Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship
Explore a 1911 Great Lakes cargo ship and maritime museum, offering a tangible connection to maritime history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Boats open for season
Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship
Best Time
Boats open for season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a 1911 Great Lakes cargo ship and maritime museum, offering a tangible connection to maritime history.
"A lovely bit of history docked on the Maumee River, offering an astounding look into the past."
Allocate Ample Time ⏳
Give yourself a good part of the afternoon to see all three attractions: the freighter, tug, and museum.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs on the ship.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship
Step aboard a 1911 cargo vessel and experience life on the Great Lakes. Explore its historic decks and imagine its working past.
Tugboat Ohio
Tour this powerful companion vessel, the Tug Ohio, and understand the vital role tugs played in Great Lakes shipping.
National Museum of the Great Lakes
Discover interactive exhibits, artifacts, and photos detailing the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Schoonmaker
Tickets & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Ample Time ⏳
Give yourself a good part of the afternoon to see all three attractions: the freighter, tug, and museum.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs on the ship.
Capture the History :camera_with_flash:
Bring your camera! Visitors have taken over 150 pictures on the freighter and tug.
Check for Special Events :calendar:
Look out for unique events like Freighter Golf or the Schoonmaker Open. 
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Ample Time ⏳
Give yourself a good part of the afternoon to see all three attractions: the freighter, tug, and museum.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs on the ship.
Capture the History :camera_with_flash:
Bring your camera! Visitors have taken over 150 pictures on the freighter and tug.
Check for Special Events :calendar:
Look out for unique events like Freighter Golf or the Schoonmaker Open.
Not Wheelchair Accessible :wheelchair:
Be aware that the historic boats are not accessible for wheelchairs or very young children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the National Museum of the Great Lakes for their historical significance and engaging exhibits. Many highlight the immersive experience of touring the freighter and tugboat, finding them great for kids and history enthusiasts alike. However, a recurring point of feedback is the lack of accessibility on the historic vessels, which can be a challenge for families with young children or individuals with mobility issues.
"This is truly a lovely bit of history docked on the Maumee River. The freighter, the tug, and the museum are all extremely interesting to tour, just be warned that the boats are not wheelchair accessible, due to historical accuracy."
Rebecca Bowman
"This was a very enjoyable tour of this freighter. Before Covid19 tours were given as group tours. Currently they are "self guided" but still a great time. Your admission includes a tour of the freighter, a tour of the tug "Ohio" and admission to the museum on site. All are great for kids!
I have visited the museum before. I had never visited the freighter or tug. I was delighted and took more that 150 pictures. The history behind these 2 vessels is astounding. There are placards that tell you about what you are viewing. I spent 2 hours on the freighter and tug, I did not have time for the museum. Give yourself the good part of the afternoon to do all 3."
Christina Younglove
"How have I lived in Toledo my entire life and not visited this museum until now? So interesting and well maintained . So thankful there are enough people who care about preserving history! The museum had many interactive displays, artifacts, and photos. Short informational video was well done. Staff was super fry. Overall a great place to spend a few hours! Added bonus, teachers are admitted free."
Susan Hanna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship is located at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point.
Yes, the National Museum of the Great Lakes provides parking for visitors. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season or special events, to secure a spot.
Typically, admission to the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship is included with your ticket to the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which also grants access to the Tug Ohio. It's best to check their official website for the most current ticketing information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission typically includes access to the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, the Tug Ohio, and the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Prices can vary, so check the official National Museum of the Great Lakes website for current rates and any potential discounts. Teachers are admitted free.
The Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the National Museum of the Great Lakes are generally open from May 1st through October. Operating hours can vary, so it's always best to consult their official website before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for special events like the Schoonmaker Open, to ensure your spot. For general admission, it can save you time upon arrival.
Yes, teachers are admitted free to the National Museum of the Great Lakes and its associated vessels. Check their website for information on potential discounts for seniors, military personnel, or group rates.
Unfortunately, due to historical accuracy, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Tug Ohio are not wheelchair accessible. Some areas may also be challenging for young children or the elderly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the decks of this historic 1911 cargo ship, learn about its past through informative placards, and imagine what life was like for sailors. The tour is self-guided and offers a deep dive into maritime history.
Visitors typically spend about 2 hours touring the freighter and the Tug Ohio combined. If you plan to visit the National Museum of the Great Lakes as well, allocate a good part of the afternoon.
Currently, tours are self-guided, but informative placards are placed throughout the ship to provide historical context and details about its operation.
The 'Texas Deck' refers to the observation room, designed to resemble a round room on Mississippi River steamers. This space was for passengers to relax and unwind.
The entire experience, including the freighter, tug, and museum, is great for kids. Special events like Freighter Golf offer fun, interactive experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The National Museum of the Great Lakes may offer limited concessions or have a cafe on-site. It's advisable to check their website for current dining options or plan to eat before or after your visit.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the museum or on the historic vessels to preserve their condition. Please check the museum's specific policies.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged! Many visitors capture stunning images of the ship's interior and exterior. One visitor took over 150 pictures.
The observation room ('Texas Deck') offers unique architectural shots.
While general photography is permitted, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's crucial to note that the historic vessels are not wheelchair accessible and can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues due to stairs and narrow passages.
📚 History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to explore the Tug Ohio as well, which offers a complementary perspective on Great Lakes shipping operations. The National Museum of the Great Lakes is a treasure trove of artifacts, photographs, and stories that will satisfy even the most dedicated history enthusiast.
📸 Photographers
Beyond the ship itself, the Tug Ohio and the museum's exhibits provide diverse subjects. Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for dramatic lighting on the ship docked by the river. Remember to be respectful of the historical nature of the site and other visitors while you're snapping photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legend of the Great Lakes: The Schoonmaker
Today, permanently berthed at the National Museum of the Great Lakes, the Schoonmaker offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to step back in time. Touring her decks provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing you to imagine the daily lives of the crew who lived and worked aboard. The self-guided tours, enhanced by informative placards, detail the ship's operational history and the challenges of maritime life on the inland seas.
While the ship itself is a star attraction, it's important to remember that its historical integrity means certain areas are not accessible to everyone. The National Museum of the Great Lakes complements the ship experience by providing broader context about the region's maritime heritage, making for a comprehensive visit.
Experiencing Maritime History: Beyond the Schoonmaker
The National Museum of the Great Lakes serves as the anchor for these historic vessels, offering a wealth of information that enriches the onboard experience. The museum features interactive displays, a short informational video, and a vast collection of artifacts and photographs that chronicle the region's deep connection to the water. It’s a place where you can learn about everything from shipbuilding and navigation to the human stories behind the Great Lakes' maritime endeavors.
For those seeking unique activities, the museum has hosted events like Freighter Golf, a fun, themed mini-golf experience on the Schoonmaker, with holes inspired by Great Lakes landmarks.
These special events, alongside the core historical exhibits, make the National Museum of the Great Lakes and its ships a dynamic destination for all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit