Special Events

LSMMA is always working to coordinate and help promote exciting and informative special maritime and maritime related events.  Check this website often for updates!

Exciting Upcoming Special Events:

Happening Now - Sleep with the Sharks at Minnesota Sea Life in Bloomington, MN
Every Friday and Saturday night groups 15 or more can participate in an overnight adventure at Minnesota Sea Life.  The adventure includes a behind-the-scenes tour, night hike through the aquarium, pizza party, light breakfast, souvenir spotter’s guide, t-shirt and more!  Call 952-853-0612 or Visit www.visitsealife.com/minnesota.

Every Tuesday from 10am to noon – March 27 – Toddler Tuesdays at Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, MN
Toddlers and adults explore Great Lakes Aquarium exhibits using their senses and age-appropriate activities.  SPECIAL PRICE: Adults/$5; Youth (ages 3-12)/$2; Children (under age 3)/Free.  For more information call 218-740-FISH or visit www.glaquarium.org

Every Wednesday from 4pm - 4:30pm - March 28 – Sturgeon Storytime at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, MN
Join the staff at the Great Lakes Aquarium for a hands-on activity and a story from 4pm to 4:30pm.  All ages welcome with an adult.  Regular admission fees apply.  For more information call 218-740-FISH or visit www.glaquarium.org.

Every Saturday from 12:30pm - 1pm - March 31 – Saturday Science at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, MN
Come explore and experiment in the Great Lakes Aquarium's science lab on Saturdays from 12:30pm to 1pm.  All ages welcome with an adult.  A new topic will be featured each week.  Regular admission fees apply.  For more information call 218-740-FISH or visit www.glaquarium.org.

Special Free LSMMA Event!
Thursday, February 9 – LSMMA presents “Modern Viking Voyages of the Leif Erikson & Roald Amundsen Ships”
Knife River, MN resident, Randy Ellestad, will share details about Duluth’s Viking ship, its colorful history and remarkable voyage as it battles with the elements, city hall and its future.  The first of the 2012 Evening Entertainment Series programs will be held at Canal Park Lodge, 250 Canal Park Drive in Duluth from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Admission and parking are free!  For more information call 218-727-2497.

Friday, February 10 – Saturday, February 11, 2012 – Great Lakes Music & Shanty Festival in Kingston, Ontario
This two-day event coordinated by the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston, Ontario will take place at the Confederation Place Hotel and include displays of maritime art and heritage ship knot work.  Shanty signing workshops will precede the festival. For more information call 613-542-2261 or visit www.marmuseum.ca.

Wednesday, February 15 – Sunday, February 19 – The 46^th annual Duluth Boat, Sport, Travel and RV Show in Duluth, MN
The annual Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV Show will feature the latest in boats, family travel information, plus tackle, fishing and hunting camps, sporting equipment, motorcycles, RV's, campers and recreational vehicles too.  Adult admission $9 and kids under 5 are free.  The show will be held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.  For more details visit www.shamrockprod.com.

Special Free LSMMA Event!
Thursday, February 16- LSMMA presents "Steve Haverty and the Great Lakes Steamship Society"
Learn from the founding member of the Great Lakes Steamship Society, Steve Haverty, how this organization strives to preserve maritime heritage of the Great Lakes and focuses on its current special project the JB Ford.  This Evening Entertainment Series program will be held at Canal Park Lodge, 250 Canal Park Drive in Duluth from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Admission and parking are free!  For more information call 218-727-2497.

Thursday, February 16 – The Wisconsin Marine Historical Society presents “Steamboat History” in Milwaukee, WI
Owner of BB Riverboats, Alan Bernstein, will present “Steamboat History” at the Hilton Milwaukee River, 4700 North Port Washington, RD, Gledale, WI.  This program, coordinated by the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society, begins at 6pm followed by dinner and presentation.  Reservations required.  For more details call 414-286-3074 or visit www.wmhs.org.

Friday, February 17 – Sunday, February 19 – Our World Underwater in Rosemont, IL
The Chicago based consumer dive show, held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, is open to the general public.  For more information about exhibitors, in-depth workshops, children’s programs, art fair, silent auction, hours and ticket prices visit www.ourworldunderwater.com.

