Maritime museums in Michigan

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is a historical maritime museum situated on The Strand on Belle Isle Park along the Detroit River. This location offers a unique perspective on Detroit's role in national and regional maritime history. The museum is easily accessible and provides a fascinating insight into the maritime history of the region.

Today, the USS LST 393 serves as a museum ship in Muskegon, Michigan. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about its rich history and the role it played during World War II.

Today, the SS City of Milwaukee serves multiple purposes. It is a museum ship, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past. It also operates as a bed and breakfast, offering a unique overnight experience. Additionally, it serves as an event venue, located on the waterfront of Manistee Lake in Manistee, Michigan.

The Grand Traverse Light is a significant lighthouse located in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, a geographical feature that separates Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. This strategic location makes it a key point of interest for visitors who are interested in maritime history and coastal landscapes.

Mission Point Light is a historic lighthouse situated at the end of Old Mission Point in Michigan. This peninsula extends into the Grand Traverse Bay, approximately 17 miles north of Traverse City. The lighthouse's strategic location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the surrounding natural beauty and enjoy panoramic views of the bay.

The Sand Point Lighthouse is an inactive lighthouse situated in Escanaba, Delta County, Michigan, on the shores of Lake Michigan. It has been a part of the region's history since its construction in the late 19th century. Although it no longer serves as an active lighthouse, it remains a significant landmark and a symbol of the area's maritime past.

After being decommissioned, the USCGC Acacia (WLB-406) became a museum ship in Manistee, Michigan. Initially, it was given to the state of Illinois for the benefit of the American Academy of Industry, with plans to transform it into a maritime museum in Chicago. However, due to the lack of suitable docking, the plan was never executed. Thanks to the efforts of a common board member, the ship was transferred to the Society for the Preservation of the SS City of Milwaukee. On October 16, 2009, Acacia sailed under its own power to Manistee, Michigan, where it became part of the SS City of Milwaukee museum, a National Historic Landmark.

Whitefish Point Light is a privately owned lighthouse situated on the upper peninsula of Michigan, specifically in Whitefish Point, Chippewa County. This lighthouse is a significant landmark in the region and is a part of the rich maritime history of the area.

The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is a significant landmark located on the west bank of Lake Huron. It is situated to the north of Fort Gratiot, near Port Huron in St. Clair County, Michigan. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the lighthouse and its surroundings, which include the beautiful Lake Huron.

Sturgeon Point Light is a significant lighthouse located on the west shore of Lake Huron, in Haynes Township of Alcona County, Michigan. It serves an important role in marking a 1.5 km long reef in front of Sturgeon Point. This makes it a point of interest for those interested in maritime history and navigation.

The Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse is a historic beacon situated on the west shore of Lake Huron. It is nestled within the scenic Lighthouse County Park, near the town of Port Hope in Huron County, Michigan. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the lighthouse and its surroundings, providing a unique insight into the maritime history of the region.

Point Iroquois Light is a significant lighthouse located on a bluff in Chippewa County, Michigan. This lighthouse marks the division line between Whitefish Bay and the western end of the St. Marys River, which is the connection between Lake Superior and other Great Lakes. The lighthouse and its surrounding area have a rich history, being named after the Iroquois warriors who were massacred there by the Ojibwe in 1662.

The New Presque Isle Light, located on the namesake peninsula east of Grand Lake in Presque Isle, Michigan, was constructed in 1870. This historical lighthouse is a significant part of Michigan's maritime history and offers visitors a glimpse into the past.

The Seul Choix Light, situated in the northwest corner of Lake Michigan in Schoolcraft County, Michigan, has a rich history dating back to 1892. Initially established with a temporary light, it began its service in 1895 and was fully automated in 1972. This lighthouse has been a significant aid to navigation for over a century.

The Point Betsie Lighthouse is a significant landmark located at the southern entrance of Manitou Passage, just north of the port of Frankfort, in Benzie County, Michigan. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

The Au Sable Light is an active lighthouse located in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, west of Grand Marais, Michigan off H-58. It is a significant landmark in the area and a popular tourist attraction. The lighthouse has been operational since its construction in 1874 and continues to serve as a navigational aid.

Tawas Point Light is a historic lighthouse situated in the Tawas Point State Park, off Tawas Bay in Lake Huron, Baldwin Township, Northern Michigan. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the park and the surrounding area, while also learning about the history and significance of the lighthouse.

Crisp Point Light is a privately owned lighthouse situated on Lake Superior. It is located on the upper peninsula of Michigan, nestled between Munising and Whitefish Point in Luce County. This unique location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

The McGulpin Point Lighthouse is a significant landmark located in the northeast of Lake Michigan, specifically in the Mackinac Strait. It is situated 5 km west of Fort Michilimakinac in Emmet County, Michigan. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

The Peninsula Point Lighthouse, also known as St. Peninsula Point Light, is an inactive lighthouse situated at the southernmost point of the Stonington Peninsula in Bay de Noc Township, Delta County, Michigan. This historic lighthouse has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since April 28, 1975. Despite its inactivity, the lighthouse remains a significant landmark in the region.

The Forty Mile Point Lighthouse is a historic beacon situated on the western shore of Lake Huron, within the boundaries of Rogers Township in Presque Isle County, Michigan. Unlike many lighthouses in the Great Lakes region, it does not mark a significant port or river mouth. Instead, it was constructed with the intention of ensuring that sailors navigating from Mackinaw Point to the Saint Clair River would never be out of sight of a lighthouse.

