Campus Exhibits
We are excited to announce the opening of our new Maritime Heritage Center, which features our latest exhibit, Full Steam Ahead: The Golden Age of Great Lakes Passenger Steamships!
From hands-on exhibits at an authentic waterfront campus to historically immersive experiences aboard an on-water fleet, the Michigan Maritime Museum has something for every Great Lakes enthusiast.
Five separate structures offer a variety of engaging opportunities for the Museum visitor, including permanent and changing exhibits on Michigan maritime history, a center for the teaching of boat-building and related maritime skills, and a fleet of period and replica vessels available to visitors for on-water experiences. Waterfront festivals and events are complemented by the hustle and bustle of a modern harbor and vast sandy beaches in one of west Michigan’s most picturesque shoreline communities.
New and Upcoming Exhibits
Full Steam Ahead
Now Open!
Discover the golden age of Great Lakes passenger steamers
McClendon Small Craft Barn
Now Open!
Explore the Museum’s small craft and antique outboard motor collection
Commercial Fishing
Coming Soon!
Learn about the history and heritage of the Great Lakes commercial fishing industry
Permanent Exhibits
Herbert Van Oort Boathouse
USCG South Haven Outbuilding
Learn about the US Life Saving Service and nautical knot tying.
Evelyn S. Fish Tug
Padnos Boat Shed
Our workshop for vessel maintenance, classes, and more!
McClendon Small Craft Barn
Explore the Museum’s small craft and antique outboard motor collection
Our Fleet
Five on-water vessel exhibits located at the Museum docks
Traveling Exhibits
Lake Michigan's Call to Duty
Explore the role Lake Michigan played during WWII
Mysteries Beneath the Waves
Explore the shipwrecks of West Michigan
Fatal Crossing
Learn about the disaster of Northwest Airlines flight 2501