Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center

Where Every Meeting and Event is SPECIAL!

Looking for a unique venue with excellent customer service and technical support to host your next business meeting or training? Perhaps you need a fun and interesting place to entertain a group of young children, teenagers, colleagues, or family and friends for a birthday, wedding, graduation, or retirement party? The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center may be just the place for your next special event or meeting!

Our meeting rooms are bright and well maintained with convenient access to a comfortable 93-seat movie theater, multiple restrooms, and extra space for setting up food and drink service without disrupting your party. During breaks, your group can explore our impressive shipwreck museum exhibits on two levels, including a full-size, animated ship, the Western Hope, as it navigates through a treacherous storm. Or you can step outside and enjoy the beautiful Thunder Bay River and the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail, all just a short walk to downtown restaurants and shops.

To top off your special event, book a guided cruise on the Lady Michigan glass-bottom boat and experience Lake Huron’s underwater shipwreck museum. With a seating capacity of 80, your guests are sure to have an experience to remember!

Please contact our booking manager at friends@thunderbayfriends.org, to make your reservation.

Conference Room

(max seating for 12) – $100/half day, $200/full day, $100/first hour and $50/hour each additional hour (outside of business hours)

The 200 square-foot conference room offers the perfect setting for events for up to 12 people. Use this space for a small business meeting, or as a preparation area separate from a larger rental using the Education Room or Roof Deck.

Features:

  • 55″ LED TV
  • Apple TV installed
  • Video conference capabilities
  • Conference phone
  • Free high speed WiFi
  • Coffee/water service available (ask for rates)

Education Room

(max seating for 72) – $100/half day, $200/full day, $100/first hour and $50/hour each additional hour (outside of business hours)

With 1,600 square feet that can be arranged into a variety of seating styles, the Education Room can accommodate groups as large as 72 for theater-style presentations. This room is conveniently located on our main level and overlooks the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail and Thunder Bay River. Use this space for your next business meeting, reception, or birthday party! The Education Room comes with the free use of 1.5’ X 6’ tables (chairs included). Cocktail tables are available for rent.

Features:

  • Podium and microphone
  • Overhead projector
  • PC available
  • Conference phone
  • Free high speed WiFi
  • Includes use of 1.5′ x 6′ tables and chairs (cocktail tables available for rent)
  • Coffee/water service available (ask for rates)

Theater

(max seating for 93) – $100/half day, $200/full day, $$100/first hour and $50/hour each additional hour (outside of business hours)

The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center’s theater features state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and can accommodate groups of up to 93 people. This is the perfect space for your next workshop, seminar, or workplace training.

Features:

  • Podium and microphone
  • HDMI and VGA inputs
  • Conference phone
  • Free high speed WiFi
  • Includes use of 1.5′ x 6′ tables and chairs (cocktail tables available for rent)
  • Popcorn service available (ask for rates)
  • Coffee/water service available (ask for rates)

Exhibit Space

$200 per hour (booking manager discretion for non-profit groups)

The Exhibit Space provides a sprawling indoor venue for your next wedding reception or rehearsal dinner of up to 150 people. The 10,000 square-foot space includes a full-size replica of a Great Lakes schooner and is equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. The space comes with the free use of 1.5’ X 6’ tables (chairs included). Cocktail tables are available for rent.

Features:

  • Podium and microphone
  • Overhead projector
  • HDMI and VGA inputs
  • Audio inputs
  • Free high speed WiFi
  • Includes use of 1.5′ x 6′ tables and chairs (cocktail tables available for rent)
  • Coffee/water service available (ask for rates)

Roof Deck Garden

(max seating for 50) – $100/half day, $200/full day, $100/first hour and $50/hour each additional hour (outside of business hours)

The Roof Deck offers 2,500 square feet of outdoor space with a panoramic view of the Thunder Bay River and downtown Alpena. The Deck is ideal for receptions or graduation parties and is located on the second floor of the Museum.

  • no furniture included*, built-in benches available* If furniture is needed; rental rates are $5/table and $1/chair.