The Little Sable Point Light is a prominent lighthouse situated south of Pentwater in the lower peninsula of Michigan. It is nestled in the southwest corner of Golden Township, just south of Silver Lake State Park. This location makes it an ideal spot for tourists who are interested in lighthouses, maritime history, or simply looking for a picturesque location to visit.

The Old Presque Isle Light holds a significant place in the history of Presque Isle, Michigan. Constructed in 1840, it was the first lighthouse in the area. The structure was built using two-thirds stone and one-third brick, a testament to the architectural practices of the time. The construction of the lighthouse was financially supported by Congress, which had appropriated $5,000 for the project two years prior.

The Michigan Maritime Museum is a unique institution that combines a maritime museum with a research library. It is located in the picturesque town of South Haven, in the American state of Michigan. The museum is dedicated to the maritime history of Michigan and the Great Lakes region, offering a wealth of information and exhibits for visitors to explore.

The Ludington Light is a lighthouse situated on the north breakwater of Ludington port, at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River in Mason County, Michigan. This location offers a unique view of the Lake Michigan and the surrounding area. The lighthouse has been a significant landmark since its establishment and continues to be operational today.

The White River Lighthouse is a historic landmark located on a thin peninsula of land separating Lake Michigan from White Lake in Muskegon County, Michigan. Although it is no longer active, it stands as a testament to the region's maritime history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. The lighthouse is near the town of Whitehall, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The Ontonagon Light is a historic lighthouse situated near Ontonagon, Michigan, just off M-64. It holds significant historical value, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973. This recognition underlines the lighthouse's importance in the region's history and its contribution to maritime navigation.

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, located in Copper Harbor, Michigan, is a historical park managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The park is home to the restored 1844 army military outpost, Fort Wilkins, which is a significant historical site that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

The Rock Harbor Lighthouse is a historic light station situated in Rock Harbor on Isle Royale National Park, Michigan. It holds a significant place in history as it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This recognition underlines its historical importance and architectural uniqueness.

Big Sable Point Light is a historic lighthouse located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, near the port of Ludington, in Mason County, Michigan. Today, it is nestled within the boundaries of Ludington State Park, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The lighthouse has been a beacon for mariners since its establishment in 1867, making it the first lighthouse in the region.

The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is a historic landmark located in Lake Michigan. It marks the junction between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in Emmet County, Michigan. Although it is no longer active, it remains a significant part of the region's history and is a popular tourist attraction.

The USCGC Mackinaw (WAG-83) is a unique vessel that was specifically designed to break ice on the Great Lakes of North America. This icebreaker was a part of the United States Coast Guard and played a crucial role in maintaining the navigability of the lakes during the harsh winter months. Today, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of maritime engineering.

The Valley Camp is not just a museum, but also a historic site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors are allowed to explore the ship in its entirety, providing a hands-on experience of maritime history and the workings of a freighter ship.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is situated at the Whitefish Point Light Station, which is 18 kilometers north of Paradise, in Chippewa County, Michigan. This location is significant as it provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes region, while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Eagle Harbor Light is a functioning lighthouse located at Eagle Harbor, in Keweenaw County, Michigan. It is one of several light stations that guide mariners on Lake Superior across the northern edge of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The lighthouse is not only a beacon for mariners but also a point of interest for tourists visiting the area.

The Port Huron Museum is not just a single museum, but a collection of four museums located in Port Huron, Michigan. This unique feature allows visitors to explore a variety of exhibits and collections across different locations, each offering a unique perspective on the region's history and culture.

The United States lightship Huron (LV-103) is a significant piece of maritime history that was launched in 1920. Today, it serves as a museum ship, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past. It is moored in Pine Grove Park, located in Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about its history and the role it played in the Great Lakes region.

The Marquette Maritime Museum, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a unique combination of a museum and a lighthouse. This dual nature of the facility offers visitors a chance to explore both the historical and navigational aspects of maritime life in the region.

Glen Haven is a restored port village located on the shore of Lake Michigan on the Leelanau Peninsula. It is now part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This historic village offers a unique glimpse into the past and is a significant part of the region's history.

Among the attractions in Glen Haven are the Lake Michigan beach, a restored General Store, and a Blacksmith Shop. These sites provide a glimpse into the area's past and offer a unique experience for visitors. The beach offers a place for relaxation and enjoyment of the natural beauty of Lake Michigan.

The USS Silversides SS AGSS 236, a Gato class submarine, is a significant part of the United States Navy's history. It was one of the most successful submarines in the Pacific Theater of World War II, with 23 confirmed sinkings totalling more than 90,000 long tons of shipping. This impressive record makes it a fascinating attraction for those interested in naval history and World War II.

The sanctuary is home to an estimated 116 historically significant shipwrecks. These range from nineteenth-century wooden side-wheelers to twentieth-century steel-hulled steamers. The preservation of these shipwrecks is a testament to the rich maritime history of the region and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn.

The Lightkeeper’s House, situated at the end of Coast Guard Point Road in Grand Marais, offers visitors a chance to step back in time. Built in 1908 by the Life Saving Service, this brick house replaced the lightkeeper's previous shack made of scrap lumber. During World War II, the Coast Guard to

The Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum is situated in the heart of Rogers City, Michigan. This city is renowned for being a significant port on Lake Huron. The museum's location provides a unique backdrop that enhances the maritime history it showcases. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and the city while immersing themselves in the rich history of the Great Lakes.

The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, located in Bay City, Michigan, is a unique institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the United States Navy. The museum is permanently housed in the USS Edson, a retired United States Navy destroyer that has been converted into a museum. This destroyer serves as the main attraction of the museum, offering visitors a chance to explore a piece of naval history.