87 Lake Superior Museums
The museums around the Lake Superior Circle Tour help to paint a movie of how the communities came to be and the meaning that Lake Superior had on them. From logging, fish and mining to Native Americans and settlers, each community tells has its own narrative to tell. Learning the history of the fantastic places we visit helps us to appreciate them that much more. here are the museums of Lake Superior that you can add to your Circle Tour plans .
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Museum Ship Valley Camp
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Explore the home of the 550 metrical foot ( 170m ) long Valley Camp Great Lakes Freighter. This singular Maritime Museum has over 100 exhibits inside its 20,000 square foot cargo bear. Some items exhibited are diachronic artifacts, paintings, recovered shipwreck items, and two lifeboats from the SS Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck .
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River of History Museum
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
The museum chronologically follows the history of the St. Mary ’ s River and Sault Ste Marie for 8,000 years, from the frigid period to the introduce day. From the rich history of the Anishinaabe Native Americans to french settlers, fur deal, lumbering and fishing, you will learn all about it at this concern museum .
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Tower of History
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
The lower floor of this 210 foot ( 64 thousand ) tall tower showcases diachronic exhibits about native american and regional history. There are information panels throughout the entire loom with an carry elevator that takes visitors to observation decks that offer views of the city, Soo Locks, the St. Mary ’ s River, Lake Superior and the twin city in Ontario Canada across the river .
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Wheels of History Train Museum
Brimley, MI
Climb aboard this 1905 wooden railroad passenger car and caboose and learn the history of the Brimley area. See intrigue historic exhibits and artifacts from the railroad, telephones, logging, fishing, Great Lake ships and local kin histories .
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Point Iroquois Lighthouse
Brimley, MI
This historic lighthouse offers visitors a museum, giftshop, and hosts respective educational programs. Take a self guided tour and climb the 72 steps up the light tugboat and take a amble down the boardwalk to the Lake Superior shoreline and watch ships go by to and from Soo Locks .
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Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
Paradise, MI
The museum’s building complex includes the museum build, the 155-year operating Whitefish Point Light Tower, lightkeepers quarters, the Surfboat House and gift shop. Take a self guided go of the Museum build and exhibits of the haunt populace of shipwrecks and the stories of the sailors and ships that were lost to Superior ’ s dangerous waves .
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Tahquamenon Logging Museum
Newberry, MI
Take a tour of the museum and see artifacts and a chute presentation of early logging in Michigan. The museum facilities include a cook hovel, master class harp, a music pavilion, field day area, nature chase, boardwalk and endow shop class. They offer a “ Lumberjack Breakfast ” in the Cook Shack that includes bacon, eggs, blimp, pancakes and fried potatoes cooked on the honest-to-god wood stave .
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Pickle Barrel
Grand Marais, MI
Resembling two barrels, this far-out museum was originally built in 1926 as a summer home for William Donahey, the cartoonist of the Chicago Tribune ’ s “ Teenie Weenie ” cartoon clean. The larger barrel is 16 feet improbable ( 4.9m ) and had two stories. The department of the interior contains a 1920s era animation area, pantry, kitchen and bedroom .
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Gitche Gumee: Agate and History Museum
Grand Marais, MI
This is the ideal museum for any rockhound and history buff. Learn about the geology and minerals found in the region, including the a lot sought Lake Superior Agate, and local history. The endowment shop includes singular endow items, mineral art, jewelry, agates and mineral specimens .
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Light Keeper’s House Museum
Grand Marais, MI
This museum is situated on the land of Lake Superior along with the Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge, Inner Lighthouse. As you enter the museum you are swept back in time to the days of when this Lightkeepers home began operating at the plow of the hundred .
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Alger County Heritage Center
Munising, MI
This museum is found within a former elementary school. The museum offers a glimpse into Alger County ’ s history. here you will find exhibits featuring historic Grand Island, Munising Woodenware Company, barn construct, homemaking, sauna and so much more .
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Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center
Munising, MI
Take a self guided enlistment and immerse yourself in the local history. Watch a narrate thirteen-minute video detailing the local fishing and log diligence, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This is a great place to begin your visit to the area and Pictured Rocks with a great give patronize to bring a slice of Munising home with you .
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Lakenenland Sculpture Park
Marquette, MI
This is a unique and far-out outdoor sculpture gallery/museum that you can walk or even campaign though. There are over 80 incredible sculptures constructed by artist Tom Lakenen, of recycle iron welded into massive works of art. This is a fun place to explore with a pond, covered tax shelter with a fireplace, and belittled resort area .
