Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center

An old ship wheel

Experience the rich history of the Great Lakes by exploring the exhibits at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Feel the power of a Lake Huron storm while you walk the deck of a life-size schooner or "swim" over a shipwreck in the dive tubes! With over 10,000 square feet of exhibit space there is something for everyone, including families, tour groups, and students. The visitor center, open all year, is located in historic downtown Alpena along the Thunder Bay River. Admission is free of charge. Glass-bottom boat tours ticketing inside visitor center.

a blue and whit NOAA building

Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
500 W. Fletcher Street
Alpena, Michigan 49707
(989) 884-6200

Hours

Summer (Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to second Sunday in October):
Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Extended hours until 7 p.m. in July and August

Winter (second Monday in October until Friday before Memorial Day):
Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

Note: The visitor center is occasionally closed for special events and facility rentals. To check the schedule in advance of your visit, contact (989) 884-6200 or thunderbay@noaa.gov.