Local Tourist -- The National Museum of the Great Lakes

This stretches the whole concept of "Local" in the Local Tourist, but Toledo is only about an hour away, so I will accept it.

The Local Tourist took a trip to the National Museum of the Great Lakes on the banks of the Maumee River.  Sadly, the retired Great Lakes freighter, Col. James M. Schoonmaker, was not open for the season just yet, but the rest of the museum was very impressive.  We spent close to four hours there, with a lot to read through.  There were also many exhibits which were able to keep Peter entertained for quite a while.  The stories about the progression of settling the Great Lakes region, the increase of shipping, the Great Lakes involvement of war efforts, and shipwrecks were very well done.  This place is worth your visit!

They also had a few items from the Edmund Fitzgerald, including oars and life raft, a life preserver, and a sounding board.  Apparently there are items from the Fitzgerald spread around quite a few places (e.g., Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and Whitefish Point, MI).  Gordon Lightfoot was quoted but not heard in Toledo.

After our time at the museum, we traveled just a few blocks north on Front Street to the original Tony Packo's Cafe for some great food.  We also entertained the kids by showing them the stars' buns on the walls.  (If you've been there, you know.  Or scroll down for an explanation.)

Anyway, here are a few photos.  Enjoy!

Lunch at Tony Packo's.  Note the autographed hot dog buns on the walls.