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Marquette Maritime Museum
Marquette, MI
This museum is future to the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse and visitors will have the opportunity to explore both the museum and beacon and learn about nautical history. The museum includes a display of nineteenth century Fresnel lenses and assorted artifacts and exhibits on the Edmund Fitzgerald, ore freighters, World War 2, and the history of Lake Superior ship .
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Michigan Iron Industry Museum
Negaunee, MI
This museum is situated overlooking the Carp River Forge site, where iron was foremost forged in the Lake Superior region in 1848 to 1855. The museum teaches visitors about the iron industry and its impact on the surrounding communities. It includes hands-on exhibits, audiovisual programs a well as outdoor interpretative paths, and serves as the focal base for the 47-mile ( 76km ) Iron Ore Heritage Trail .
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Negaunee Historical Society Museum
Negaunee, MI
This museum features three floors of exhibits and artifacts displaying the town ’ s cast-iron mine inheritance. The nineteenth century décor will enable you to truly experience the history. You will besides find military, school, railway and city band displays, antique dental equipment, native american english artifacts, and a Dominic Jacobetti display .
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Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum
Ishpeming, MI
This museum is a former iron mine and offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the mine era through artifacts, displays, exhibits and mining equipment. You can besides visit the Ishpeming Rock and Mineral room where you can view over 500 minerals. There are even guided tour that will take you through mine tunnels to walk in the footsteps of the miners .
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Da Yoopers Tourist Trap
Ishpeming, MI
Outside this endowment shop class you will find many invention displays. Some include, “ Gravel Gertie ” is the largest mechanize tricycle possibly in the world. “ boastful Gus ” is the populace ’ randomness largest working chain saw measuring an astonishing 22 feet, 11 inches farseeing, and “ Big Ernie ” is the world ’ south largest working plunder measuring 35 feet farseeing. Big Ernie is in the Guinness Book of World Records ! Among many early over-sized, advanced and strange displays. The collection is always growing so you never know what kind of unusual invention you will see displayed when you visit .
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Michigamme Museum
Michigamme, MI
This museum has a collection of over 125 years of artifacts and antiques. Some exhibits at the museum include mining and log, a log house, an “ Anatomy of a Murder ” display, and a 1900 american LaFrance Steam Fire Engine. Guided tours are available by appointment .
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Hanka Homestead Finnish Museum
Baraga, MI
This museum consists of multiple logarithm structures of the Hanka Homestead. These structures include, the family family, blacksmith shop, sauna, milk house, settle cellar, granary, garage, horse barn, chicken cage, cow barn, hay barn, outhouse, machine shed, woodshed and caretaker ’ sulfur cabin. Explore and experience what it may have been like at a 1920s era farm at this open space, open door museum .
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Chassell Heritage Center
Chassell, MI
originally the building was the Chassell Elementary School built in 1917 and used as a school for 75 years. today it is home to the Chassell Heritage Center and houses the townships history and artifacts. Discover the history of the french Canadian and Finnish early settlers, the town ’ randomness timeline through history, adenine well as an entire room dedicated to vintage manner and accessories from the Friends of Fashion Vintage Clothing Collection .
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Copper Range Historical Museum
South Range, MI
This museum was in the first place the South Range State Bank build up and was built in 1900. The museum exhibits and preserves historic items conducive to the copper mining industry, logging, farming, and businesses in and around South Range .
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A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum
Houghton, MI
This museum is located at the Michigan Technological University campus. The museum features the largest public expose and solicitation of minerals from the Great Lakes area and from all over the world. Visitors will learn about minerals through information panels and displays. It is internationally recognized and sees thousands of visitors every year. The museum consists of the chief museum building, Phyllis and John Seaman Garden, Copper Pavilion, and the Mineral Preparation Annex .
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Carnegie Museum
Houghton, MI
This build was originally built in 1909 and served as a public library until 2006. today it houses the Carnegie Museum that shows changing exhibits about the cultural and natural history of the Keweenaw. It is open year-round and to see information about the current exhibits and programs, visit their web site .
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Quincy Mine
Hancock, MI
The Quincy Mine mined copper and was founded in 1846 and operated until 1945. At the clock, the Quincy total 2 shaft was the global ’ second longest shaft at 1.75 miles ( 2.8 km ) long. In the years that it operated this mine produced 424,000 tons of native bull. The mine is now a popular tourist attraction of the Keweenaw National Historical Park. The Quincy Mine Hoist Association now owns and operates this decommission mine as a preserved museum where visitors can come and learn about the rich inheritance and importance that mining had. They offer steer tours where visitors can visit the Number 2 Shaft House and museum, see the Nordberg Steam Hoist, the earth ’ randomness largest steam powered hoist and even take a ride on a cog tramway car to the mine ’ second capture and then ride a police van seven levels metro into the mine .