Saturday, February 18 – Monday, September 3 – “Real Pirates” at the Science Museum of Minnesota, an exhibition from National Geographic
See the world’s first exhibition of authentic pirate treasure in “Real Pirates” in St. Paul, Minnesota.  The interactive exhibition reveals the “Golden Age of Piracy” and tells the true story of the Whydah – a slave ship turned pirate ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cold nearly 300 years ago.  For ticket information call 651-221-9444 or visit www.smm.org/pirates.

Special Free LSMMA Event!
Thursday, February 23 – Kris Reichenbach presents “Wildfire in a Wild Land”
Join us as Kris Reichenbach of the US Forest Service shares photographs and information about the Pagami Creek Wildfire that burned more than 145 square miles of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota.  Learn how the fire got started, what was destroyed, and lessons learned from the experience.  This Evening Entertainment Series program will be held at Canal Park Lodge, 250 Canal Park Drive in Duluth from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Admission and parking are free!  For more information call 218-727-2497.

Saturday, February 25 – Upper Midwest Scuba and Adventure Travel Show in Minneapolis, MN
Attention divers!  The annual Upper Midwest Scuba and Adventure Travel Show will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Brooklyn Center, MN.  This all-day event features educational sessions focused on maritime history, Great Lakes treasures, scuba and snorkeling, shipwreck archeology, adventure travel, an exciting trade show and opportunity to learn more about the Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society.  Special guest presentation by Dr. Mark Wilde "The Discovery of Blackbeard's Ship: Queen Anne's Revenge."  Tickets required.  For more details call 612-516-9070 or visit www.glsps.org.

Saturday, February 25 – Chicago Maritime Festival in Chicago, IL
The windy city’s annual maritime festival, sponsored by the Chicago Maritime Society and the Chicago Historical Society, will take place at the Chicago History Museum and includes seminars, workshops, exhibits and live music.  For more information visit www.chicagomaritimefestival.org.

Saturday, February 25 – Great Lakes Shipwreck Festival in Ann Arbor, MI
The festival, which will be held at the Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes three breakout rooms featuring hourly film presentations on shipwreck history, dive education, an exhibit area, food, music and more!  Details can be found at www.shipwreckfestival.org.

Friday, March 2 – Sunday, March 4 – The 21^st annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby in Wawa, Ontario
Enjoy a weekend of Wawa hospitality outdoors, and watch winners obtain over $100,000 in prizes.  Derby applications are still being accepted.  For more information visit www.wawaicefishingderby.com.

Sunday, March 4 – Wisconsin Marine Historical Society presents “Soul of a Port:  The History and Evolution of the Port of Milwaukee” in Milwaukee, WI
Meet author Leah Dobkin at enjoy a presentation at 2 p.m. at the Milwaukee’s Central Library, 814 West Wisconsin Avenue.  This program is coordinated by the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society.  For more details call 414-286-3074 or visit www.wmhs.org.

Thursday, March 8 – Friday, March 9 – The St Louis River Estuary Science Summit at the University of WI-Superior
Come learn about the natural environment and what research is being conducted on, in, and around the St. Louis River.  Undergraduate students are encouraged to attend.  Registration is free, please register by March 2. For more details visit www.lsnerr.uwex.edu/slrss/main.html.

Thursday, March 8 – Sunday, May 27 – “Simply Beautiful” Exhibit by Annie Griffiths at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, MN
Minnesota-born international photographer, Annie Griffiths, was one of the first women to work for National Geographic.  The exhibit includes archives from the most prolific collection of photographs in the world.  For more information regarding admission cost and hours visit www.minnesotamarineart.org or call 507-474-6626.

Special Free LSMMA Event!
Thursday, March 15 – "Antarctica in Black and White:  Snow, Ice and Penguins"
Jill and Koresh Lakhan, will share information and incredible photos of a recent international trip to Antarctica, which is home to 90 percent of all the world’s ice and 70 percent of all the world’s fresh water.  Come learn fascinating details about the highest, driest, windiest, emptiest and coldest place on earth.  This Evening Entertainment Series winter program will be held at Canal Park Lodge, 250 Canal Park Drive in Duluth from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Admission and parking are free!  For more information call 218-727-2497 or visit www.lsmma.com.

