Reviews of Dossin Great Lakes Museum (Museum)

Tarita Johnson

We came from Central Ohio to see the the Henry Ford museum. So glad we went to Belle Isle museum. I can't remember the guys name but he was so informative about the Edmund Fitzgerald and so much other stuff that my wife who had never heard of any of it was amazed. I was very impressed with his knowledge and information, I would definitely recommend checking it out

Kenneth M. James Sr.

Family friendly, great experience, nice staff

Amina Yahaya

Weekend

Shevek McKee

Great wedding venue, excellent scenery, stupendous staff, may visit again.

Dmitry Mikhaylov

This museum on Belle Isle is fun and free (donations only) to visit. Beautiful displays, fun hands on activities for the kids, and very informative.

Sebastian Butler II

I attended a memorial service for someone. It's much larger than it appears. Nice setting, with interesting artifacts

Erin Papow

What an experience, alot of cool stuff and the kids just had a awesome time. Definitely would/will go back. It was free would had no issue paying.

Elisa Harris

Something different to do on Belle Isle. A nice boat museum steeped in Detroit boat racing history.

Xia Yang

Went here for a wedding, great location, interesting nautical information, great view of the Detroit river, had a blast.

Paul Pinn

It was very nice place to be entertain.

agena

Wonderful visit! First time here.

Rick Van House

Excellent place to freighters and boats on the Detroit river

Rose Evers

A jewel right on Belle Isle..... Don't miss the tour's.

Jason Vanderwal

Beautiful decor and full of history. A great place to have a grand affair. The catering staff and food were great

Darrell Looney

Motown museum was closed. So glad we went here instead, has everything you'd expect and the staff was exceptionally knowledgeable and interested in sharing that knowledge with their patrons. We left with a bolstered interest in Great Lakes shipwrecks and Boblo Island. Sorry to the young couple who's rental scooters be absconded with upon departure.

Roy Rader

I didn't actually go inside once I saw it was more of a place for families with children. However, that was on a Sunday. I'm going back during the week when the kids ate at school. Worth a quick pitstop just to see/read about the speed boat out front. Ots Beautiful!

Clinton Stumpf

So interesting. People there really love their job and are very informative. Kids like it as well. It was free!

Frank Lemanski

I loved the history of the lakes. Especially loved seeing the Edmund Fitzgerald display

Paris “Jae Cee” Mitchell

Up to 10 min

David Snyder Jr.

Highly informative, friendly staff...definitely worth a vist

Lisa Malinowski

Glad we stopped and checked it out. Great little museum, very informative, friendly staff.

Mitzi Jackson

Love this place. Interesting history tucked into Belle isle.

Vanessa Toutant

Nice museum don't like the bathrooms too much

BluJay

Wow! We went there to see a documentary and I'm enthralled with going back to see the whole museum.

Shauna Jennings

Very cool and unique museum for both kids and adults

Agata Di Maggio de R.

Very cool to learn about Michigan and the Great Lakes!!!

Shimeka Williams

Great place.w freindly and knowledge staff.well worth the visit

a100fold business (Gbogboade)

Surprisingly a lot more space and exhibits inside then you would think from the size of the building.

Adam Kennedy

Awesome place to go

George Doughton

Amazing museum really fun for free staff is verry knowledgeable and willing to answer questions you have

Don Bork

Dropped off some coast guard Auxiliary paperwork. Interesting facts about the great lakes and Detroit and the State of Michigan. Nice place for the family .

John Kraft

Lovely place. Can learn many things about ships in great lakes of US. Also very good place for kids, they cab enjoy it well.

James Lobaza

We went for a 3rd grade field trip and the students had a great time! Our tour guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. Our favorite part was exploring the pilot house of an actual great lakes freighter! I highly recommend going for a visit!

Stephen Grima

A real gem hiding in plain sight on Belle Isle. Should’ve visited a long time ago.

Nina Brown

Interesting history of shipping, industry, and leisure along the Detroit River. Air conditioning, too!

Jason Harris

Small but lots of fun and info on maritime and the great lakes.

Cybil Zapata

This is a little bit smaller Museum, it would only take about an hour or so to go through. That said, you could spend a couple of hours here. Several very interesting displays. There is an actual ships pilot house on the second floor of the building. It wasn’t clear if there was an elevator for handicap access, but assuming there is access. There is no set price for entry. They ask a donation, and recommend five dollars per person. It’s worth it. Right on the river, facing Canada, it would be a great place to go in the summer. We went in the middle of winter so it’s not quite as scenic. There are a couple of movies that show the history of Belle Isle. They’re only about seven or eight minutes each, but worth a look.

Maria Zirbel

Free and super small, but staff is awesome and very helpful. Lots of history!

WolfM

This is a pretty good museum, and part of a decent day out to Belle Isle. For my part, getting to see the bridge of a mid-century Laker is the best part of this one.

Curtis Monson

Interesting great lakes ship memoriabilia and history of ships on the great lakes

mizrel61 mizrel61

I had my wedding here and it was amazing. Staff was super accommodating and friendly.

BigSteph

William Clay Ford pilot house saved from the actual ship along with City of Detroit's ornate room.

Kasun De Alwis

No

Sean Walls

Very informative. Also, interactive for the kids. Since the state has taken over Belle Isle, its a truly special place. We spend all day here and feel safe. My wife takes the kids solo and feels safe doing it. When I was growing up, Belle Isle was a place you avoided.

Rob Pressrich

Wait time

Chad W

Educational and interesting and free admission except for the park fee

Michael Collette

The lady working there is very help full to the people. She greeted people with a great smile. This museum is inside the belle isle. Very small museum. entry is free.

Dave Hogg

This place was so fun! Hubby and I got to drive a freighter via simulation. Got to see what it is like up in a pilot house and learn about ships. Not to mention Miss Pepsi!

David Gifford

Weekday

Kerry Price

Great little museum.

Nancy Eaton

Enjoyed the tour. Nice collection of historical items and information about the island and the Great Lakes.

Sean Denny

Great small museum, free entry, really good insight into how closely linked the history of Detroit is to the river.

Alex Linebrink

Very interesting. Wish we had more time. Lots of info on old Cruise ships, lighthouses and lots more

Anne Lindstrom

No wait

Austin Tebbe

Not a place to spend all day, but overall a really cool experience!

christopher hall

Wonderful insight to the commerical shipping of the 1800's

Timothy Chmielewski

We'll Maintained, beautiful, informative museum about Detroit and it's shipping routes. Entry is free. Has a great view over the river and look at Canadian side.

Jaketta Davis

Very informative and great gift shop

Mike Schultz

I used to sit with my dad on Belle Isle and watch the freighters go by. I helped restore the cannon in the pictures, so I have even more reason to love this place.

Loren Noyes

Unexpected treasure of a museum on Belle Isle with cool maritime history of the Detroit river and Great Lakes.

Rekt Lord Onegaminus

We has a wonderful dosin for our tour. She was so knowledgeable.and great with the kids. The gift store had these awesome bags for sale.

radical gaming nerd

A wonderful gem of a museum. Guides are knowledgeable about the Great Lakes artifacts and displays housed in this museum. Well worth a visit.

Karen Austin-hagerman

Had some great displays, was worth it just to see the ornate wood room that was from one of the former tourist steamer ships. A good way to spend an hour while on Belle Isle . Also free admission!

Chris Tucker (pilottucker)

I attended a private event. Wish I had more time to explore. The view of the river was nice and the food was good. Grand Prix made it a bit hard to get to.

Angie Ann Gee

Fabulous museum! Steve! Great docent! So knowledgeable! Great fun.

Steve Nieckarz

Staff was welcoming and friendly. If you want to know the history of Belle Isle, its definitely worth the visit.

Shumon Hossain

Very cool museum. Nice renovations.

John Giannola

Great museum, highly recommended! Please stop if you are in the area!

John Hintz

Visited on

Sukumar shah

No

Deborah Fogt

Fun and informative. Small tour..very interactive

Patty Fields

A very good little museum that is kid friendly. Lots of information on the Great Lakes, ships, and Detroit. Can't believe it's free!

Kids Having Fun

First time going. Loved the history of every thing that was in the museum.Hours are Fri thru Sun 10-4

irma moran-gonzales

No

rodrigo orihuela

Was considering this place as a wedding venue nectar of their great pricing but the boat replica decor in the dining hall makes up a large amount of space. A cute family museum great for a little sailor to visit but not my cup of tea.

Rich Childs

Enjoyed my time here however I would have liked to see more interactive exhibits. If you aren't really into boating this may not be the place for you.

PAUL RITZ

No

HagarTheHorrible

Nice people and interesting information. Interactive displays. Great for children

Derrick Purcell

Great place for the entire family

ام سهيل

We love this place!!

Christina Carlson

Dossin Great Lakes Museum is a great place to explore. There is so much to learn about Detroit's maritime history and the staff is very kind and helpful. My favorite part is the SS William Clay Ford pilot house and its view of the river.

Joya Mills

Such a great place loaded with all kinds of information about the Great Lakes and the shipping industry. The staff was also very informative as well. A really cool part was that near the back they had the wheel house from and old freighter. It was awesome, everything was still intact and you would check it all out. Worth a visit!

Jake

Planning our wedding here ! Beautiful location and so easy to work with

sekaran nc

Small but packed full with great items

Sarah Hartman

Weekday

Tanyu Dortch

Very interesting, well laid out, kid friendly and interactive

Mark Smith

Private event . Birthday celebration. Awesome interesting venue.

Ryan Melichar

Lot of interactive things to do and see. Many historical artifacts. Also, great for kids because they explain simply the history of shipping and boating in Detroit and surrounding areas. They give you a pen/stilus so you can press buttons with it and not touch anything directly. There's hand sanitizer stations thoughout.

Glowing Moon

Fun for me and a 10 year old! :-)

Latoya Bournes-Curtis

Beautiful spot to hold such a lovely event as when I attended the Bourbon and Bowties event here. Food was delicious and the Bourbon was insane - thoroughly enjoyed the setting and had fun delving into the interactive learning displays about Michigan's rich maritime history. Very cool event and location, and had great affordable gift items to purchase on site, which was pleasantly surprising and wholly welcome! The building itself is spectacular, especially the picture set into a huge wall of stained glass at the entrance - truly stunning!

Seth P

Surprisingly cool! Loved docking the William Clay Ford!