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Houghton County Historical Museum
Lake Linden, MI
This was once the web site of the biggest copper mining operation in North America. Today stands a museum that commemorates the significance that the mine industry had to the area. Along with the museum, this historic complex besides includes the Lake Linden & Torch Railroad, a school, a WPA earned run average log cabin and a genealogic research facility. The museum itself has three floors that exhibit the local mining, logging and cultural history. Train rides on the steam locomotive are available on weekends during the season .
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Laurium Manor Mansion
Laurium, MI
This lavish 45 board mansion was built in 1908 for Thomas and Cornelia Hoatson, the owner of Calumet & Arizona Mining Co. The manor was restored in 1989 to a historic sign of the zodiac hotel and has been welcoming guests ever since. The sign of the zodiac includes extravagant details throughout the 13,00 sq. ft. and four floors. A music living room with a silver medal leaf covered domed ceiling, Stained glass windows, gilded tile fireplaces, hand painted landscape mural, ballroom, 10 node rooms and two-story carriage family are just the begin of the luxury you will experience here .
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Calumet Visitor Center
Calumet, MI
This Visitor Center is located within the Keweenaw National Historical Park . Learn about the Park, town and the Keweenaw Peninsula through literature, displays and knowledgeable and the friendly park rangers of the Park. Discover what like was like 100 years ago during the copper boom. There are three floors of interactional exhibits, museum objects, films and activities. The visitor kernel provides a staff information desk and sales exit for the Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association .
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Gay Schoolhouse Museum
Gay, MI
This museum is in a school that was built in 1927 and closed in 1961. The school served children of families working at the copper mines up until their closure in 1932. The school has taken on across-the-board repair and restoration before becoming a museum. The first shock of the school contains a restore classroom adenine well as a horse tie buggy, a sled and a 1908 Jewell, one of the first horseless carriages in the Keweenaw. The museum tells a narrative and exhibits the impact of cooper mine on the town arsenic well as commercial lumber and fishing in the area .
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Astor House Museum
copper Harbor, MI
This museum is a separate of the Minnetonka Resort. The Resort includes logarithm cabin cottages, endowment and antique shop and of course, the Astor House Historical Museum. There you will find singular artifacts and relics of the earliest settlers, copper mine, antique dolls, salvaged shipwreck items, railway and civil war memorabilia and so much more !
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Rathbone School and Museum
Eagle Harbor, MI
This school was built in 1853 and served the community until 1872. During that time the school overcome, Justus H Rathbone, conceived of the idea for the ritual that became the order of the Knights Pythias, a unavowed fraternal society. This school turned museum is now set up as a one board period school and include exhibits and regalia commemorating the Knights of Pythias. Its historic meaning was recognized and added to the National Register of Historic Places .
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Eagle Harbor Lighthouse Complex
Eagle Harbor, MI
This complex consists of the Keweenaw History Museum, the Commercial Fishing Museum, the Maritime Museum and of course, the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. The Keweenaw History Museum contains displays that expose mining, shipping, tourism and early animation of the Keweenaw through photograph and artifacts that trace back to the 6,000 year old history of mine. There are details of the shipwreck of the S.S. Bangor in 1926 and its load of Chrysler automobiles. The commercial Fishing Museum exhibits many displays of commercial fishing and activities in the Keweenaw and of the many generations of families the fished here. The Maritime museum is located inside of the honest-to-god Fog Signal Building. It contains displays that look at the function of shipping on Lake Superior, models of ships, photograph, navigation displays, maritime equipment, an operational marine radio and so much more .
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Eagle River Museum
Eagle River, MI
This museum focuses on four major themes, the Cliff Mine, the township of Eagle River, the town and mine of Phoenix and the entertainment area known as Crestview that is found between to two towns. Cliff Mine was one of the first base mines that used Eagle River as their transportation port for copper and supplies its character is one of the major exhibits at the museum. In 1909, The Keweenaw Central Railroad built a pavilion and refreshment between Eagle River and Phoenix called Crestview Casino. Though it was called a casino, according to brochures published by the railroad, gambling and alcoholic beverages were not allowed there. This museum exhibits the rich history of mine in the Keweenaw .