Special Free LSMMA Event!
Thursday, March 22 – LSMMA presents "Darby Nelson For the Love of Lakes” Presentation and Book Signing
Minnesota aquatic ecologist, professor emeritus, Anoka-Ramsey Community College and conversation activist, Darby Nelson, weaves a delightful tapestry of history, science, and emotion in his book “For the Love of Lakes”.  You’re invited to learn more about this thoughtful publication which addresses the stewardship void while providing improved understanding of the most treasured natural feature.  After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to meet the author and purchase a signed book. This Evening Entertainment Series program will be held at Canal Park Lodge, 250 Canal Park Drive in Duluth from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Admission and parking are free!  For more information call 218-727-2497 or visit www.lsmma.com.

Thursday, March 22 – Blessing of the Fleet at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth, MN
The Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers, lead by Tom Anderson, will deliver the Blessing of the Fleet beginning at 4:30 pm in the lecture hall at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center at 600 South Lake Avenue in historic Canal Park in Duluth.  The program is free and open to the general public.  For more information call 218-727-5897. 

Friday, March 23 – Lake Superior Binational Forum to host public meeting in Ashland, WI
The Lake Superior Binational Forum will host a public meeting on Friday, March 23 at the AmericInn on State Hwy 2 East in Ashland, WI.  The session titled “Mining Impacts and Lake Superior:  A Basinwide Perspective” will focus on the economic, environmental and social impacts of the mining industry around the basin.  A meeting agenda is posted on the website.  For more information contact Lissa Radke at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College at 715-682-1489 or visit www.superiorforum.org.

Sunday, March 25 – Friday, October 19 – “Lighthouses and Legends” Exhibit at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, MN
This exhibit, drawn from the Burrichter/Kierlin Marine Art Collection, features one of the finest collections of art inspired by water. The exhibition includes diverse historic and contemporary works of lighthouses, as well as stories that relate to seafaring life and legendary events. Represented artists are Edward Moran, William Frederick De Haas, and Canadian marine artist Jack Gray.  For more information regarding admission cost and hours visit www.minnesotamarineart.org or call 507-474-6626.

Friday, April 13 - Saturday, April 14 – Ghost Ship Festival, Milwaukee, WI
Save the date!  The Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation will host the 2012 annual Ghost Ship Festival at the Wyndham Hotel and Convention Center in Milwaukee, WI.  This event promotes the diving industry and Great Lakes shipwreck diving.  For more details visit www.ghost-ships.com or contact Kimm at 414-771-7291.

Saturday, April 14 – Wisconsin Underwater Archeological Association’s (WUAA) Shipwreck Site Survey Workshop
This annual workshop will be held in Milwaukee.  Registration required.  For more details visit www.wuaa.org. 

Saturday, April 14- Annual Launch Party & Book Signing for “Know Your Ships” in Port Huron, MI
Meet author, Roger LeLievre, and purchase the latest edition of “Know Your Ships” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron, MI.  For more information visit www.achesonventures.com.

Saturday, April 28 – Sunday, April 29 - SS Meteor Spring Work Weekend in Superior, WI
All hands on deck!  Help maintain the world’s last whaleback ship designed by Captain Alexander McDougall.  If you can volunteer, contact the Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society at pkerber@glsps.org or the Superior Public Museums at 715-394-5712.

Special Free LSMMA Event!
Attention!  Evening Entertainment Series spring programs return to the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center at 600 South Lake Avenue in historic Canal Park in Duluth

Thursday, May 3 – Jack Salmela presents “Of Vikings and Voyageurs”
Duluth local and author, Jack Salmela, shares historic details of how northeastern Minnesota could easily have wound up being part of Canada.  Plus, learn how Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Jay negotiated the border through today’s Boundary Waters for the Treaty of Paris in 1783.  The free program begins at 7 p.m. followed by an opportunity to meet the author, purchase his books, and get them signed.  The May 3 program is the first Evening Entertainment Series program for the spring season to be held in the lecture hall at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.  For more information call 218-727-2497.

Special Free LSMMA Event!
Thursday, May 10 – James Stevens presents “Wild on the Superior Frontier”
Canadian author, James Stevens’, newest publication “Wild on the Superior Frontier” describes how the opening of the Michigan State Canal in 1855 impacted history as it brought thousands of immigrants seeking new lives and opportunities to the upper Midwest.  Learn how access by boat in the cold aqueous North America challenged captains and passengers with furious deadly weather.  The program begins at 7 p.m. followed by an opportunity to meet the author, purchase copies of his books, and get them signed.  The May 10 program Evening Entertainment Series program will be held in the lecture hall at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.  Admission is free.  For more information call 218-727-2497.

