Dossin Great Lakes Museum

I have to be honest.... I wasn't expecting this museum to be anything special. Boy, was I wrong! There is a lot of stuff to see and do here. They even have a simulator where you can operate and dock a freighter ship. It was a lot of fun. The best part, I thought, was the ship's bridge. It looks out over the water just as a ship would. It was really cool! There is a ton of information and things to see. There is also a very beautiful room set up as you enter that was from an old ship that traveled the local waters. There is a small building to the left of the actual museum. It houses one exhibit... The Miss Pepsi race boat. It's super cool. It has a raised walkway along the boat which is easy to manuver, and gives better place to view the exhibit. This was a really nice museum. Check them out....they are doing a great job ☺️

The museum was so great!! I had no idea how much Detroit was involved in the war of 1812. There are so many miniatures and interactive exhibits inside. It kept us busy for about an hour and a half, though we could have stayed for longer. There's a whole room filled with maps preserved from the 1800-1900s to browse over, and a few videos to watch.Really cute date idea. We hit the conservatory and aquarium nearby afterwards, which were great too!

This museum has many hands on exhibits for children and adults that immerse you into the geography and business of navigating the Great Lakes. Take the helm of a freighter navigating the Great Lakes, look through a real periscope from a submarine, see up close preserved hand carved woodworking from the Detroiiter III, or take a look at their collection of model ships. The museum is perched on the edge of the river and includes artifacts like the anchor from the Fitzgerald and cannons from the war of 1812.

Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area, plan to spend a couple hours to see it all, $5 admission. Variety of different kinds of boats and you learn so much of the history of boats and of the area as well. Something for adults and even has a few hands on activities for children. The museum is right off the water with a Beautiful view.

We decided to check out the place on a whim. Found a wonderful display of an actual ship's interior called the Gothic Room" it was so beautiful and ashamed more wasn't saved. Also learned about the Edmond Fitzgerald tragic shipwreck. There is also interactive game to drive and dock a ship which was fun. And a section of a second ship that overlooks the river that has real ship pilot house stuff to touch. There is a small gift store. Bathrooms only for paid entrance tickets to the museum. It is worth the 5.00 entrance fee."

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is a hidden gem nestled along the Detroit River. The museum beautifully captures the spirit of the Great Lakes, offering engaging exhibits and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. It's a fantastic destination to learn, appreciate, and connect with the Great Lakes' captivating history.

Small hidden gem. Free for Detroit residents. Do you like ships? Boats? 19th and 20th century Navy retro-high-tech?Friendly front desk people. James McLean volunteer docent was a helpful and kind highlight. Check out my pics from the periscope, which was a fun challenge to shoot with my phone camera.

Dossin Great Lakes museum is a hidden gem on Belle Isle. And beautiful setting for events and weddings. Staff goes above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect for your big day! And the outdoor patio is perfect right on the Detroit River!

This is an interesting maritime museum on Belle Isle. Learn all about the settlement of Detroit on the St. Lawrence Seaway . Super interesting info about boat travel and shipping in the Great Lakes. Lots of cool interactive exhibits that adults as well as kids can enjoy. This is well worth a visit!

A very small museum but interesting, they charge 5$ for entry fee. The old wood work in there is amazing.