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Bammert Blacksmith Shop Museum
Phoenix, MI
This museum exhibits blacksmith workshop equipment as they were at the end of the nineteenth hundred. It acts as a protection to what is immediately a dying art though blacksmith shops at the meter kept communities and mines running. The Bammerts were founder and son blacksmiths that served the entire Keweenaw County .
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Ontonagon Historical Museum
Ontonagon, MI
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the oldest permanent wave settlement on the south land of Lake Superior with a visit to the Ontonagon County Historical Museum in the distinctively purple build. Examine pre-columbian bull and stone implements, a replica of the Founder ’ second Cabin, bull mine tools and displays highlighting mine in the 19th and twentieth centuries. Marvel at the congregation model of the Ontonagon Copper Boulder, the 3708-pound mass of float bull now in the Smithsonian Institution. The boulder drew mine companies and investors to the area and began the bull “ rush ” that predated the California amber rush. Enjoy exhibits that illustrate the historical log and fish industries. Explore displays of medical tools, melodious instruments, and a server of early items that illustrate the history of the village and county. The museum is part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park .
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Old Victoria
Rockland, MI
Old Victoria is four log cabins crafted over a hundred years ago and inhabited by copper miners and their families. The homes were restored and filled with period specific furnishings, photos and memorabilia giving visitors a true glance into the past. Guided and self guided tours are available .
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Ironwood Historic Depot Museum
Ironwood, MI
The Ironwood Historic Depot Museum is located in Ironwood Michigan. This red brick train terminal was constructed for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad track in 1893 to accommodate the smash iron mining diligence. The vilify service ended in 1970 and today the terminal is utilized as a museum that showcases the history of the mine industry and early animation in a mine town. In 1986 the C & NW Railway Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places .
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Wakefield Historical Museum
Wakefield, MI
The Wakefield Historical Society preserves, protects, and displays artifacts of local diachronic interest and besides operates Wakefield Historical Society Museum. The museum ’ second collections include artifacts of local interest dating from 1884 with a strong focus on the local mining and lumber industries. Attractions include a classroom display, general store, doctor ’ second agency and a mining room .
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Iron County Historical Museum
Hurley, WI
The museum itself was built in 1893 and in the first place served as the township hall. There are three floors full moon of historical displays of iron mine to railroads, lumbering to military, home-life to religion. A waver room shows ancient methods and looms that produce rag rugs. The museums clocktower has the clockworks for the four clocks that were set in motion in 1893. These clocks are still in operation and chime on the hour .
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Ashland Historical Museum
Ashland, WI
This museum has many collections of diachronic artifacts and items from the Ashland sphere, the Soo Line ore dock, Northland College and Lake Superior. Some exhibits include early nineteenth hundred fashion, a lakeside show, native american inheritance, male child scouts, tavern items, military memorabilia, sports, the Edmund Fitzgerald and much more ! You can besides find the Self-Guided Mural Walk Tour Guide at the museum .
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Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Ashland, WI
This Visitor Center combines elements of history, lifelike resources and visitor information under one roof. Stop to stretch your legs and get some local tourist information and quell and enjoy exhibits, murals, giving shop, or stroll down the interpretative boardwalk trail. The show dormitory consists of exhibitions showcasing everything from the Ice Age to the present. The second-floor gallery houses art from numerous regional artists .
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Bayfield Maritime Museum
Bayfield, WI
This museum exhibits artifact that portrays the nautical history of Bayfield and the Apostle Islands. There are several displays and educational panels ampere well as synergistic exhibits and artifacts. You can even climb inside a couple of the boats on display, sailing knot exercise, and sea lamprey tank .
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Bayfield Heritage Association Museum
Bayfield, WI
Bayfield Heritage Association Museum is located in Bayfield in Wisconsin ’ s Bayfield County. Venture back in time and learn about the people, industries, events and places that define the Bayfield, Wisconsin and Apostle Islands region through a variety of exhibits and historic landmarks including the Bayfield Model Railroad and newly-restored Old Bayfield City Jail. Learn from area historians about a range of interesting topics like shipwrecks, beacon keepers, and native american english history through their free educational programs .
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Madeline Island Museum
Madeline Island, WI
The museum houses changing exhibits showcasing the history of the region and the island. From fur trade to native american acculturation and the journey of the island becoming the tourism finish it is today. A 70-seat auditorium frequently has historical and concern presentations or holds especial events. There are steer tours given every hour or you can explore on your own. The museum consists of two buildings, the original museum and the Casper Center .
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Cornucopia Green Shed Museum
Cornucopia, WI
This museum is nestled on the shore of the harbor of Siskiwit Bay and Cornucopia Beach. The building was primitively the harbor fish theater and now holds centuries of fishing industry history from this Lake Superior waterfront community .
