
SS Meteor Maritime Museum Superior
Explore the SS Meteor, a unique 1896 whaleback freighter, and dive into Great Lakes maritime history with engaging tours.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours

SS Meteor Maritime Museum Superior
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the SS Meteor, a unique 1896 whaleback freighter, and dive into Great Lakes maritime history with engaging tours.
"A fascinating piece of Great Lakes history and insight into the advanced technology included on these whale back ships."

🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for the full experience! Guides share fascinating history and insights.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of stairs (some backward!) and walking. Good grip is essential.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Engine Room
Below deck
Step back in time and explore the heart of this historic whaleback freighter. A truly immersive experience!

The Whaleback Design
Throughout the ship
Marvel at the unique and innovative whaleback design, a testament to Great Lakes shipbuilding ingenuity.

Shipwreck & Shipbuilding Exhibits
Various galleries
Discover the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes through fascinating exhibits on shipwrecks and local shipbuilding.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for Tight Spaces & Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for the full experience! Guides share fascinating history and insights.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of stairs (some backward!) and walking. Good grip is essential.
Unusual 120-Year-Old Whaleback Shipwreck Discovered in Lake Superior
Nerds in Duluth
🌡️ Dress for Heat
It gets very warm inside, especially on hot days. Light clothing is key.
⚠️ Claustrophobia Alert
Some areas are tight. If you're prone to claustrophobia, be aware.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for the full experience! Guides share fascinating history and insights.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of stairs (some backward!) and walking. Good grip is essential.
🌡️ Dress for Heat
It gets very warm inside, especially on hot days. Light clothing is key.
⚠️ Claustrophobia Alert
Some areas are tight. If you're prone to claustrophobia, be aware.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Tours can last 1.5 hours, plus time for exhibits. Don't rush!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the SS Meteor Maritime Museum for its unique historical significance and the engaging tours. Guides like Mark and Marty are frequently mentioned for their knowledge, though one review noted a guide's personal opinions detracted from the experience. The ship's whaleback design and engine room are highlights, but potential visitors should be aware of the tight spaces and heat inside.
"Had a great tour with Mark. A fascinating piece of Great Lakes history and insight into the advanced technology included on these whale back ships. Loved the engine room and how it is true to the time period. Never knew that the inventor was also a captain and shipbuilder."
Dave R
"The tour was fantastic. Mark was the best tour guide. He knows a lot about ships and shipping, just don’t let him give you a hard time."
Paahl
"We took the special behind the scenes tour, which included the engine room and boilers. It was fantastic!"
Kathryn Hashem
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The SS Meteor Maritime Museum is located in Superior, Wisconsin. It's accessible by car, and parking is usually available nearby. If you're coming from Duluth, MN, it's a short drive across the bridge.
Public transportation options might be limited directly to the museum. It's best to check local Superior transit routes or consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving.
Parking is generally available near the museum. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially during peak season, to secure a convenient spot.
Yes, the museum is a great addition to a day exploring Superior. Nearby attractions include the Fairlawn Mansion and the Wisconsin Point Lighthouse.
Due to the historic nature of the ship, accessibility can be challenging. There are many stairs, some of which are steep and require going backward. It's best to call ahead to discuss specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees vary, and it's recommended to check the official SS Meteor Maritime Museum website for the most current pricing. Special tours may have different rates.
Yes, you can often purchase tickets at the door, especially on Sundays. However, booking in advance is recommended to guarantee your spot on popular tours.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the museum's official website for their current hours of operation before planning your visit.
The museum may offer discounts for groups, seniors, or other categories. Inquire directly with the museum or check their website for details on potential savings.
While you can sometimes buy tickets at the door, booking guided tours in advance is highly recommended, especially for special access tours like the engine room, as they can sell out.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share the history of the ship and Great Lakes maritime. You'll explore various parts of the freighter, including exhibits and potentially the engine room.
A standard tour typically lasts about an hour and a half, allowing time to explore the ship and its exhibits. Special tours might have different durations.
Expect to see exhibits on Great Lakes history, shipbuilding, and the unique whaleback design. You'll also encounter narrow passageways and stairs.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to confirm with your tour guide or museum staff regarding any specific restrictions.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the museum's main building, but may be limited or unavailable once you are inside the ship itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique whaleback exterior offers great photo opportunities. Inside, the engine room and the ship's historical artifacts provide interesting shots.
Personal photography is usually permitted for exhibits, but it's wise to check for any 'no photo' signs or ask a staff member. Flash photography might be restricted to protect artifacts.
Drone usage is typically regulated by local ordinances and may require special permits. It's best to check with the museum and local authorities before flying a drone.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful for interior shots. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the confined spaces.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the impressive scale of the whaleback design from the exterior and the intricate details of the engine room.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the heat inside the ship on warmer days, and ensure children wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for exploring. The engine room and exhibits on shipwrecks can be particularly captivating for curious young minds. It's a hands-on way to learn about Great Lakes maritime history that goes beyond textbooks.
🚢 History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts
Special tours, particularly those that grant access to the engine room and boilers, offer an unparalleled look at the technology of the time. Hearing from knowledgeable guides who are experts in Great Lakes shipping history further enriches the experience. This is a chance to connect directly with a tangible piece of maritime heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Whaleback Design
Visiting the SS Meteor offers a rare chance to step aboard a piece of maritime engineering history. You can explore how this design impacted shipbuilding and understand why it was both celebrated and eventually phased out. The museum's exhibits delve into the ingenuity behind the whaleback, showcasing its construction and operational life. Experiencing the interior of the ship truly brings this unique design to life.
Many visitors are fascinated by the sheer novelty of the whaleback. It stands out dramatically from conventional ship designs, making it a memorable sight and a key reason for many to visit the museum. The SS Meteor is a tangible link to a specific era of Great Lakes shipping innovation.
Navigating the SS Meteor: Practicalities
Beyond the physical navigation, be ready for the internal temperature. On hot days, the ship can become very warm, so light, breathable clothing is highly recommended. This immersive experience allows you to truly feel what it was like to live and work aboard such a vessel during its operational years.
Tour guides are a valuable resource for navigating the ship safely and understanding its history. They can point out the best ways to move through certain areas and provide context for the ship's features. The behind-the-scenes tours, which often include the engine room, offer an even deeper dive into the ship's mechanics.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit