great lakes shipwreck museum

lisahN4408HD

The artifacts and exhibits here are a must-see for anyone with interest in shipwrecks and Great Lakes history. I have been to this museum twice. It is worth the drive, and the view of Lake Superior makes it even better. Walk out away from the museum to the sand.....tons of lake-polished stones, sand, and driftwood. Take your camera! If you are lucky, you will catch a huge freighter sailing by (this has happened on both of my visits). A wolf also crossed the road on our way back....you never know what you will see!

Tubakiwi286

It's worth the brief visit and is somewhat pricey, but it was very interesting to get a look at the history of the Great Lakes' shipwrecks and maritime artifacts. I personally think little kids wouldn't be so interested; it's better for the teens. Be sure to stop by if you're in Paradise.

Eboyatt

I liked it a lot, but I love history. Takes about 15 - 20 minutes to walk thru. Not the best for real little ones (under 5).

Terri4824

The Museum is many buildings of high interest exhibits. Make sure you chat with the employees in each building because they have great stories to tell. The light is worth the climb (not that any are not). Many photo opportunities. I loved this place.

LisaJ656

This museum is small, but especially well-designed and presented. Each shipwreck is presented with a description of its story, a map, and artifacts. There are benches throughout made from wood salvaged from various wrecks. The final exhibit is for the Edmund Fitzgerald, including the ship's bell. Very moving. The docents are very nice and extremely knowledgeable. This is a definite must-see for anyone who is interested in naval history and/or shipwrecks. In a separate building, you may see a short film about the Edmund Fitzgerald, which is very interesting. There are other buildings as well, the lighthouse and the Coast Guard rescue boat exhibit. And a nice gift shop, of course, with clean bathrooms. If it is a nice day, there are benches overlooking the lake, if you like to watch the big ships. Well worth the trip, and the reasonable ticket price.

dyna47

Absolutely loved nearly everything about this attraction. The guides were helpful and friendly, the exhibits were very interesting and well laid out, etc. Of course the 2 highpoints were going up in the lighthouse as well as seeing all of the Fitzgerald artifacts. Reading the sailors names and watching the video while hearing Lightfoots song play in the background can be a bit overwhelming though.

Sincopare

Think twice about getting out of the car in July! Incredible onslaught of biting black flies this time of year. I figured out why the admission price is so high at this place, and it's because it's a tourist trap - you'll pay anything to get away from the biting black flies and mosquitos! We were driving across the upper pennisula and thought we would stop in and see this place. Had an 8 year old with us.Instead of going in, we swatted flies and skipped stones on Lake Superior on the other side of the parking lot and high-tailed it out of there.So to be fair, we didn't go in, and I'm giving it an average score.

BrinksLawFirm

You need to hear the story about the car and one of the "people" who was left sitting the backseat! Well worth the drive, and especially nice drive on a fall day. Give yourself about 1-2 hours. Play the Gordon LIghtfoot song on the drive from Paradise to the museum to get yourself in the mood. Well worth the money - AAA and other discounts, be sure to ask.

motownguyRosevilleMi

A lot of reading describing the shipwrecks was good, should allow for time. The Lighthouse was interesting also.

Linda010659

If you are in this area, then visit this museum. It is several buildings that you go to (not under one roof). It was informative. It isn't right in Paradise so plan accordingly. It is 12 miles pass Paradise. Also, there are not many places to eat at after your visit so again, plan accordingly.

CarlOjai

This museum is a little out of the way but is certainly worth the drive. Actually it is about 12 miles North of the town of Paradise. The actual museum is small and can be explored in about an hour although you can also tour the Life Saving Surfboat House and the light keepers residence. You can also get beach access from the museum grounds.As you will find out Whitefish Point is the area of many Great Lakes Shipping disasters. The museum gives a great description of several of the more well known disasters including that of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Most of the exhibits are excellent.The Whitefish Point Light Station is located at this site and is the oldest working lighthouse on Lake Superior. Tours usually available were not the day we visited but the lighthouse looks very interesting.The Coast Guard still maintains facilities on the site that were once used to house its members. It is not open to tour but you can rent a room there if you want the ultimate experience of what it might have been like to be a light tender in this remote spot.Restrooms are available and are extremely clean. They also house some vending machines for snacks.

948margrits

Expected more for the $14:00 admission price(we had AAA discount)the museum exhibits about the shipwrecks very interesting . Some of the out buildings were under construction.

Rodan46

Very nice displays and restored buildings. Some interesting interpretive talks both on the history of the light and the Lifesaving Service. We inquired about the fog horn and the lady at the admission desk asked them to blow it for us. Nice replica of a lifeboat and information about breeches buoy used for rescue.

sharonjxn2

Very informative exhibits regarding the history of shipping accidents in the Great Lakes. The Edmond Fitzgerald exhibit is a big attraction. While Gordon Lightfoot's song about the tragedy plays quietly in the background, the soft lighting and museum pieces give a sense of solemnity to the memory of all those who have lost their lives. Very moving. The beach is beautiful and an easy walk from the parking lot. There is a lot of driftwood and different rock specimens on the beach. The light house and fog horn sounding add to the atmosphere. The Light Keepers' residence is beautiful.

656daver

Excellent display and stories of some of the many ships that went down along this treacherous coastline along Lake Superior. Plus, they have the ships bell from the Edmond Fitzgerald.