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Oulu Heritage Center
Iron River, WI
Take a guide tour of this Heritage Center that includes, the original Palo homestead buildings, the log home Pudas House, the former Northern Co-op memory, the school, and an authentic finnish sauna. Learn about the town ’ sulfur full-bodied finnish immigrant history through exhibits, archives, events, pioneer skill demonstrations and a intimate guide .
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Davidson Windmill and Eskolin Log House
South Range, WI
This historic windmill was built in 1900 and operated milling locally grow grains until 1926. The windmill was able to grind 300 pounds of grain every hour. The Eskolin House is a dovetail corner log cabin and was built in the early 1900 ’ s. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Tours can be scheduled by appointment and can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your interest in history and the inner workings of windmills .
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Old Firehouse & Police Museum
Superior, WI
The Old Firehouse was built in 1898 and at the time utilized five horse drawn arouse carriage. Visitors today can tour the build and see historic burn rigs on the main floor such as a nineteenth century horse draw buggy, a 1906 Ahrens Stem Pumper, a 1919 LaFrance Ladder Truck and a 1944 L Model Mack with a Hale pump. The second shock shows the progress in fireman equipment over time ampere well as a “ Hall of Fame ” of Wisconsin Police and Fire Departments .
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Fairlawn Mansion & Museum
Superior, WI
This Queen Ann Victorian mansion was built in 1891 for the affluent log and mine baron, Martin Pattison and his family. It is four stories and has forty-two rooms that looks over Superior Bay with lavish and stunning flower gardens throughout the far-flung lawn. The mansion has been restored and is furnished much like how it was when the Pattison ’ s lived there. The one-third floor is evocative of when the sign of the zodiac served as a Children ’ s Home from 1920 to 1962 .
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S.S. Meteor Maritime Museum
Superior, WI
This museum is inside of the 1896 “ whaleback ” designed freighter ship, S. S. Meteor. It is the last ship remaining in universe of the whaleback bottom that was designed by Captain Alexander McDougall. It was finally down berthed in 1972 where it rests today. The ship is an impressive 380 feet ( 120m ) retentive and 26 feet ( 7.9m ) deep. Visitors are able to tour the ship and see exhibits featuring Great Lakes shipwrecks and ship build. A discounted museum happen is available which gets you in here and at the nearby Fairlawn Mansion .
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Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center
Superior, WI
This Historical Center is dedicated to the memory of Major Richard I. Bong and all the veterans that have served. major Bong was an ace fender during WWII who piloted through more than 200 missions and had taken down 40 enemy planes which is more than any pilot before or since. The Center houses war relics, military vehicles, and aircrafts including a repair P-38 Lightning plane. Explore an interactional enlistment of the P-38 cockpit from your mobile device and experience a 360-degree position of the aircraft. There is a veteran rate and active military are free .
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A World of Accordions
Superior, WI
Inside Harrington Arts Center you will find the world ’ mho largest and most comprehensive examination solicitation with over 1300 instruments displayed. Learn about the development through the chronological history of the accordion family of instruments. The Arts Center besides offers a concert space, an instrument repair school and a endowment shop .
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Duluth Children’s Museum
Duluth, MN
This museum if perfect for families with small children to enjoy. The interactional exhibits and creative toy if both engaging and enlightening. The performance stage is where children can dress up and put on a testify. The Ore Boat is a dally place where you can climb the aerial lift bridge and slide onto the ore boat and explore. Learn about the sacred baseless rice reap through Ojibwe language. The STEM Stations allow for the exploration of physics with ramps, balls and magnets. Climb into a replica of the Cirrus Airplane with a dashboard to track your course and imagine taking flight .
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Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center
Duluth, MN
This Visitor Center and Maritime Museum is located in Duluth ’ s historic Canal Park and showcases the Great Lakes ’ history and the meaning of the transport diligence though intrigue displays. Situated at the foundation of Duluth ’ second famed Aerial Lift Bridge, it is an ideal view spot to watch ships coming and going under the bridge and out to Lake Superior .
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The Historic Union Depot
Duluth, MN
The Depot has eight organizations under one roof with three of them exhibiting collections of artifacts and artwork, The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, The St. Louis County Historical Society, and The Duluth Art Institute. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum features a collection of dragoon equipment with interactional exhibits and showcases the history of the Duluth area. The Northshore Scenic Railroad begins here utilizing the museums historic rail equipment. The St. Louis County Historical Society exhibits historical memorabilia such as their permanent wave exhibits ; “ The Immigrant Waiting Room ”, the J.C. Forest History Room, Generations of Service, Lake Superior Ojibwe Gallery, and Iron mining precisely to name a few. The Duluth Art Institute has exhibition ocular art galleries and offers department of education, fiber studio and darkroom .
