The Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum

Visitors to the popular lakeside town of Muskegon often have stories to rave about. Trips to the historic Hackley and Hume homes, the annual Muskegon Summer Celebration and the clean golden beaches are continually praised. A site that isn't spoken of as often actually actually delivers just the same or even more value for most visitors! This attraction is the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum. It's highlights are as follows:

The Silversides:
Easily the most popular drawing point of GLNMM is the USS Silversides, a WWII submarine that served in the Pacific. The sub is highly decorated and is actually the most successful US submarine that is still afloat. Out of all of the Submarines that served the United States in WWII it ranks third in total tonnage sunk. Only one serviceman, Mike Harbin, was killed aboard the submarine when he was struck by enemy gunfire. Also, an appendectomy was performed on the Sliversides while it was deployed at sea. This account is portrayed in the movie DestinationTokyo. Another interesting fact concerning movies and the Silversides: the movie Below was filmed aboard the sub. An overnight program is offered on the sub. Groups can arrange ahead of time to tour the sub, sleep on it and check out the museum and gift shop.

The McLane:

The McLane is a Coast Guard Cutter that was comissioned in the 1920's. She served along the coast of Alaska performing duties against bootleggers during Prohibition and search and rescue endeavors. She also served in WWII, like the Silversides, and is generally credited with sinking a Japanese submarine, although that claim is sometimes disputed because of conflicting reports.

The Museum:

The Museum itself is a brand new facility that offers plenty of exhibits, artifacts, displays, graphics, mementos and even houses a theater and gift shop. Admission to the Museum is offered to the public seven days a week from ten o'clock to five thirty.

The Gift Shop:

The GLNMM Gift Shop offers plenty of souvenirs, snacks and trinkets to keep visitors to the museum handy. Anyone looking for gifts for friends and family or keepsakes to remember their visit by should consider a stop in the gift shop a must.

The ROV Program:

The GLNMM offers a Remote Operated Vessel program in which groups can attend classes on underwater robotics and even have a chance to build their own. They are also presented with the opportunity to use a remote operated vessel equipped with a surveillance camera to explore a shipwreck just off of the Muskegon channel.

As you can see, the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum has plenty to offer. Stop by sometime for a visit that is not only incredibly entertaining, but also offers great historical and educational opportunities!