Shams Chowdhury

Free

Colby L

Wait time

Tony Riedinger

Awesome little museum for free, cool stuff

Chuck Keys

Visited on

Dan DeCl

Public holiday

Tangy Washington

Surprisingly it was pretty cool with the history of the port of Detroit, ships and the island itself.

Suzy Arambula

Reservation recommended

Owen Newson

Great place to explore.

Jessica C.

Free

iamdamonmoore

I was very surprised at how clean the place was very surprised, there was someone there who was very knowledgeable about the everything including the stage of construction,WOW!!! I was there for a wedding and it was decorated gracely in Royal Blue and White very beautiful.

W Choe

Must see, many hands on informative exhibits.

Tamara Zoner

Wonderful staff, wonderful exhibits. My first visit since I was a young child, almost 50 years ago.

KWA Invest

Unfortunately, it was just closing for a school tour . But a very nice little museum for young and old. Been there many times before and will be back.

On The Hunt Studios

Awesome Experience!

Rockey November

Shipwreck. This museum is awesome. And, like a fight at the hockey game and a crash at the race course - the shipwrecks are so cool. You can not take your eyes off the wrecks. Sure sure there are many cool things to do and see here but do I have to sing the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald for you? Come to Belle Isle and do the Dossin. For a super interesting time, ask for John McLean - he's a stitch.

Becky Lipka

Visited on

Charles Johnston

Amazing, great for all ages with a hands on zone for kids. Worth a trip, especially with it being free!

Andy Dove

Good museum on island. It gives good overview of history as well as ships. Good ships models, simulator of ship sailing, ship sailing office. Very nice informative experience

Alaina Schuld

Not quite my cup of tea, but lots of interactive exhibits for children.

Jeff Brancheau

Terrible staff.. Don't waste your time here!!

Devil Dog Trucker

Very cool artifacts and the most amazing view of the water, cool place to take the kids.

Ruturaj Bhalerao

No wait

Seth Heeter

The place I love to visit always discover something new to see.

J. Robert O'Leary III

This place is great I have been to Belle Isles many times but never noticed it before I went in and found it very informative and hans on for kids too would highly recommend it to anyone who has time to experience it

Jim Mittler

So much fun lots of stuff to see and do

Myster Michaels

Way more to it than what you see from the outside. A definite must see

Queen VictoriaG. The Queen from EAMTradio

I love this museum!! Such a treasure!!!

Jack

Utilitarian from the outside but interesting and beautiful inside. Films about Belle Isle and ship building will teach you things about Detroit. Sime hands on activities for kids.

Christian Johnson

Great place, currently the only attaction open to the public on Belle Isle!

Charles Serdoner

Very cool place. A lot to learn. Hands on stuff for kids.

Lila Heartung

Great museum. Lots of interactive exhibits and extremely informative videos. 9 year old granddaughter loved it, we had a good day.

Linda Aman

I used to visit Belle Isle with my family as a child. It was great to be there again all these these years later with my dad.

Megan Bek

Excellent museum. I've seen a real periscope, and learned how to dock a freighter.

Heather Hetheru Miller

It's a gorgeous place and would be a unique venue to rent out!

C C

Had a worker/manager come up and explain how the opening room was taken straight off an old boat! So cool to see that woodwork in person and restored (he showed us an unrestored piece!) Pretty small but it's free and it's a great experience!!

Dylan Fitch

Fun times.

Boratha Tan

Incredible place to learn, see, and touch Detroit river history. Absolutely incredible.

Codie Tenhagen

It was ok! The stain glass was neat!

Max Baker

I like visiting this place by myself. The intricate woodwork is mesmerizing. The homage to Boblo island stirs sweet memories.

Roger Jr

This is our first time visiting. We will definitely be back soon. Such a great place with learning about our great lakes and interactive exhibits. The staff was very friendly and knowledgable. We will definitely be back!

Jackie Pysz

Pleasantly surprised. The place is bigger than it looks....things for the kids to interact with and you will learn something.

Paul Wezner

Very small but well kept museum. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable. Very COVID aware, lots of safety precautions.

Tanagra Weaver

I'm apart of a wedding that's being held here. The parties are Caucasian people. I'm the only African American. I went to the restroom two staff members rushed in to escort me out. They said I was not apart of the wedding and walked me to the door ????

Ken Kosiorek

Enjoyed the Lost Mariners Remembrance program. Well put on program.

George MP

Wait time

J Toby M Van Halsema

I love going here with my two kids. Friendly staff, clean, and fun interactive learning for all!

John Fisher

Went there for a business call. The people inside were awesome!

Troy Jacobson

What a gem! You'd have no idea looking at the exterior of this museum what a nice collection of Detroit and downriver history they have. They have something for everyone. My kids appreciated the freighter control room, and I really enjoyed the gothic room and stained glass from the river cruise boat. They also have a nice collection in their gift shop. Considering the price of admission is free, help them out by buying a print or Boblo t-shirt!

Iohla Conway

Nice museum, interesting. Smaller scale, good for kids.

The Real Scott Feldmann

Hands on alot of fun

Warphammer

Free

Benjamin Frank

Quick, free way to learn about merchant sailing history in the Detroit River

The G Corner

got married here!!!!!! took my boys to visit we loved it!

bryan giofriddo

Interesting information about life on the Detroit River

Lance Cahoon

Interesting find. If your want more info, best to Google. Otherwise, come enjoy it.