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Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
Duluth, MN
This museum is housed in the former St James Chapel that was built in 1912. It is one of seventeen museums in the nation that has a collection of more than a million manuscripts and historical documents. The documents are rotated between the museums throughout the year and assorted displays can be viewed anytime you may visit. One such exhibit was the Bob Dylan parade that displayed handwritten lyrics, signed photos and letters from the Duluth bear musician .
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Tweed Museum of Art
Duluth, MN
This museum is on the University of Minnesota campus. The museum of artwork has an elegantly displayed permanent collection of over 10,000 representing many cultures and periods of art history. Some of the artists you will encounter hera are Thomas Benton, Anna Hyatt Huntington, Charles Biederman, Helen Turner, and Arnold Friberg equitable to name a few. Along with the massive permanent collection, there are student art displays that truly showcase their talent and position .
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Glensheen Historical Estate
Duluth, MN
This estate is an huge 20,000 squarely foot, 39 room mansion on 12 acres on land that looks over Lake Superior. It was built in 1908 for the affluent Congdon class. Chester Congdon was a lawyer, capitalist and philanthropist and was a big figure in the growth of mining in the area. The estate of the realm started operating as a museum in 1979 when it was donated to the University of Minnesota. It remains virtually intact as it was when the Congdon family lived there. There are unlike go packages that allow you entree to assorted parts of the sign of the zodiac and are either self guided or led by an incredibly knowing guidebook .
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Tom’s Logging Camp
Duluth, MN
Tom’s Logging Camp offers an authentic extra of a typical northern Minnesota Logging Camp, with all the build and articles, original tools and equipment from that era. There is an old log camp, horse barn, blacksmith shop, horseshoe shop, horseshoeing carrel, bunkhouse, cook hovel and finnish sauna. The camp besides includes the Old Northwest Company Trading Post. The trading post is an attraction in itself, with animal mountings and a variety of other antiques on display. deoxyadenosine monophosphate well as an incredible solicitation of moccasins, pottery, dolls, handicraft from the Chippewa Tribe, greenish blue jewelry, cedar trade, wild rice, native jams and syrups and so much more available for leverage .
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3M Birthplace Museum
Two Harbors, MN
What began as the Minnesota mining and manufacture venture turned into the multinational corporation of 3M. This museum showcases the innovations of the party that began in this very build when it was the law office where the 3M partners signed incorporation papers. The museum provides a spirit into the beginnings of the party through the diverse products and innovations over the years, including scotch tape, emery paper, and reflective materials merely to name a few .
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Duluth and Iron Range Depot Museum
Two Harbors, MN
This museum is a two-story brick building that was built in 1907 as the headquarter for the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad. Today the build houses the Depot Museum with exhibits on the diachronic importance of industry in Lake County such as iron mining, the dragoon, lumber, and commercial fish. Outside the building are two historic locomotives where you besides have a capital view of the harbor. The build was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 .
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Two Harbors Lighthouse
Two Harbors, MN
Built in 1892, this lighthouse is the oldest one still in continuous operation in Minnesota. The 49.6 foot ( 15m ) grandiloquent red brick tower is loose to the public for self guided tours with entrance fee during operating hours. The Assistant Keeper ’ mho house, Pilot house and Fog bespeak build are besides open and houses historical exhibits. The light Keepers harp is open year-round and operates as a bed and breakfast. An ample park draw is available and access to the Breakwater Lighthouse .
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Split Rock Lighthouse
Two Harbors, MN
The beacon was first light up in 1910 inside the 54 foot ( 16m ) improbable loom atop a gallant 130 foot ( 40m ) sheer cliff over Lake Superior. You are able explore lighthouse on your own or take a guide tour led by guides in menstruation invest. Immerse yourself in the history with the exhibits, presentations, lightkeepers ’ home and outbuildings. Climb the 32-step spiral stairway to the lantern board that silent has the original turn lens and witness the highest view in the Park. Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most photographed on the Circle Tour. You may have seen many photos, though there is nothing like experiencing it for yourself .