Thursday, May 17 – Sunday, August 12 – “Birds of America:  Rare Prints by John James Audubon” at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) in Winona, MN
One of the most significant and rare books in American history is coming to the MMAM. During his career, adventurous artistic and scientific genius John James Audubon depicted almost 500 of the approximate 700 regularly occurring bird species in America in theatrical detail. Because of the extreme rarity and fragility of these original volumes of Birds of America, MMAM staff will perform a weekly page turning, so repeat visitors can experience many of the originals.  For more information regarding admission cost and hours visit www.minnesotamarineart.org or call 507-474-6626.

Sunday, May 20 – Superior Public Museums Season Opener in Superior, WI
The SS Meteor, Old Firehouse and Police Museum open for the season.  For hours and admission details contact Superior Public Museums at www.superiorpublicmuseums.org or call 715-394-5712.

Monday, May 28 – Moose Lake Area Historical Society features “Veterans Remembers”
Plan to attend this free event at 11 a.m. at The Depot Annex in Moose Lake, MN to show your appreciation for all who have served in the military on land and at sea.  Refreshments will be provided.  For directions and more details call 218-485-4679.

Friday, June 1– Summer Gallery Stroll in historic Canal Park in Duluth, MN
Be sure to visit Blue Lake Gallery, Sivertson’s Gallery and Waters of Superior as their venues feature maritime and maritime related art.  The gallery stroll is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  For more details, call 218-725-0034.

Saturday, June 2 - Sunday, June 3 – Les Voigt State Fish Hatchery Outdoor Extravaganza just outside Bayfield, WI
Learn how a fish hatchery works, about fly-typing, casting and fishing regulations as well as details about the Apostle Island area.  Be sure to view the 4,000 galloon aquarium with 12-14 pound rainbow trout and splake.  For more details call 715-779-4021 or visit www.dnr.wi.gov/fish/hatchery/lesvoigt.

Saturday, June 9 – Split Rock Lighthouse Open House in Two Harbors, MN
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. enjoy the beauty and history of Minnesota’s North Shore during an open house at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and the historic site, which both offer free admission. Tours of the light station will be offered, and a film about early shipping industry on Lake Superior and exhibits on the North Shore’s tourism and commercial fishing industries are available in the Visitor Center. For more information call 218-226-6372 or visit www.splitrocklighthouse.org.

Sunday, June 24 – Thursday, June 28 – Great Lakes Lighthouse Keeper’s Association’s (GLLKA) Lake Superior Islands Excursion
The 4 day, 5 night excursion across the southern shore of Lake Superior includes overnights in Marquette and Hancock with water views of 32 lighthouses including Manitou, Gull Rock, Grand Island North, Manitou, Stannard Rock, Huron Island, Granite Island, Caribou Island and Ile Parisienne.  For more information contact GLLK at 231-436-5580 or visit www.gllka.org.

Monday, June 25 – Friday, August 3 – Great Lakes Lighthouse Keeper’s Association (GLLKA) presents day trips to St. Helena Island light station
Board a boat in Mackinaw City, pass beneath the Mackinac Bridge, enjoy lunch at the lighthouse, explore the light station and island returning around 4 p.m.  For more information contact GLLK at 231-436-5580 or visit www.gllka.org.

Friday, June 29 – Engineer’s Day at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste Marie, MI
Watch boats from areas usually off-limits to the public and tour historic lock buildings.   Gathering includes a picnic and freighter-chasing cruise.  Fore more details visit www.boatnerd.com.

Saturday, June 30 – The 26^th annual International Bridge Walk in Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Maritime enthusiasts can see spectacular views of the Soo Locks and marine traffic as they participate in the 2.5 mile walk across the St. Mary’s River from Michigan to Ontario, Canada.  For more information visit www.saultstemarie.com or call the Salt Ste. Marie CVB at 906-632-3366. 

Friday, July 6 - Summer Gallery Stroll in historic Canal Park in Duluth, MN
Be sure to visit Blue Lake Gallery, Sivertson’s Gallery and Waters of Superior as their venues feature maritime and maritime related art.  The gallery stroll is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  For more details, call 218-725-0034.

Friday, July 6 – DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society’s “Evening Under the Stars” Event
The DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society in Drummond Island, MI seeks volunteers to help plan and coordinate the annual fundraising event, Evening Under the Stars.  The event will be held on the shore at Bayside Dining.  If you can help, contact Ann Method Green at 906-493-6303 or email pr@drlps.com.

