Ship Models

The Inland Seas Maritime Museum's exhibits include a world-class display of ship models of all types. The collection includes tug boats, passenger liners, sailing vessels, bulk carriers, and others, ranging in size from 68 feet to over 700 feet. The models themselves range from a mere 10 inches long to over 6 feet long!

Below are just a few examples of the models on display. Each model includes placards that describe the vessel and its background information, as well as any interesting events that occurred throughout the vessel's life!

JAMES B. COLGATE   Vessel Type: Whaleback steamer Year Built: 1892 Length, Width, Draft: 308' x 38' x 24' 1,713 gross tons   This model is a fine example of an Alexander McDougal designed Whaleback. The COLGATE foundered 18 miles southwest of Long Point in Lake Erie on October 20, 1916. Only Captain Walter Grashaw survived.

CLIFFS VICTORY The Cleveland-Cliffs Steamship Co.   Vessel Type: Bulk cargo carrier Year Built: 1945/1950 Length, Width, Draft: 604' x 62' x 34' 9,305 gross tons   Built in 1945 as the VC2-S-AP3 class "Victory" cargo vessel, NOTRE DAME VICTORY was converted to a Great Lakes bulk cargo carrier in 1950 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Co. in Baltimore, MD. She was towed to Chicago via the Mississippi River and completed by American Ship Building Co.

NORTH LAND Northern Steamship Company   Vessel Type: Passenger steamer Year Built: 1895 Length, Width, Draft: 358.42' x 44' x 23.16' 4,244 gross tons   The NORTH LAND operated between Chicago and Buffalo, from June through late September. In 1919, she was sold and cut into two pieces at Buffalo and was towed to Montreal, Quebec. Plans to convert and operate her as an ocean liner or troop ship never materialized. She laid in her dock until 1921, when she was dismantled and scrapped.

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