Don Lee

Since my birth, I don't ever recall visiting this place. Drove past here for years and just never knew what I was missing! Thank you, Kanita, for showing me something so educational and wonderful as this Detroit Gem! You're right! I wasn't always around the right people!

Zech Hornby

A great place to see some of the Great Lakes shipping history.

Erich Meier

A great winter getaway. Along with aquarium and zoo. Going back when its warmer too.

Katie Hickner

This was a nice museum and very informative.

Donna Murray

Very fun experience. Great for a quick visit.

Stephanus Botha

Great place to learn about the Great Lakes and shipping routes! There are a lot of fun videos and games for children and the helm of a previous freighter will be as much amusement for the adults as it will be for the kids. As a side note, I love the stained glass in the lobby area!

Shane Osnoe

Unique exhibits and so informative. The event staff are so helpful and friendly!

Raeed Kena

I went with my aunt,Cousin,her daughter and her family.We had a great time.when we were upstairs on the ship.

Gina Bunger

My niece loved the visit. Interesting, educational and historical. Highly recommend!!

Stacey W.

Invited To see improvements to the museum. New Green Space, a new Terrace along the riverfront, a new display area for the anchor from the Edmund Fitzgerald and additions to the parking lot. The museum is something everyone should see when they go to Belle Isle.

Riley Winters

Dossin Great lakes has a very lovely view ....... You can see canada from here ..... its also has a lovely museum

Travis Johnson (thefoodjunky)

Reservation recommended

Jason Gibbs

Cool little place. Staff is very nice.

Rosie Jordan

This is a Hidden Gem on Belle Isle! Very cool museum with ancient nautical artifacts and interesting facts about the Detroit River and the Great Lakes!

Steve Radin

Amazing asset located on Belle Isle for all to enjoy! The kids loved it and so did this dad

Joe Carli (joearea51)

Great

Alfred Brock

Walking through was like a wonderland. Interactive displays beautiful scenery and of course you can play captain of a boat

Ryan Konrath

Such an awesome place. A very cool free museum to go to when looking for stuff to do.

K L

What an absolute gem. The two fellows that we spoke with were awesome.

Dennis Maxwell

I love this little museum. It has quite a bit to look at and the view of the river is amazing also. They have great customer service and a small gift shop at the entrance for souvenirs! If you visit Belle Isle, you must stop here and it's free!

Abbie Brown

Learned a lot of cool info from the Dossin extremly knowledgeable

Theresa Pierce

I hadn't visited in years, enjoyed, will be visiting again we got there like 30 minutes before they closed.

meikooceans

Learned more about Detroit history. The fact that the Museum is built using some remains from ships is fascinating

Mark Tremel

Excellent as usual. This is the second time I've been in the last few months. Great place to take those who haven't been in many years.

Ashley Spencer

Don't let the size fool you, it's a larger museum than it looks, and it's free! The first room is literally a room from a retired ship, and it is elegant. Another highlight is the Coast Guard bridge, preserved exactly how it was used. Great place!

Jason Naumann

It's ok only for one visit.

Ben Kauffman

NOT a lot to see, my grandchildren enjoyed it, especially going up to the top, they said it felt like they were on a "BOAT".

Bonnie Thomas

My family and i loved it. We have a 3 year old and he really enjoyed it too. Great that it is free too. Highly recommend.

Angelo Marignani

lovely and worth a trip to the museum.

Kassandra white

Unique museum about Detroit's history as a major Great Lakes port. Features one of a kind handmade models of old ships. The building integrates the pilot house from a retired Great Lakes freighter.

brenda m

Well worth visiting !My favorite was the virtual freighter kiosk.

Carol Ann

I had never seen this museum before. I missed so much as a child! The interactive exhibits were great, the grandkids loved them. Definitely a must see!

Joe Hardwick

Loved my visit here! From Bob-Lo lore to things brought up from the bottom to watching a huge cargo ship via periscope as it navigated past the island to playing with fresnel lenses from lighthouses to learning about luxury cruising on the river to tooting a boat's whistle to learning about semaphore flags, pulleys and blocks.... Every minute was great. Would love to stay all day and read everything. Attached are some of my photos.

Ernest Wheeler

So informative and interesting! They have been really creative in keeping the interactive activities available. Clean. Safe. Knowledgeable and friendly staff!

Lakshmi Tejas

Great little museum. Informative without requiring the whole day to appreciate it.

Marisa Solano-Sanchez

Very nice museum. Lots of information and exhibits for both kids and adults.

Nicole Janis

Wow, our guide really knew her stuff. Wonderful tour.

Ashley Gutowski

Lots of History!! It's free and My husband dives shipwrecks, it's cool to hear the stories. Donations are appreciated

Amie Lynn

Beautiful wood work aboard the City of Detroit

brendan sherwood

It was a lot bigger than I expected. The parascope works, there are several interactive spots and everyone who worked there while I was there was friendly and informative

Jared Barnett

Fun nautical museum located on belle island. The museum offers free admission, hands on activities, and beautiful views of Canada and the river. Exhibits included information on Michigan’s shipping history and details on the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Lisa Reitz

Price for adult entry

Dr. Richard Jurica

It is free. They collect donation only. It is nice place and should be more than donation.

Gordie Hanna

The Great Lakes played a crucial role in the history and economy of the North American continent, and Dossin offers a glimpse of what they meant to the Detroit area in particular. Everything from the War of 1812 to rumrunning to recreational boating to the giant freighters that transport grain, coal, iron ore to and from the Great Lakes ports and the world beyond are represented in photos, models and interactive displays. Of special note: The intact wheelhouse of the freighter William Clay Ford, one of four ships that left the safety of Whitefish Bay to search for the missing Edmund Fitzgerald. Stand inside, take the wheel and imagine.

Beth Riegel

So many cool and interesting things to see and do.

Brigitte Neuman

Lots of great information and some good exhibits for kids.

Kelkel 5577

Family friendly. Especially liked the pilot house (think that is what it's called, can't quite remember.)

Linda Reckart

Reservation recommended

Erin Kiser

This is a beautiful and well maintained museum. The entrance is recreated as a smoking lounge used on a Detroit riverboat steamer which was used in the 1910s. The craftsmanship is gorgeous. Additionally the rest of the museum, while not very large (easily done in an hour or two), has lots of food information and plenty of interactive pieces for kids and adults. For free it is a great time.

Katrina Dixon

Awesome place! I'm surprised it's free it's so cool!

Joe Nelson

Went here for Father's Day. Most of the interactive exhibits were still closed and we had to still wear masks. Ended up leaving after about 20 minutes.

lennell smith

Another great museum that is free and much larger than it looks and located on one of my favorite State Parks located near downtown Detroit... Belle Isle ...in the middle of the Detroit River

Josh Kisskalt

This museum is small, but it is filled with wonderful information, models, and artifacts of life on the Detroit River and the Great Lakes.

D. Fairman

Such a great place to take my daughter. Very educational.

Adrian Johansson

Thoughtful exhibits and a wonderful event venue.

Ravi kiran Reddy Bommareddy

5 Star, had no idea that the museum had so much to offer for singles or families. Great experience, will come again. Thanks.

Richard Scott

Very interesting. Good guides with lots of info about the lakes and Detroit

Jackie Huizing

A small gem on Belle Isle. It's nice to see history put in a place that has meant so much. Great stop, and please donate.

D. L. T.

Beautiful

29or2for50 Mr Allen

Neat museum, especially love the pilot house on the river.

Debbie Cole

Really cool to see the history of the Detroit river.

Charles Kimbrough

No wait

Seth Wheeler

Fun stop if on Belle Isle, particularly like the freighter bridge where you can learn more about the shipping traffic on the Detroit River as some are even passing by.

Doug Boyce

Cool nautical museum for the great lakes

Sylvia Heggen

Much more interesting than i thought it would be! The outside doesn't do it justice! I had no real interest in learning about boats or the Detroit river, but this was entertaining and informative for all ages!

Oliver Warne

This is a great little museum! Check online for hours, it's not open every day. There is no admission fee, but there is a donation box and gift shop. The museum.features artifacts from large great lakes vessels such as travel liners and cargo ships. They have the recovered anchor from the Edmond Fitzgerald. They also have lots of exhibits on the history of Detroit and the surrounding areas. I love spending time at museums. If you do too, you'll love this one. It's on Belle Isle, so you can combine it with the aquarium or sightseeing since the museum won't take more than 1.5 -2 hours max.

Nikki Wolf

Outstanding museum about the history of the great lakes, focussing on Detroit and Belle Isle. Amazing exhibit on the Edmund Fitzgerald including authentic recordings of ship to shore communications during the direct aftermath of the sinking.

Harry Rohr

"Closed for private event."

Kathryn Wesserling

Great museum for the Great Lakes. A real gem on Belle Isle

J Chesney

Visually appealing educational and interactive walk through the history of water vessels and their value to the great lakes area. The museum is free but takes donations. Its a great tourist destination on the belle isle.

Michael Miller

Because it's real and historical and i the pepsi boat inside.

Maleah Derrick

Great experience! Informed helpful folks working there. Still under construction. Once we found a way in it was great. Entrance not clearly marked.

Gabriel Panoussi

Come see some of the great lakes history, take some time out of you day to learn what makes the lakes so unique

Sara Miller

No wait

Cara Chaffee

Great place, great people, wonderful history

Martha Nichols

Great place to go and bring the family to learn about our water ways and history of the Great Lakes. An added bonus great place to book for special occasions and intimate weddings, receptions and showers.

Terrance Vasquez

Very interesting place to take your kids and even for adults.

Jennifer Morikawa

Steve is amazing! He is the manager and have us the most informative tour. This place is a gem on belle island.

Lauren Hill

Check it out! Tons of fun stuff to see. Also a bunch of items on display from Bob-lo Island!

Jody SkyWalker

Cool museum. The whole experience is only about 20 minutes. If you have the option to go on a guided tour that's what I'd recommend.

Richard Gubin

Worth visiting. Its free. Basically who doesn't have idea about ships its very good.

michael perry

Great exhibit of local maritime history! would for sure go back.

Esther Paris

Visited on

Sarah Leszczynski (killaHuntress)

Good place for an event or weddings. Great for photos too.????

susan poma

Absolutely incredible museum with so much to do and see inside! Short films, photo ops in the amazing wooden structure they have restored and maintain with a healthy dose of Detroit maritime history! A MUST See when visiting this amazing island!