Friday, July 20 - Saturday, July 22 – The annual Thunder Bay Dragon Boat Race Festival in Thunder, Bay, Canada
The Thunder Bay paddlesport event of the summer promotes healthy lifestyles, fosters team building and give corporations, organizations and families an opportunity to develop community leadership.  For more information and details about race time visit www.thunderbaydragonboat.com.

Saturday, July 28 – The 14^th annual Wooden Boat Festival in Superior, WI
Held at Barker’s Island Marina in Superior, WI, the event is the largest wooden and classic boat show on Lake Superior.  The 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. show features vintage and new boats of all kinds – pulling boats, power boats, sailing boats, canoe and kayaks.  Fore more information visit www.stewartriver.com.

Friday, August 3 - Summer Gallery Stroll in historic Canal Park in Duluth, MN
Be sure to visit Blue Lake Gallery, Sivertson’s Gallery and Waters of Superior as their venues feature maritime and maritime related art.  The gallery stroll is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  For more details, call 218-725-0034.

Friday, August 17 – Sunday, August 19 – The 30^th annual Wawa Salmon Derby in Wawa, Ontario
Wawa’s superior sporting event, headquartered at Buck’s Marina, features activities for the whole family as well as $5,000 in cash for the largest salmon.  Early bird registration available until July 13.  For more details call 705-856-4488 or visit www.wawasalmonderby.com.

Saturday, August 18 – Military Vehicle Show at the Richard Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, WI
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. see rare and lovingly restored military vehicles from regional collectors as well as active-duty US Army equipment. Get up close and personal with jeeps, trucks, armored Humvees, the M4 Sherman tank and many other interesting examples on military vehicles. Special admission price the day of the show includes access to the show display area AND the Center’s museum galleries! Food and beverage vendors will be on-site. $7 adults/$5 children 12-17.  For more details call 715-392-7151 or visit www.bvhcenter.org.

Friday, August 24 – Saturday, August 25 – The annual Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival in Superior, WI
Celebrating 10 years of paddling, camaraderie and dedication to raising funds for area charitable and worthy organizations, the Lake Superior Dragon Boat festival is the multi-cultural Twin Ports fundraising event of the summer.  For more information about the event or to sign up call 218-260-9850 or visit www.lakesuperiordragons.com.

Wednesday, September 5 – Sunday, September 9 – Great Lakes Lighthouse Keeper’s Association (GLLKA) Easter Lake Ontario Excursion
The 4 day, 5 night excursion to the eastern basin of Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands includes a trip to Rock Island lighthouse, boat trips to Horse Island, view the lighthouse on Tibbetts Point, East Charity Shoal, Galloo Island, Rock Island and a trip on a WWII era tug boat.  For more information and to learn of costs contact GLLK at 231-436-5580 or visit www.gllka.org.

Saturday, September 8 – 4th Annual Lakewalk Festival
Save the date!  Family fun and activities for kids of all ages!  From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., explore Duluth’s most scenic walking and biking paths around Lake Superior while taking in great vistas of the big lake, wading and rock picking coupled with some easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment.  Kids can participate in a “treasurequest” and redeem special prizes at each event hub.  Be sure to visit the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center and LSMMA information booth.  Minnesota Sea Grant will be on site to share aquatic invasive species information.  Plus, the US Naval Sea Cadets Corp and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will distribute literature too.  Remember, all kid activities are free and family friendly!

   

Friday, October 12 – Sunday, October 14 – The 17^th annual Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival in Alpena, MI
Come join the fun at this annual 4-day event which includes lighthouse tours, entertainment and over 100 maritime related vendors showcase their product and services.  For more information visit www.lighthousefestival.org.

Thursday, November 10 – Annual Lighting of the Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, MN
Come join the annual lighting of the Split Rock beacon to commemorate the 1975 sinking of the freighter the Edmund Fitzgerald.  The tower as well as the signal building will be open from 12 noon to 6 p.m.  A film about the Fitzgerald will be shown in the Visitor Center theater throughout the afternoon.  The lighthouse will close temporarily at 4:30 p.m. while the names of the 29 lost Fitzgerald crew members are read to the tolling of a ship’s bell.  This annual event is the only time visitors can climb to the top of the tower and see the beacon lit and revolving.  Cost is $6 per person.  For more details visit www.mnhs.org/splitrock.