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.
The Dossin Great Lakes Museum spans an area of 1,500 square meters and houses exhibits that include one of the world's largest collections of ship models. It also features the bow anchor of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a ship that sank in a storm in 1975. These exhibits provide a deep dive into the maritime history and the vessels of the Great Lakes.
The Dossin Great Lakes Museum was originally founded in 1949 as the City Maritime Museum. It was located aboard the wooden schooner J.T. Wing, which was the last commercial sailing ship on the Great Lakes. This historical context adds to the rich maritime heritage that the museum represents.
Nature & Natural History Maritime Industrial heritage
#3 Nature & Natural History in Detroit #2 Industrial & heritage museums in Detroit #3 Nature & Natural History in Michigan #3 Industrial & heritage museums in Michigan #1 Maritime museums in Michigan #164 Nature & Natural History in United States #47 Industrial & heritage museums in United States #43 Maritime museums in United States
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 13:00 – 17:00 |
Strand Drive 100, Detroit
No exhibitions in Dossin Great Lakes Museum have been found.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum has 1 rating.
The Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit offers visitors an informative and engaging experience focused on the maritime history of the Great Lakes region. Located on Belle Isle, the museum provides a comprehensive look at the importance of the Great Lakes in shaping the area's economy and culture.
Visitors often appreciate the museum's well-curated exhibits, which showcase various aspects of Great Lakes maritime history. The centerpiece of the museum, the pilot house of the S.S. William Clay Ford freighter, allows guests to experience what it was like to navigate these massive ships. Many reviewers find this interactive element particularly memorable.
The museum's collection of model ships, nautical artifacts, and historical photographs receives positive feedback for its ability to illustrate the evolution of Great Lakes shipping. The exhibits on shipwrecks and maritime disasters are frequently mentioned as both educational and sobering.
While many visitors find the museum's content interesting, some note that the facility itself is relatively small and can be explored in a couple of hours. This compact size may disappoint those expecting a more extensive museum experience. Additionally, a few reviewers mention that some exhibits could benefit from updates or more interactive elements to engage younger visitors.
The museum's location on Belle Isle is generally seen as a plus, with visitors enjoying the park setting and river views. However, some people note that finding the museum can be challenging if you're not familiar with the island's layout.
Overall, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum is appreciated for its focused content and its role in preserving an important aspect of regional history. While it may not be a full-day destination, it offers a solid educational experience for those interested in maritime history and the Great Lakes region.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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