Julius Cantuba

Great time. My kids enjoyed ut very much. Friendly staff. Went as a little boy and still love to visit. Good times.

Bob Bunn

Very cool for such a small place.

Jerry Cunningham

Fantastic museum! Something interesting for everyone in the family!

Rj Schultz

Very educational and interactive. The exhibits are informative and fun for adults and children. I would definitely recommend swinging by and learning about the history of our Great Lakes while you're at Belle Isle.

mil patrick

Nice little museum that covers the shipping history of the Detroit River and the Great Lakes

Donald Stone

A unexpected pleasant place. Been going to Belle Isle since a kid and just noticed and randomly stopped in the Dossin museum and it was a nice place to visit!

Sabrina Wright

I was here for a wedding because they have a room you can reserve for special occasions and the place is really nice but it is small the room is a bit small with no dance floor but yet still nice for different occassions the mu

Candice Potts

First time seeing the additions outside the Museum and I was very pleased. It was nice to sit on the rocks and watch a freighter go by.

unsatisfied99

Reservation recommended

Larry Friesen

Dossin is one of a few great maritime museums scattered around the Great Lakes. It is small, but packed with exhibits from the Detroit area and allows you to experience a lake freighter pilot house via the old William Clay Ford.

kristina reed

No

JAy Person

Definitely some neat things to see and read about. The model freighter is a bonus!! It's worth the trip however it's really a one time thing. Very cool especially if you love freighters like I do!

Anastasiya Slaughter

Reservation recommended

mike birkle

Great place to spend a few hours.

q watkins

Very informative and kid friendly

Jason Goodin

Beautiful gothic room! Must see

Michelle Rebain

Definitely a nice venue to have weddings and receptions. Just attended and saw so much history inside the building❤ nice view off the lake as well!

Sharon Bell

Manager was very informative.

Nancy Sanchez

My son loved it!!!

Shawna Thompson

A 'don't miss' if you are in the island. Really cool. Kids would love. Small but interesting. FREE!

j buza

Very nicely done! They are in the middle of construction which will be really nice when they’re done.

Michaeline Powell

Wonderful museum full of information about the exploration and settlement of Detroit, Detroit as a trading post for furs and goods, and the exploration of the Great Lakes. It has a lot of cool nautical gadgets and lighthouse beacons. And it teaches a lot about cargo ships and the luxury cruise ships that once traveled the Detroit River.

Lisa Jacobson

Very educational partner from out of town not familiar with Detroit history enjoyed it very much we have grandson with us also had a good time

danmc4039

The ship room overlooking the Detroit river is worth the trip.

Jeff Wilson

Great informative museum with many hands on exhibits for children...no admission fees!

Chelsea Laing

Truly an awesome experience a lot of great history gorgeous woodworking inside the building itself a must seek

Rodney Bellamy

One of Detroit's understated jewels.

CARL HAUSCHULZ

An all around history of Detroit and the Great Lakes. Has a open pilot house to see what that view provided.

Josh Goldstein

Go to the end inside of the museum....that bridge was directly over the Edmund Fitzgerald!. Saw a 1,000 footer go right by while I was there!

Gail Watson

Awesome place to visit! Unbelievable views!

Danielle Wasek

This is a very nice place. Well worth the the time.

Rachel Schreiber

A must see words simply cannot describe it. I took my son there as a child and now take my granddaughter there

Brian Van Bibber

This is a fantastic place to spend time with whole family. There is something for every age. admission is free.

Carolee Giersdorf

Loved the fireplace and woodwork. Good inter-active activity for the kids.

Carrissa M

Was in awe of this place. I've never been there before and since I was only able to be there a short time, I will go back to do a full tour.

Jeffrey Hunt

A nice Museum for all ages. Free admission.

Robert Lemke

Very nice..clean family fun

Local Tour Guide

It was nice! It was a great location for the wedding! The bride and groom made a wonderful selection for their event!

Tessie Ethans

Love all the information about the great lakes

Andrea Grace

Love that part of the Museum was a ship. So much history.

Jason Nichols

This place is amazing. The staff is super friendly. They explained all kinds of nautical information. You should check this place out. Belle Isle is beautiful!

Shawn Kennedy

Lots of museum artifacts. Presentation of Edmond Fitzgerald history very informative

Mrs Sarah J Galassi

This is not a huge place but it is laid out very well. The lobby is set up like a captains cabin on an old galleon. It's quite nice.

ainna wright

The museum is great, it has fun things for kids to do and lots of history lessons for adults. It has a lot about the Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck, and the bridge of the William Clay Ford freighter to show what the deck is like on the river. Very nice displays of model ships from long ago are very interesting too.

Wendy Warner

Nice

Michael Macklin

This is a gorgeous museum filled with amazing facts and details about the Detroit River and the Great Lakes. This is a must visit!

Tonya H

Cool experience it was history rich and free admission. Please donate accordingly.

Katy moceri

Great place for the kid.... However the Belle Isle aquarium was closed

Serene Guilbault

Very interesting museum. A must for the Great Lakes buff.

Mike M

Absolutely clean and beautiful ???? loved the film played at this venue

Carolynn Krause

What a really wonderful museum. Hands on displays, informative and interactive. Very interesting and fun for all ages. Highly recommend this gem!

joshua auton

Pretty cool museum of Great Lakes history!

