We all know & love the Great Lakes Science Center but have you had the chance to explore the Steamship William G. Mather that is an amazing part of it? This year is the perfect year to add it to your must-do list as 2025 marks 100 years of this iconic Great Lakes freighter that has stood as a testament to innovation, industry, & Cleveland’s manufacturing legacy.
In 2006, this historical vessel was acquired by Great Lake Science Center & it is such a neat way to learn more about what it was like to be aboard a Great Lakes freighter. How often have you seen similar ships out on the lake & wondered what it’s like inside?
When you first step inside, you’ll find a room dedicated to historical facts & photos along with some model displays. Then, it’s time to start your self-guided walking tour that takes you along all the nooks & crannies of the ship. Just an FYI, there are many steep staircases & narrow pathways so it is not stroller-friendly.
You’ll be able to explore the Mather from stem to stern & see its huge cargo holds, brass and oak pilot house, elegant guest quarters + its four-story engine room. See the captainโs quarters, where the crew members slept, & the galley where meals were prepared for the crew and guests.
Walk the decks overlooking the massive cargo doors & marvel at the โengineering firstsโ that helped the Mather transform Cleveland into a great industrial center. What’s great is there are guided arrows on the ground so you can never get lost! Although some rooms are roped off, be sure to look inside all of them to get a taste of life on one of the best steamships.
Other tours available are: a guided tour held daily at 12:30pm or register for a special Hard Hat Tour for a deeper look into the inner workings of the ship. Self-guided tours & the daily guided tour are available during normal operating hours. Guided tours are on a first-come, first-served basis – reservations are not required. Hard Hat Tours are held on select Saturdays/Sundays & requires advanced registration with a separate ticket.
For more information, visit: greatscience.com/explore/events-programs/mather-centennial-celebration
When you’re done on the Mather, hop back into the Great Lakes Science Center for their newest exhibit dedicated to the Mather – Steam & Steel: Propelling the Future of the Great Lakes which explores the past, present, and future of Great Lakes shipping and the contributions the Mather has made over the years. Through interactive displays, historic artifacts and hands-on activities this exhibition highlights the impact of steam power on shipping, the evolution of maritime technology, and the Matherโs legacy.
For more information on the Mather, visit: greatscience.com/explore/exhibits/william-g-mather-steamship
