Herbert Van Oort Boathouse

This exhibit boasts one of the finest collections of wooden rescue boats used by the United State Lifesaving Service and Coast Guard. The Museum is the home to four fully restored examples of these incredible boats ranging from the Merryman, an 1881 rescue boat, to a 1950s 36ft. motor lifeboat. The vessels are enclosed in a replica Coast Guard boathouse, the likes of which have dotted the Great Lakes coastline for over a century. In addition to the vessels, the boathouse features information on Great Lakes Coast Guard stations, a Fresnel lens, and a lyle gun and breeches buoy display. Explore the exhibit and salute the brave men and women of the United Stated Coast Guard!