Virginia B Lee

I love this place, I wish it were open during the week though

Jayne Walsh

Beautiful and interesting museum. I loved that they passed out pens to use to push the exhibit buttons (because Covid). Entertaining for kids and adults

Michael Emshwiller

Wait time

Phillip Martin

Place where you get to see about history of boats in this area

Charmaine Ricks

Price for adult entry

Don Hirst

Bigger and nicer than expected. Enjoyed the interactive activities like the video game captaining a large ship

Jon Cav

Very nice space

Ross Desimone

Very clean, very educational, very nice!

Steven Myers

I used to come here as a child in the late 60's.If your into speedboats and steam ships freighters.this is your place.ive Haven't been here since 1971 but lot of remodeling and new exbits make this a good field trip or a family a good bet for your money. A Detroit Treat.enjoyed :-)

Earline Evans

Very nice, quaint, historical venue

Jerrold Bartholomew

Visited on

Phil L

Very cool place! Rich with history of Detroit & the river.

David Booth

Beautiful,Awesome Dossin Great Lakes Museum Downtown Detroit The Island on A Wonderful Sunny Day! I Was There At My Cousin Birthday, Graduation Party. . Summer Time "2019" Here Are Some Phots...

Better Days

Great museum. Museum manager was very helpful in explaining/pointing out different exhibits

Ed Fry

Very pleasantly suprized. I expected it to be nice and interesting, but small. Probably twice as big as I anticipated from front. Interactive exhibits for you and old. Highly recommended for anyone.

Hashitha Roshini

Much bigger than it looks, with some exceptional shipwreck salvage, miniatures, and a few interactive exhibits. The lighthouse glass is really neat.

Derrick Logan

Had our wedding here. The staff was very helpful. The scenery is amazing for any boat need. If you want to learn about the great lakes this is the place to go. Tons of information.

Remo DeSantis

The museum is great at presenting the maritime history of detroit. It is a great place to learn the past. Highly recommended to help kids learn through hands on.

Marion Perry

Good thing my brother in law Sean didn't go with us or he'd still be there reading.

Jan Gibes

Price for adult entry

Ryan Trudell

I have always loved Dossin's, I've been going there for since the early 90's. They did a job with the last renovation, plenty for the novice shipwatcher as well as for the veteran. Exhibits cover both personal and commercial maritime history in the Detroit area as well as the Great Lakes as a whole. Exhibits include the Miss Pepsi hydroplane; an anchor from the Edmund Fitzgerald lost in the Detroit river before the ship sunk in 1975; the Smoking Room from the passenger steamer City of Detroit III; and the pilothouse of the Steamer William Clay Ford. The staff there is very pleasant and knowledgeable. All together it makes a very enjoyable experience for people of all ages and walks of life!

Roland Carloni

Very hands on for kids but we enjoyed it too, would go again.

Shawana Anderson

Weekday

chris pociecha

If you enjoy boat history, or Great Lakes history, or Detroit history, this is a must see attraction.

Adena Gwirtz

Great opportunity to learn about history of the Detroit River and the Great Lakes. Kids and adults will enjoy it!

Ken Ashford

Awesome Place.

dennis probert

Loved it!!! Unable to enter it today, however, I've been there before

james claus

Great views of the river thru the periscope.

Brian branch

It's a good place to know information about seaways history. There is an original captains deck.

Connie Young

Went to a retitement party here, such a beautiful setting, lots of history and just a pleasure it was to see something interesting about Michigan history that I had never seen before...beautiful place!

Julia B (xdovex)

Although small and doesn’t have much in it, it is fun to see some ship equipments.

Viola Dues

Very interesting and informative guided tour. Even without the docent, it is well-worth a visit!

Leif Hoganson

All my 2 year old son talked about a week before going here was the octopus he had seen advertised on their website. We paid a bazillion dollars for tickets for three (with the Legoland package). As soon as we arrived, the woman informed me at the front counter that the octopus had passed but a new one was on order. I couldn't turn around at that point since I'd already prepaid for our tickets. My 2yo was very sad when he didn't see an octopus in the tank (which was being renovated the day we were there). He couldn't stop staring at the empty tank. I feel like I wasted my money because I still have to go back (one day) just to see their octopus.

Joan Bates

Nice museum. And free

Bill Roberts

Free

Greg Zimmerman

Wonderful. Volunteers keep this museum running and are kind and helpful. I brought my 1 and 3 year old and they loved it.

Daniel Babbitt

Very nice free museum!

Todd Sanchez

i didn't know this place existed until 2 weeks ago. it was like walking onto a real boat. kids of all ages would enjoy this place. my niece and I had fun pretending we were the captain and taking pic as we exit the boat. walking on the top was like being on the water. that took me by surprise when i walked up the stirs and seen the water for the first time, it was an awesome sight.

John Dyer

Steve was Great very knowledgeable.

Patricia Muhammad

Extremely impressive museum... so clean, and a great staff

John Burke

Nice place and friendly, knowledgeable people. Can' t wait to see the new remodeling of the museum.

