Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is a maritime museum at Whitefish Point Light Station that displays recovered wreck components, scale models, and exhibits documenting vessels that operated on Lake Superior. The site includes the main museum building along with restored structures such as keeper's quarters, a rescue boat station, and a motorboat house, all accessible within the same ticket.

The lighthouse station was established in 1861 as a crucial navigation aid for ships crossing Lake Superior's treacherous waters. Over time, the location became a center for rescue operations and eventually a repository for documenting the maritime history of the region.

The museum preserves the bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald steamer, an object that carries deep meaning for those connected to Great Lakes history. Visitors encounter stories of rescue efforts and human resilience that shaped how people understand maritime danger in this region.

The site is generally open from May through October, and clear weather makes exploring the grounds and buildings most enjoyable. Wear sturdy shoes, as reaching the lighthouse and navigating between the various structures requires walking on outdoor terrain.

The location sits near approximately 200 wrecks scattered across Lake Superior's lakebed, marking this region as one of the most hazardous waters for ship navigation. The artifacts on display come from these underwater sites and reveal what the harsh lake environment has preserved over time.