Hands-On History: Plan Your Next Field Trip With Us

Bring history to life for your students, scouts, or homeschool group with an immersive, hands-on learning experience at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Our field trips combine interactive exhibits, real Great Lakes artifacts, and guided tours—offering a unique way to explore thousands of years of stories.

Whether your group is studying history, science, technology, or culture, our museum provides a fun and engaging environment that accommodates all learning styles.

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YMCA TOP teens Toledo July 2025 - permission for social media

Interactive Learning

Over 50 interactive exhibits and hundreds of artifacts.

Immersive Experiences

Step aboard historic ships and explore pilothouses.

Engaging for All Ages

Perfect for school groups, scouts, and homeschool families.

Exciting Temporary Exhibits

Discover something different each visit.

What You’ll Experience

Museum Exhibits

Journey through nine galleries and 14,000 square feet of exhibits telling the stories of daring exploration, booming industry, lifesaving innovation, and legendary shipwrecks. From the St. Marys Challenger pilothouse to the steam engine experience, students will see history in action.

Check Out Our Latest Temporary Exhibit

Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship

Tour one of the largest and most innovative Great Lakes freighters of its time. Students will discover the history of Great Lakes transportation, explore maritime engineering, and experience the day-to-day life of crew members.

Boat Tour Expectations

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Field Trip Options & Rates

School Groups

Museum Only: $7 per student and chaperone
Museum + Guided Tour of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship (Available May 1–October 31): $13 per student and chaperone

Teachers are always free. We require one adult chaperone for every 7 students. Required chaperones receive free admission; additional chaperones are welcome at the field trip rate.

Scout & Homeschool Groups

Museum + Guided Tour of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker $13 per youth (ages 6–17), free for children ages 0–5, $13 per adult
Museum Only: $7 per youth (ages 6–17), free for children ages 0–5, $7 per adult

We require one adult chaperone for every 7 students. Required chaperones receive free admission when the group pays together; additional chaperones are welcome at the field trip rate.

For groups paying individually, the group organizer receives two complimentary tickets.

Guided Tour Options

Permanent or Temporary Exhibit Tour (Approx. 45 minutes) – Explore our dynamic galleries featuring interactive displays, artifacts, and rotating exhibits.
Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship Tour (Approx. 90 minutes) – Step aboard our 1911 lake freighter for an in-depth look at maritime technology and crew life.

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All Aboard for Great Lakes Learning

At the National Museum of the Great Lakes, we believe cost should never keep students from learning. This program provides free admission for field trips serving low-income families, opening doors to hands-on history, science, and culture.

Reach out to learn more about eligibility and booking. Donate today to help more students climb aboard for Great Lakes learning.

Plan Your Field Trip

Field trips must be booked at least 30 days in advance.
Museum tours are available year-round, with ship tours offered May–October.
Flexible options for schools, homeschoolers, and scout groups.
Space for lunch is available with advance notice.

Complete our quick booking form to begin the booking process.

Request a Field Trip

Looking for Additional Kids Activities?

Our education team creates supplemental at-home and in-classroom activities. This includes great-lakes themed printables, craft ideas, book companions, virtual exhibit guides and more!

Check it Out