Field Trip: Hard Hat Tour of the ‘Col. James M. Schoonmaker’ ‘Tug Ohio’ & ‘St. Mary’s Challenger’

Join Lakesiders for a Hard Hat Tour of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker, Ohio and St. Marys Challenger on Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the National Museum of the Great Lakes, located at 1701 Front Street in Toledo.

Set foot in spaces typically off-limits to visitors in an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker museum ship, the museum tug Ohio and the St. Marys Challenger Pilothouse. During this 2-hour experience, you have the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the ships’ inner workings and visit “hard hat only” locations like:

• The Schoonmaker’s owner’s galley, the lowest points of the boat, as well as a deeper look in the vessel’s engine room.
• The Ohio’s engine room and forward cabins.
• The Interior of the St. Marys Challenger pilothouse (currently still under restoration efforts).

From glimpses into the newest artifact’s restoration to the Schoonmaker’s original boiler bricks, you’ll see it all from an insider’s view.

The spaces that we will be sharing with you on this tour are difficult to access. The tour will include a lot of climbing of steep and narrow stairways and a lot of bending to accommodate for low headroom.

You’re encouraged to dress appropriately including wearing closed-toed shoes, long pants and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. We will provide hard hats and any other safety necessities.

The cost is $65 (ages 12+) and the deadline to register is Monday, Aug. 26. REGISTER NOW! Guests are responsible for driving to the museum.