ON-WATER EXPERIENCES
The Museum offers a variety of on-water experiences, providing adventures for the whole family. All boat rides include same-day Museum admission at no extra charge. At the Michigan Maritime Museum, we are more than just a boat ride!
Friends Good Will
Friends Good Will is a replica 1810 top sail sloop. The dramatic story of Friends Good Will speaks to the history of Great Lakes commerce, such as the fur trade, in the early 1800s, as well as her pivotal role in the War of 1812. We are proud to be home to Friends Good Will and be able to provide our visitors with a unique on-water experience aboard this historic replica tall ship.
Tickets for the 2026 Friends Good Will season will be on sale soon. Stay tuned!
DAY SAIL
Our day sails offer passengers a chance to step aboard history and learn what is was like for early sailors on the Great Lakes. Stand at her bow, feel the wind on your face and hear the crack of her billowing sails. Do more than imagine how sailors felt as they set sail for uncharted courses–experience it for yourself!
P.I.R.A.T.E. Sail
Sunset Sail
Enjoy the beauty of a sunset sail from the deck of an historic 1810 replica sloop on Lake Michigan. Stand at the bow of Friends Good Will, bask in the glow off the water, feel the wind on your face, and soak up those gorgeous South Haven summer sunsets.
Special Sails
Fireworks Sail
Celebrate Independence Day in a memorable way! Enjoy South Haven’s incredible fireworks show Light Up the Lake on July 3rd with your friends and family from the deck of our tall ship, Friends Good Will out on Lake Michigan.
Lindy Lou
Lindy Lou is an electric-powered replica river launch. This cruise provides passengers with a chance to recapture those days from the late 1890s through the 1930s when launches plied the Black River, delivering guests to resorts, taking picnickers to up-river parks and pavilions, and generally helping to fill the lazy hours of summer with relaxing diversions.
Tickets for the 2026 Lindy Lou season will be on sale soon. Stay tuned!
River Cruise
Relive days gone by with an hour-long cruise aboard our river launch vessel the Lindy Lou! This ~3 mile round-trip cruises travels upstream and back again while the captain regales passengers with the life and history of the Black River.
USCG Motor Lifeboat 36460
Experience the adventure aboard USCG Motor Lifeboat 36460! This boat, built in 1941, starred in the Disney film The Finest Hours. The film showcases the most daring rescue in Coast Guard history of the oil tanker Pendleton in 1952 off the coast of Massachusetts. Motor Lifeboat 36460 played 36500 (the original rescue boat) for the film. This extraordinary vessel represents one of the most widely used and relied upon rescue boats in Coast Guard history. Step aboard and ride the waves as you salute the United States Coast Guard.
Tickets for the 2026 USCG 36460 season will be on sale soon. Stay tuned!
Lake Cruise
Experience the thrill of USCG Motor Lifeboat 36460 with this 30-minute excursion out on Lake Michigan. Learn the history of these incredible rescue boats used by the United States Coast Guard across the Great Lakes and beyond.
Sunset Cruise
Create a lasting memory this summer aboard USCG Motor Lifeboat 36460 on our Sunset Cruise! You’ll have a chance to see South Haven’s coast from the water as you “patrol” the shoreline and enjoy a beautiful South Haven sunset.
Special Excursions
Fireworks Private Charter
Celebrate Independence Day in unforgettable style! This exclusive private charter gives you full access to the USCG Motor Lifeboat 36460 for the duration of South Haven’s Light Up the Lake fireworks show on July 3rd. The entire vessel is yours to enjoy with friends and family as you take in the spectacular display from Lake Michigan.
Guest Information
Museum admission is included with every boat ticket. Guests should plan on arriving no less than 30 minutes prior to departure for check in and safety briefings. Our boats will leave promptly for departure and will not be held for any reason. Check-in is at the Welcome Desk located in the Maritime Heritage Center.
All boat trips depart from and return to the Museum docks located on the Museum campus at 260 Dyckman Ave.
The Museum does not provide food or beverage aboard boats. Boat-friendly (no glass) snacks and beverages are permitted.
No illegal drugs or alcohol are allowed on board our boats under the Zero Tolerance Policy of the United States Coast Guard.
No smoking, vaping, or any tobacco use is allowed on/near the vessels or on the Museum campus.
Due to the historic nature of our vessels, they are not accessible to wheelchairs. Walkers are not permitted aboard. Guests must be able to board the boats with minimal assistance. Registered service dogs are welcome.
Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather. Layers are recommended as it may be cooler on the Lake. Rubber soled shoes are recommended. Flip-flops and high heels are discouraged.
Fleet and Crew
The Michigan Maritime Museum takes great pride in its fleet and crew. Our Fleet Captain, with over 40 years of maritime experience, oversees our multiple USCG licensed captains and crews for all of our vessels. Our staff and volunteer crew members are trained to operate all our equipment to ensure safety and the full enjoyment of our passengers. Our fleet consists of both replica and historic vessels that range from an early 19th century tall ship to a retired United State Coast Guard boat. Our captains and crews not only operate them but also offer historic interpretation. Our boats will go out rain or shine for a true Great Lakes experience!
Our vessel are equipped with all required safety equipment. Prior to each departure, a safety briefing is provided regarding life-saving devices and instructions on their use for every passenger on the boat.
All U.S. Coast Guard regulations are strictly adhered to, so that your safety and enjoyment are assured. Adherence to these regulations is rigorously checked by U.S. Coast Guard staff during regular inspections.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
All ticket sales are final. We do not accept guest exchanges or cancellations. NO EXCEPTIONS.
The Museum reserves the right to cancel a scheduled cruise for any reason up until the time of departure. Cancellations are unlikely EXCEPT in the event of inclement weather such as high wind and waves, fog, or severe lightning. Weather conditions on Lake Michigan can change quickly and, while we attempt to make as many trips as possible, safety is our greatest concern. If the Museum cancels an excursion, we will attempt to reschedule you. If rescheduling is not possible, you will be provided with a full refund.
