The museum specializes in the maritime history of the state of Michigan and the lake of the same name.

Visitors can often take rides on a 2004-reconstructed War of 1812-era topsail sloop used in the North American fur trade, the 47-ton Friends Good Will.

[1] A seamanship training course is offered to members who, upon completion, may join its crew and sail during May to September.

Four other ships and boats make up the rest of the museum's on-water fleet.

[3] On static display outside are the restored 1923 tugboat Wilhelm Baum, donated in 2016,[4] and the Evelyn S., a 1939-built 50 feet (15 m) wooden gill net fish tug.