Explore an actual Great Lakes freighter!
The Museum Ship VALLEY CAMP offers more than just a tour of her deck. Housed inside her massive cargo holds is a 20,000 square foot museum with over 100 exhibits!
EDMUND FITZGERALD Memorial & Exhibit
Our EDMUND FITZGERALD exhibit holds the two lifeboats from the stricken vessel. Torn away during the sinking, these lifeboats became the only two major artifacts recovered after the tragic sinking. The exhibit also features an hour long presentation about the events that occurred on November 10, 1975 which caused the demise of one of the Great Lakes’ largest freighters.
Aquariums
In addition to the museum exhibits, the Museum Ship VALLEY CAMP displays four 1200 gallon aquariums stocked with various species of fish from the Great Lakes region. The fish are supplied by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources & by Michigan Wholesale Bait of Alanson, Michigan.
Crews’ Quarters
The VALLEY CAMP once housed a crew of 29 men in her cabins. Visitors are able to view these cabins to witness firsthand the lifestyle of Great Lakes sailors. From the nicely appointed Captain’s Quarters to the plain accommodations lived in by the Oilers & Coal Passers, visitors are able to see how these sailors lived & worked aboard ship.