Unknown Unknown

Me and my grandson loved this. The hands-on ship controls in the pilots room was an actual setup, the videos, everything was brought to life. My 7 yr old wants to return and learn more about the large Great Lakes Freighters. He got to steer a Freighter through the water. I am his new hero now, while he made me feel like i was a 7 yr old and not my actual 75 yrs old. His 12 yr old brother now wants to go .... guess who will be returning. I'm ready, just a wee bit tired now, lol.

Gabrielle Toupin

Phenomenal maritime museum that I never knew existed. There's interactive components and a pilot house that was taken off of a freighter and connected to the museum. Offers a cool view over the water! Awesome place, will definitely be there again!

Margaret Thompson

Wait time

DTWMTX 2011

Great place to go! Very cool exhibits and very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Fun for all ages. Close to other attractions on Belle Isle, aquarium, and gardens. Could spend the whole day out here.

Betty Hamilton

Great place to visit and learn about Michigan's nautical history.

Jason Hutchinson

I love history and its pretty in there..i been there before for the Edmund Fitzgerald tribute event about a little over 15 years ago

Patrick Bernhardt

Really nice museum on Belle Isle. Worthy of a visit if you are in Detroit. Not too big, so it can be done in an hour or two. Lots of history relating to Great Lakes Shipping. Almost always someone available to talk about ships on the lakes. The gentleman on all of our visits can tell you when a ship will be passing the museum on the Detroit River in case you want to watch. When we were there, a 1,000 foot vessel was transiting the river.

Leeanne Buckley

Upon entering, you're greeted by a massive room with elegant wood carvings. The museum itself is small but it's packed with informative things to see about travel and shipping on the great lakes. ADMISSION IS FREE. There is plenty to see including the pilot house from a actual freighter. It sure is worth the drive

Gerald Zydek

Great experience. An abundance of information on the shipbuilding from Detroit to Trenton including the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Liam Kane

Lots of neat nautical history, you will learn a lot about the old ships that sailed the Detroit river and the great lakes. Presented very well!!!!

nancy mcfall

Nice place alot of history. Lots of things for kids to see and learn. Friendly staff.

Faith Lozano

Free, small museum, with a great knowledgeable staff. If you are at Bell Isle spend a few minutes here. It's worth your time.

Myra Tucker

Lots of interactive exhibits and informative little documentaries. Definitely good for the whole family. Be sure to donate or pick up something at the gift shop because the whole place is run on donations.

Daniel Krause

Awesome place or boat enthusiasts young and old

Willie Williams

Visited this place for the first time today. I have been to Belle Isle numerous times but i've never taken the time to go in. I was pleasantly surprised with the displays and exhibits. Although I think there should have been more about the Native Americans. There was a small exhibit in a corner maybe 1-2 rooms in the museum. I enjoyed the display of the Edmond Fitzgerald and how the William Clay Ford vessel played a role in the search for the sunken ship. To hear the actual radio conversation during the search was chilling. I learned a lot about the Great Lakes and Belle Isle today.

Bethany Bates

This was a fun museum. Lots of fun and educational exhibits and activities.

TessieSilverPaws

Free and a must stop on Belle Isle. Very well done inside..definitely worth the stop. Between the beautiful woodwork apon entrance and the cabin of the ship Benson Ford overlooking the Detroit river I loved it!

carl gregory

Really enjoyed the experience, also staff members were very knowledgable, I remember as a kid in the back seat looking at miss Pepsi thinking awesome.

Michelle Martyn

Awesome museum and a great place to watch boats go by.

PATRICIA Schuh-Harris

Nice but the souvenirs are so over priced.

P Mac

Was a great day with the kids and grandkids

Dwight Labadie

Pretty cool place to see

Joy Valko

I attended a wedding here and just had to come back and enjoy the museum while I was still in Michigan. Would definitely recommend coming here.

Lisha Kilgus

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is a small museum with huge history. There are so many cool tidbits about the museum. Parts of the museum are from real ships that operated in the area. I've been there 3 or 4 times and learn something new every time. Plus it's free to go in!!!

Shirley Stasinski

SOOOO much history and great docents!!!! Very informative displays and movie!

Lateefah Dixon

Dossin Museum is a true gem! Watching freighters pass by is one thing. To go to Dossin Museum and get a thorough understanding of the "in's and out's" about Great Lakes freighters gives you a better appreciation for the big boats! For the young and the young at heart, step inside the wheelhouse of the William Clay Ford. This is a historic wheelhouse to visit since the Ford was one of a few freighters that traversed in stormy Lake Superior searching for the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Beverly J Johnson

Wonderfull environment. Nice picnic spots around.

e l

Staff was very friendly and loved the info

M Bayram

Had a wonderful time . We learned a lot of maritime history.

Robert Coffey

Price for adult entry

Roger Taylor

Very neat lil museum . I love Belle Isle

Michael Reynolds

Beautiful woodworks, exhibits, and Boblo Memories area

lori hodorek

Covid safe, spaced apart visitation, Lovely and informative displays, they provided a stylist to make sure you could engage the talking displays by pressing the buttons with the stylist provided. Very fun and safe.

Sandy LaCourse

Wonderful interactive exhibits with tons of information about the history of the Great Lakes. Highly recommended, and completely free. Great fun for the family!

April Harman

Attended a private party here. It's a beautiful museum.

Michael Cleaver

Very informative! Enjoyed the recording of the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald.