All maritime museums to visit in Wisconsin

Set sail on a journey through maritime history at 10 maritime museums in Wisconsin. These museums showcase the history of seafaring, shipbuilding, and naval exploration.

Are you fascinated by the sea and maritime history? These are the top maritime museums in Wisconsin

  1. Wisconsin Maritime Museum1

    Wisconsin Maritime Museum

     Manitowoc, WI
    The Wisconsin Maritime Museum, located in the Lake Michigan port and shipbuilding city of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, is dedicated to preserving and educating about the maritime history of the Great Lakes and Wisconsin. The museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the region's rich maritime heritage, from shipbuilding to the history of navigation on the Great Lakes.
  2. Discovery World2

    Discovery World

     Milwaukee, WI
    Discovery World is a renowned science and technology museum located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum was founded by Robert Powrie Harland, Sr. and was initially known as the Science, Economics and Technology Center. It offers a wide range of exhibits and interactive experiences that cater to all ages, making it a great destination for families and individuals alike.
  3. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Museum3

    Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Museum

     Fish Creek, WI
    The Eagle Bluff Light, also known as Eagle Bluff lighthouse, is a historic site located near Ephraim in Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin. This lighthouse was constructed in 1868 and was automated in 1926. It is situated on a 76-foot bluff that overlooks the Strawberry Channel, earning it the nickname 'The Guardian of the Strawberry Channel'.
  4. Cana Island Lighthouse4

    Cana Island Lighthouse

     Baileys Harbor, WI
    The Cana Island lighthouse, situated just north of Baileys Harbor in Door County, Wisconsin, is a significant historical landmark. Constructed in 1869 to replace the Baileys Harbor Lighthouse, it was first illuminated in 1870. This lighthouse has stood the test of time, serving as a beacon for over a century.
  5. Wind Point Lighthouse5

    Wind Point Lighthouse

     Racine, WI
    The Wind Point Lighthouse is a significant landmark located at the northern end of Racine Harbor in Wisconsin. It is conveniently situated next to the Shoop Park golf course, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy both history and outdoor activities. The lighthouse stands tall at 108 feet, making it one of the oldest and tallest active lighthouses on the Great Lakes.
  6. SS Meteor6

    SS Meteor

     Superior, WI
    The SS Meteor, currently a museum ship in its hometown, is a unique piece of maritime history. It is the only surviving ship of the whaleback design, a concept created by Scottish captain Alexander McDougall for navigation on the Great Lakes. This design allowed for the transport of maximum cargo with minimum draft. The ship was built in 1896 in Superior, a port city in northwest Wisconsin, on Lake Superior, and sailed until 1969 with several modifications.
  7. Port Washington Breakwater Light7

    Port Washington Breakwater Light

     Port Washington, WI
    The Port Washington Light, located in Port Washington, Wisconsin, is a historical lighthouse that has been converted into a museum. This lighthouse, which was replaced by the Port Washington Breakwater Light, was restored with the help of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It offers visitors a glimpse into the history of lighthouses and the lives of their keepers.
  8. Madeline Island Museum8

    Madeline Island Museum

     La Pointe, WI
    Access to the Madeline Island Museum is facilitated by boat or the Madeline Island Ferry. This makes the museum easily accessible for tourists and provides a unique and scenic journey to the island.
  9. Tug Ludington9

    Tug Ludington

     Kewaunee, WI
    The Ludington, previously known as Major Wilbur Fr. Browder, is a historical artifact from World War II. This American tugboat was constructed in 1943 at the Jacobsen shipyard in Oyster Bay, New York. Today, it is exhibited in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. This tugboat serves as a tangible reminder of the past, providing visitors with a unique insight into maritime history.
  10. 10

    Pottawatomie Lighthouse

     Washington, WI
    The Pottawatomie Lighthouse, also known as the Potawatomie Light, is a historic lighthouse located on Rock Island in Door County, Wisconsin. This lighthouse is a significant part of the region's history and has been a beacon for navigation since the mid-19th century. It is a place of interest for those who appreciate maritime history and the role of lighthouses in navigation and safety at sea.