Temporary Exhibits & Displays

Bringing Shipwrecks to Life

March 16 – Nov 6, 2023

Experience spectacular Great Lakes shipwrecks brought to life by world-renowned underwater photographer, Becky Schott and Liquid Productions. Through Becky’s vivid photography, viewers are submerged into a world few can access while diving deeper with 3D shipwreck models and interactives. Numerous artifacts from these shipwrecks will also be exhibited for the first time at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Towers of Power

January 2023 – January 2024

Towers of Power represents over 100 years of Midwestern marine design and engineering.  Over 50 outboard motors are on display and represent only a fraction of the 400+ outboard motors in the Wisconsin Maritime Museum Collection. The majority of the collection was amassed by Orlin C. Johnson (1924-2002) of Staunton, Illinois. Johnson was a champion bass fisherman and he built a substantial and well documented collection, including some of the earliest examples of outboard motors known.

Great Lakes Lore and Legends

The Great Lakes have had a major impact on the cultures and traditions of the different people living along its shorelines for thousands of years. Specifically, the oral traditions that have origins in these lakes have created a sense of mystery and legend surrounding the shores. This exhibit takes a closer look at some of these legendary stories.