Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth, Minnesota

Learning about shipping history and sailing on Lake Superior at Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth, Minnesota

**Disclosure: I did receive complimentary admission to Glensheen and the Great Lakes Aquarium in partnership with Visit Duluth in order to bring you detailed reviews. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Located right on Lake Superior in Canal Park, Duluth's Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center introduces visitors to the shipping and transportation history of the city. From start to finish, the museum is incredibly fascinating and incorporates artifacts as well as multimedia experiences to educate the public.

Ship engine circa 1938.

One of the first exhibits we explored showed a variety of engines from throughout maritime history. The exhibit was pretty interesting to stroll through. It also included ship whistles, gauges and more!

What a beautiful ship whistle!

Take a Peek at the Galley:

The museum fascinated us by showing so many aspects of life on Lake Superior including a galley of a modern ship sailing on the lake. Haven't you always wondered how they cook food on the ships?

Shipwreck of the USS Thomas Wilson.

Shipwrecks, Shipwrecks and More Shipwrecks

Artifacts salvaged from shipwrecks easily captivate and a fair share of explorers in the museum paused at each exhibit. I think part of the fascination is respect for the tragedy as well as being amazed that the artifacts still exist.

Remains of the Col. Albert Survey Vessel

Exploring Various Vessels on Lake Superior:

The models displayed are incredible and give a quick peek into many types of vessels that sailed on Lake Superior. Additionally, the  Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the current ship schedules if you would like to see a freighter!

Learning the history of ships on Lake Superior.

Additionally, we learned about the products shipped to and from Duluth.

The lumber trade is important to the regional economy.

Learning About Life Aboard a Ship:

Everyone young and old seemed to enjoy a little peek into how passengers and crew lived on ships in the early 1900's. This exhibit included a bit of an audio as well.

Taking a peek inside passenger and crew rooms.

A Little About The Aerial Lift Bridge

Housed footsteps from the stunning Aerial Lift Bridge, the museum incorporates artifacts from the bridge as well as an informative display. The first bridge at the site was actually the Aerial Transfer Bridge which actually transferred cars and passengers from shore to shore. In 1930, the bridge became the Aerial Lift Bridge. Below is one of the benches from the Aerial Transfer Bridge.

Bench from original Aerial Transfer Bridge

Nearby, check out the bridge after you leave the center:

Aerial Lift Bridge

What a View!

If you visit the  Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, don't forget to enjoy the view of the shore and the lighthouses.

View from the  Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.

The  Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center presented an interesting look and maritime history in the Lake Superior region and established a great foundation for our exploration. We learned so much about the history of shipping and lake travel from the museum. The museum has free admission and a gifts shop top explore as well. Since the  Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center is in Canal Park, on the lake and near the Aerial Lift Bridge, it is easy to add to your Duluth itinerary!