SS Meteor Maritime Museum Superior
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SS Meteor Maritime Museum Superior

4.5
·236 reviews·Superior, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tours

CrowdLow
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SS Meteor Maritime Museum Superior

SS Meteor Maritime Museum Superior

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(236 reviews)

"A fascinating piece of Great Lakes history and insight into the advanced technology included on these whale back ships."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Engine Room

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

The Whaleback Design

Throughout the ship

Marvel at the unique and innovative whaleback design, a testament to Great Lakes shipbuilding ingenuity.

Shipwreck & Shipbuilding Exhibits

Shipwreck & Shipbuilding Exhibits

Various galleries

Discover the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes through fascinating exhibits on shipwrecks and local shipbuilding.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours are highly recommended and often fill up, especially for special access like the engine room. Booking ahead ensures your spot and avoids disappointment. Check their website for tour times and availability.

Prepare for Tight Spaces & Heat

The SS Meteor is a historic freighter, meaning narrow passages and steep stairs (sometimes requiring you to go backward!). It can also get very hot inside, especially on warm days. Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Crowd
Low
When
Special behind-the-scenes tours
Why
Access to unique areas like engine room
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Martime history is always Hot To Go at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum! #Manitowoc #wisconsin #usscobia #submarine #cobia #museum #museummoment #museumtok #wholefamily #thingstodo #maritime #boat #fun #learning #allages #greatlakes #galleries #History #chappellroan #hottogo #visitwisconsin
@wimaritime
41.8K likes • 197.5K views

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Highly recommended for the full experience! Guides share fascinating history and insights. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Lots of stairs (some backward!) and walking. Good grip is essential. Reddit

reddit.com

Unusual 120-Year-Old Whaleback Shipwreck Discovered in Lake Superior

reddit.com

Nerds in Duluth

🌡️ Dress for Heat

It gets very warm inside, especially on hot days. Light clothing is key. Reddit

⚠️ Claustrophobia Alert

Some areas are tight. If you're prone to claustrophobia, be aware. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Highly recommended for the full experience! Guides share fascinating history and insights. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Lots of stairs (some backward!) and walking. Good grip is essential. Reddit

🌡️ Dress for Heat

It gets very warm inside, especially on hot days. Light clothing is key. Reddit

⚠️ Claustrophobia Alert

Some areas are tight. If you're prone to claustrophobia, be aware. Reddit

⏰ Allow Ample Time

Tours can last 1.5 hours, plus time for exhibits. Don't rush! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(236 reviews)

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

Fascinating whaleback design
Knowledgeable tour guides
Immersive engine room access

What People Dislike

Hot interior temperatures
Tight, claustrophobic spaces
Occasional off-topic guide comments

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Parking is generally available near the museum. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially during peak season, to secure a convenient spot. Reddit

Yes, the museum is a great addition to a day exploring Superior. Nearby attractions include the Fairlawn Mansion and the Wisconsin Point Lighthouse. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Expect to see exhibits on Great Lakes history, shipbuilding, and the unique whaleback design. You'll also encounter narrow passageways and stairs. Reddit

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. TikTok

Restroom facilities are typically available at the museum's main building, but may be limited or unavailable once you are inside the ship itself. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The unique whaleback exterior offers great photo opportunities. Inside, the engine room and the ship's historical artifacts provide interesting shots. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful for interior shots. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the confined spaces. TikTok

Many visitors enjoy capturing the impressive scale of the whaleback design from the exterior and the intricate details of the engine room. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The SS Meteor Maritime Museum offers a unique educational experience for families. While the ship's historic nature means navigating tight spaces and stairs, many children find the sheer size and history of the freighter fascinating. TikTok Consider booking a guided tour, as guides often engage younger visitors with interesting facts and stories about life at sea.

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. Reddit

🚢 History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts

For those passionate about maritime history, the SS Meteor is a must-visit. As one of the last surviving whaleback freighters, it represents a significant chapter in Great Lakes shipbuilding innovation. Reddit The detailed exhibits on shipbuilding, shipwrecks, and the operational life of the vessel provide deep insights into the era.

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. Reddit 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

The SS Meteor is one of the last surviving examples of the whaleback ship design, pioneered by Alexander McDougall. This innovative hull shape, resembling a pig's back, was designed to be more efficient and safer on the rough waters of the Great Lakes. Its distinctive rounded deck and low profile made it less susceptible to heavy seas, though it also presented unique challenges for crew and passengers.

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating the SS Meteor: Practicalities

Prepare for an adventure when exploring the SS Meteor! As a historic freighter, it features narrow passageways and steep staircases. Some of these stairs require you to descend backward, so comfortable, non-slip footwear is essential. Reddit Visitors prone to claustrophobia should be aware that some interior spaces can feel quite confined. It's always a good idea to mention any concerns to your tour guide.

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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