National Museum of the Great Lakes

A wonderful museum telling the history of the Great Lakes and shipping over the ages is located in Toledo Ohio. 

Wonderful exhibits tell the stories of ships (called "boats" when on the the Great Lakes), ship wrecks, technology, communication and economies of the cities and lakes.

Also on display is a Great Lakes ore carrier which allows you to explore the entire boat on a self guided tour.

Well done displays educate about all aspects of the Great Lakes

Models of the history of ships on the lakes are on display

Lighthouses are covered as well as light ships that were permanently anchored and served as marker beacons

Entrance to the ore carrier

This nearly 100 year old ship just came out of a well done complete exterior restoration

Typical example of the cargo holds

Galley

Great view from the stern

This was a trend setting example of style of the period

The pilot house used all of the latest technologies as they became available over the decades