvelous restorations within the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, which chronicles more than 300 years of Detroit’s maritime history. The museum is located in picturesque Belle Isle Park and features views out to the adjacent Canadian shoreline.
The museum, which opened in 1949, originally occupied a landed wood schooner but was later forced to close due to the ship’s deteriorating condition. The local Dossin family generously donated funds to build a new museum and the latest incarnation of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum opened in July 1960.
Explore the museum’s collection of permanent exhibits, which include exquisite models of sailing ships and commercial vessels. Admire the massive bow anchor of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a legendary American Great Lakes freighter that sank during a storm in 1975.
Marvel at the grand restored Gothic Room from the S.S. City of Detroit III and be whisked away to the golden age of Great Lakes cruise ships. This room was originally used as a smoking lounge aboard the large steam ship during the early part of the 20th century.
Pretend to captain your own ship from the pilot house of the S.S. William Clay Ford. The freighter itself was demolished in 1987, but its pilot house was brought to the museum and now provides visitors with information on the design and purpose of freighter ships. Visitors can try and dock the ship themselves via an in-built video simulator.
Enjoy the interactive nature of Built by the River, a permanent exhibit that allows visitors to steer a long-ship down the Detroit River. The exhibit is meant to highlight how the river played an important role in Detroit’s manufacturing and commercial growth.
The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is located on the shores of Belle Isle, just east of downtown Detroit. If you arrive by car or motorcycle, purchase a Recreation Passport ticket upon entering the park. The passport lasts for 1 year or until the car license expires. Come on foot or by bus and there’s no need to purchase the passport.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free.
