SS William G. Mather
Explore a 1925 Great Lakes freighter, the SS William G. Mather, now a museum with interactive exhibits on maritime history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive experience.
SS William G. Mather
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a 1925 Great Lakes freighter, the SS William G. Mather, now a museum with interactive exhibits on maritime history.
"One of the best museums / sites I have for a long time been to!"
📸 Capture Every Angle
Bring your camera! The ship is incredibly photogenic, with countless details to document.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the entire ship.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Engine Room
Below deck
Marvel at the massive, original machinery that powered this 1925 Great Lakes freighter. A true testament to maritime engineering!
The Pilot House
Bridge deck
Step into the captain's shoes and imagine navigating the Great Lakes with panoramic views and original instruments.
Interactive Exhibits
Throughout the ship
Discover fascinating facts about Great Lakes shipping history through engaging displays and original artifacts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Accessibility Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture Every Angle
Bring your camera! The ship is incredibly photogenic, with countless details to document.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the entire ship.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit. There's a lot to see and absorb, from the engine room to the pilot house.
🗣️ Chat with Staff
The knowledgeable staff are a highlight and offer fantastic insights. Ask them questions!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture Every Angle
Bring your camera! The ship is incredibly photogenic, with countless details to document.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the entire ship.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit. There's a lot to see and absorb, from the engine room to the pilot house.
🗣️ Chat with Staff
The knowledgeable staff are a highlight and offer fantastic insights. Ask them questions!
📅 Check Hours Online
Operating hours can vary. Always check the official website or call ahead before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the SS William G. Mather as an exceptional and enriching museum experience, offering incredible value for its modest admission fee. The knowledgeable and attentive staff are frequently highlighted as a major positive, enhancing the exploration of the ship's fascinating history and impressive machinery. While the ship's historic nature means some areas are not accessible, the overall consensus is that it's a highly recommended and memorable visit for anyone interested in maritime heritage.
"One of the best museums / sites I have for a long time been to!
I read about people visiting Cleveland "only" for visiting this museum and was sceptical in the beginning why one would do that. But now I can truly understand it! The museum takes you back in time by making all the different areas and rooms enjoyable for a visit. For 12$ you get loads of interesting and enjoyable facts and information from the very attentive and knowledgeable staff (they were my highlight - thanks a lot!). You can even sometimes look into drawers and closets, see a lot of original gadgets, items and loads of technical instruments on the bridge and engine room (especially impressive). I probably took 100s of photos!
Together with the guides' explanations, it was a truly enriching and amazing experience!"
A M
"What a fantastic tour this was! It was so fascinating to see a historical ship like this and be able to tour it throughout. Very memorable experience for sure! The cost is also very reasonable and totally worth it! We travelled to Cleveland for this tour and were so happy that we did! Highly recommended!"
Carmen Messam
"Great example of a freighter from the classic era of Great Lakes shipping. You get to explore all the high points of the ship, such as the pilot house and engine room. It's a good tour for the price, highly recommend.
You are walking around an old steamship, so be aware a lot is not handicap accessible."
Ethan Powles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The SS William G. Mather is docked at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking available. Public transportation options, including bus routes, also serve the downtown Cleveland area. +1
Yes, there are several parking garages and lots near the Great Lakes Science Center where the SS William G. Mather is located. Rates can vary, so it's good to check in advance or be prepared for typical downtown parking costs.
While it's possible to kayak in North Coast Harbor, directly accessing the ship for a tour via kayak might be challenging due to docking arrangements and security. It's best to plan for land-based access.
For reaching the SS William G. Mather, driving or using ride-sharing services are convenient. If you're exploring other parts of Cleveland, the RTA bus system and the HealthLine bus rapid transit are good options.
Absolutely! The ship is part of the Great Lakes Science Center complex and is located in the North Coast Harbor area, close to attractions like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Browns Stadium.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the SS William G. Mather is generally very affordable, often around $12 per person. This price offers excellent value for the extensive access and information provided.
While you can often purchase tickets on-site, booking in advance online is recommended, especially for special tours like the 'Hard Hat Tour,' which can sell out. Checking the official website for current ticketing information is advised.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and may be affected by special events. It's crucial to check the official SS William G. Mather or Great Lakes Science Center website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, the SS William G. Mather sometimes offers special tours, such as the 'Hard Hat Tour,' which provides access to areas not typically open to the public. These often require advance booking and have limited availability.
Typically, the SS William G. Mather is a separate ticketed attraction, though it's located at the Great Lakes Science Center. It's best to confirm if any combination tickets or packages are available when purchasing your admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore various decks, including the pilot house, engine room, crew quarters, and galley. Interactive exhibits detail the ship's history and the era of Great Lakes shipping. +1
Due to its historic nature, many areas of the ship are not handicap accessible. There are stairs and narrow passages. Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of these limitations.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the ship, depending on their interest level and how much time they dedicate to reading exhibits and taking photos.
Knowledgeable staff are often on hand to provide insights and answer questions, making the experience more enriching. While not always formal guided tours, their presence significantly enhances the visit.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged! The ship offers many unique and historical subjects, making it a great spot for photographers.
📸 📸 Photography
The pilot house with its instruments, the vast engine room, the ship's exterior against the Cleveland skyline, and the detailed deck structures are all fantastic photo opportunities. +1
Yes, photography is permitted throughout the ship, allowing you to capture the historical details of the engine room, cabins, and bridge.
Lighting varies; the engine room and interior spaces can be dimly lit, while the decks are naturally lit. Consider bringing a small flashlight or using your phone's light for darker areas.
Generally, standard cameras and phone cameras are fine. Tripods might be restricted during busy periods or for special events, so it's best to check if you plan to use professional equipment.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing detailed shots. Late afternoon can provide dramatic lighting on the ship's exterior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of ground to cover. Encourage kids to ask questions of the staff, who are often great at engaging younger visitors. While some areas have limited accessibility, the main decks and key exhibits are generally manageable for most children. Consider checking for any specific family-friendly events or activities hosted by the museum.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Visit during the morning for softer light and fewer crowds. Pay attention to the intricate details – gauges, levers, signage – that tell the story of the ship. The exterior shots with the Cleveland skyline or harbor in the background are also highly recommended.
🚢 Maritime History Buffs
Deep dive recommendations: Take advantage of the knowledgeable staff for in-depth information. Consider looking into the 'Hard Hat Tour' if available for access to restricted areas. Researching the history of Great Lakes shipping before your visit can also enrich the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Century of Service: The SS William G. Mather's Legacy
Today, the Mather serves as a museum, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life aboard a classic steamship. The ship is meticulously preserved, allowing exploration of its various decks, from the bustling engine room to the commanding pilot house. This preservation effort ensures that future generations can learn about and appreciate the era of Great Lakes bulk shipping.
The ship's centennial is approaching in 2025, a testament to its enduring legacy. Special exhibits, like 'Steam and Steel: Propelling the Future of the Great Lakes,' are being developed to celebrate this milestone, highlighting the ship's historical importance and its connection to technological advancements in maritime transport.
Exploring the Decks: What to Expect Onboard
Ascend to the pilot house to get a feel for commanding the ship, complete with original navigation instruments and stunning views of the harbor. Other areas to discover include the crew quarters, galley, and various storage spaces, each offering insights into the daily routines and challenges faced by those who worked on the Great Lakes.
While the ship offers incredible access, it's important to note that due to its historic construction, accessibility can be limited. Many sections involve stairs and narrow passageways, so visitors with mobility concerns should plan their exploration accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit