Location and Hours
100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle
Detroit, MI 48207
313-821-2661
Wednesday - Saturday
10am - 5pm
Sunday
1pm - 5pm
Monday, May 26, 2025
1pm - 5pm
Open for Memorial Day
Admissions and Purchasing Tickets
Up to 6 adults and children with the same address
A Detroiter membership is available at no cost for residents of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park! Learn more and activate online.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
The Dossin Great Lakes Museum showcases the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes with captivating exhibits, immersive displays, and educational experiences that highlight the region's shipping heritage, nautical culture, and historic vessels.
Admission to Belle Isle Park
A Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering Belle Isle Park. If you are planning to visit the Dossin Great Lakes Museum or attend an event and do not have a Passport, you can purchase one on the island.
As of 2024, pricing is as follows (subject to change):
- Michigan registered vehicles - $14
- Out of state vehicles - $11 for a day pass or $40 for an annual pass
- Commercial vehicles - $21 for an annual pass, including buses and limos
More information on the Recreation Passport can be found online at michigan.gov/recreationpassport, however, only out-of-state residents can purchase Passports online. Residents can purchase the Passport at any State Park or when renewing their license tabs annually.
A Recreation Passport is not required for visitors accessing the park by foot, bike or public transit, or for vehicles with a valid Ex-Prisoner of War license plate, a Disabled Veteran plate, a Medal of Honor plate or Congressional Medal of Honor plate.
*Please be aware that the Michigan DNR temporarily restricts vehicle entry onto Belle Isle when capacity is reached. Summer afternoons are particularly busy times; early visits are encouraged. Pedestrian traffic and those entering on bikes are not impacted. For updates, visit facebook.com/MiBelleIsle.
Parking
Parking is free for vehicles with a valid State of Michigan Recreation Passport or a Day Pass. A parking lot is located adjacent to the museum off of The Strand.
For more information on Belle Isle park, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources online.
Bus Stop
A DDOT bus stop is located on Loiter Way, about a five minute walk from the museum. Plan your route via detroitmi.gov/ddot (within the city) or smartbus.org (from the suburbs).
MOGO Bike Share
A MOGO bike share station is located near Loiter Way and Inselruhe Avenue.
Current Exhibitions
Exploring the Museum
The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is expertly crafted to immerse visitors in the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region. Situated along the Detroit River, the museum offers captivating displays that highlight the area's rich nautical history. A centerpiece of the experience is the fully restored pilot house of the SS William Clay Ford, where visitors can take in sweeping views of the river while gaining insight into the life of a Great Lakes captain. Its carefully curated spaces provide a seamless and engaging exploration of Detroit’s enduring connection to its waterways.
History of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum
The Dossin Great Lakes Museum, located on Belle Isle's Strand Drive, highlights Great Lakes maritime history with a focus on Detroit’s role in regional and national shipping. Established in 1960 with support from the Dossin family, it replaced the original Maritime Museum housed on the schooner J.T. Wing. The museum offers exhibits including the Miss Pepsi hydroplane, the Edmund Fitzgerald’s bow anchor, and the S.S. William Clay Ford Pilot House. Permanent displays include the Gothic Room from the S.S. City of Detroit III and Built by the River, emphasizing Detroit’s connection to the river. Renovated in 2013, it now features interactive exhibits and modern updates alongside films, lectures, and changing displays.
Timeline
Purchase Tickets Online and Save Time
Up to 6 adults and children with the same address
Rentals
Are you planning a special event? The Dossin Great Lakes Museum and Detroit Historical Museum offer a variety of flexible spaces for events of all sizes.