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Cross River Heritage Center
Schroeder, MN
This heritage center is within a Tudor build up built in 1929 and was primitively the Stickney Inn and Store. The former hostel is silent memorialized with a room that was restored to reflect a board in the hostel during the 1930s. There is besides the original gem fireplace and hardwood deck. The center hosts three floors of diachronic exhibits, an artwork gallery, endowment shop class, and travel information. Learn about the local heritage, art and culture .
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North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum
Tofte, MN
know the cultural landscape and the maritime direction of life of the North Shore commercial fisherman and their families through master exhibits at this museum. Learn about fishing techniques that were used, different fish species, and the sometimes punic conditions of Lake Superior for fishermen .
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Cook County Historical Museum
Grand Marais, MN
This museum is inside the early lightkeepers ’ home that was built in 1896. It is a modest museum the features changing exhibits. Learn about the local anesthetic history, see exhibits about the military, music and artwork, maritime history and then much more .
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Grand Portage National Monument
Grand Portage, MN
The park was in the first place established as of January 27, 1966 and is known for playing a huge role in the fur trade between a partnership with Grand Portage Ojibwe and the North West Company. Grand Portage National Monument features historical gardens, a expect into their history through photos and archaeological research. Some of the chief things to do in the park include visiting the inheritance center, see the historic storehouse, become a Grand Portage junior texas ranger, picnic, hike, and visit some stunning waterfalls of the Pigeon River .
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Founders’ Museum & Pioneer Village
Thunder Bay, ON
experience the history as you explore this Northwestern Ontario Pioneer Village with twelve diachronic buildings set up with period furnishings and age-old items. Visit the General Store, one board school, church, homes, blacksmith, newspaper office, old-timer cars and farmer equipment and so much more !
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Thunder Bay Museum
Thunder Bay, ON
This museum is housed in what was once the three-story Fort William Police Station and Courthouse built in 1910. The beginning and third gear floor houses the permanent beautifully displayed exhibits that showcase the 10,000 years of rich inheritance of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. The second-floor features local exhibits, traveling exhibits from other museums and the nonmigratory dinosaur Albert the Albertosaurus .
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Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre
Thunder Bay, ON
Learn about the region ’ s aviation history through photos, memorabilia, stories and exhibits. Explore the history of WWII airplane production at Canada Car & Foundry when they were contracted by the Royal Air Force to produce the Hawker Hurricane in Fort William. Learn about the history of pubic hair planes in the region and commercial airlines and all that is aircraft related. This museum is the ideal invest for the history and aviation fancier !
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Alexander Henry Museum Ship
Thunder Bay, ON
The ship first launched in 1958 and served until 1985. It was named in honor of Alexander Henry, a fur trader who led expeditions to the Thunder Bay area in the early 1800s. nowadays you can tour this impressive icebreaker and learn about its rich history and of transportation in the Thunder Bay area and Lake Superior .
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Thunder Bay Military Museum
Thunder Bay, ON
This museum preserves and displays the ample military history of Northwestern Ontario. here you will find memorabilia, regalia, weaponry, and artifacts from the Navy, Army and Air Force with a knowledgeable staff .
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Silver Islet General Store
Silver Islet, ON
The Silver Islet General Store was built in 1871 and has long been a staple and historical landmark of this mining community. It is the oldest business in Northwestern Ontario. Their surviving museum features items/artifacts from the master flatware mine, the General Store, along with data panels detailing the history of each. See displays with original miners helmets with candles, mine supervisory program log books, clothe, boots, books and journals from 1871-1910, and letters of commensurateness between Alexander Sibley and the US mining company .
Silver Islet General Store is presently being restored and will soon open back up to serve visitors in summer 2021 .
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Dorion Museum
Dorion, ON
Dorion is home to one of the most noteworthy natural attractions on the Lake Superior Circle Tour – Ouimet Canyon. When you visit the modest Dorion Museum you quickly learn not only about its history but of the feel of community and the people that make it so great .
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Red Rock Interpretive Centre
crimson Rock, ON
This interpretive centre features unique and synergistic exhibits showcasing the fat history and ecosystems in the area. Included is a history about the prisoner of war camp and newspaper mill that once existed in Red Rock. Visitors can learn about the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area though a virtual subaqueous submarine enlistment and an interactional fish species smartboard .
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Nipigon Historical Museum
Nipigon, ON
A variety show of exhibits showcase the history of the town and surrounding area at this museum. From fur deal to lumber to the dragoon to the World Record Brook Trout caught out of the Nipigon River, you will find concern displays about all that and more at this museum. You can besides pick up the Historical Walk-Through Nipigon guidebook from here and take a self guided enlistment through the town ’ s historical buildings and landmarks .
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Discover Geraldton Interpretive Centre
Geraldton, ON
Situated in the heart of the municipality of Greenstone you will find this unique architecturally designed interpretive centre standing above Highway 11. The knowing staff here can provide you helpful information about all the communities within Greenstone. Explore displays and exhibits that showcase the early days of the Hudson Bay Fur Traders, the aureate boom and the firefighting bequest of Geraldton .
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Rossport Caboose Museum
Rossport, ON
The Rossport Caboose Museum is within a re-furbished canadian Pacific Rail car. It offers singular insights to the commercial fish, mining and railway inheritance of the North Shore. It is identical accessible and particular displays will be of interest to visitors, giving a glance into the history of the scenic community of Rossport .
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Schreiber Railway Museum
Schreiber, ON
Climb aboard this museum inside a refurbish 1953 train car and learn about this town ’ mho history. Schreiber was founded in the 1880s as a railroad track construction camp so the string car museum it is quite match as a protection to its history. Learn about the Canadian Pacific Railway through antiques, relics and documents. It is the ideal museum for the railway and history fancier .
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Marathon District Museum
Marathon, ON
This museum has a solicitation of materials that illustrate the history, the people and the development of the township of Marathon. The parade focus on the pulp factory, Hemlo Gold mines, logging, haunt towns and local interests. It besides showcases local stories and photograph related to the Group of Seven whose paintings have been inspired by the rugged coastline. The Group of Seven was a group of canadian Landscape painters from 1920 to 1933. They believed that distinct art could be developed through direct contact with the incredible nature of the Canadian landscape and initiated the foremost major canadian national art motion .
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White River Heritage Museum
White River, ON
This museum features historical items related to the railroad track including flatware servers, railway speeder, track rectify tools, cable systems and photos. There are besides antique family appliances such as an old wringer washing machine, wood cook stave and early kitchen expose. Considering that White River is the hometown of Winnie the Pooh, there is no surprise that this museum houses an extensive solicitation of Winnie collectibles and items. A must see for any Winnie the Pooh fan .
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Prince Township Museum
prince, ON
This museum is located in Prince Township, just northwest of Sault Ste Marie. The museum is a diachronic village experience consisting of five build structures. These buildings include Prince United Church, Conway Log House, a one-room classroom, Implement Shed and another shed of refurbish farm machinery .
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Sault Ste. Marie Museum
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
This museum is inside a beautiful build that was constructed in 1906 as a post position. One of the most impressive features of the construction architecturally is the clock tower that was installed in 1912. The build alone is worth a visit and the incredible solicitation of historical exhibits throughout the three floors will make you want to stay for hours exploring. The permanent wave collection includes, the Walter Wallace Military Gallery, the Skylight Gallery tells the report of the beginnings of Sault Ste Marie, the Discovering Gallery is the children ’ s sphere, the Russel H. Ramsay Sports Hall of Fame, and the Marine Gallery. There are frequently new have galleries and exhibits throughout the year .
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Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
This web site was built between 1814 and 1823 by Charles Oakes Ermatinger when Sault Ste Marie was a modest trading post, and it was the center for the commercial enterprise and social life in the district. today it operates as a museum with many exhibits and synergistic features, restored to illustrate the professional and personal life of Ermatinger and the big visitors to the sign of the zodiac during the 1800s. Ermatinger Clergue was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1957 and behind the property stands a plaque that reads, “ This house, built between 1814 and 1823 by Charles Ermatinger of the North West Company, is the oldest survive family in northwestern Ontario. Constructed when Sault Ste Marie was inactive a small fur trade post on the Upper Lakes, this fine house soon became the center of the district ’ mho business and social life sentence, and was noted by such visitors as Lord Selkirk, Anna Jameson, Sir John Richardson, Paul Kane and George Catlin. ”
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Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centr e showcases displays about aviation and forest burn education. The displays allow visitors to have synergistic, hands-on experiences and enjoy educational programs. The aviation incision features Canada ’ s largest bush airplane collection and highlights the progress in water-bombing, a locally developed forest firefighting technique .
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Entomica
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Entomica is a science center found inside the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre that focuses on insects. Exhibited in beautiful vivariums, visitors can see a menagerie of alien insects from all over the world. Discover the bewitching and sometimes misconstrue worldly concern of insects with interactional, hands on exhibits. Be amazed by the natural camouflage of leaf and insects, or the giant African down snail, or even the New Guinea Land Lobster !
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so there you have it, 84 museums all around Lake Superior. Why not add them all to your planned travel and discover them all during your Circle Tour.
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