Down on Milwaukee’s lakefront and sailing the “high seas” of the Great Lakes, you’ll find the S/V Denis Sullivan, the world’s only re-creation of a 19th century three-masted, Great Lakes schooner. This truly beautiful boat was built in Milwaukee by more than 400 volunteers. She’s not modeled on any one ship, but instead is an original design that represents the type of wind-powered boat that used to be common in our waters. The boat is truly stunning and you can sign up for anything from a two-hour ride to a week-long trip about this stunning tall ship.
Please note, S/V Denis Sullivan is temporarily closed.
Many of the folks that work on and in the Denis Sullivan are volunteers, though she does keep a professional crew of ten. The ship can hold 50 people on her decks or carry 21 overnight passengers. The S/V Denis Sullivan was completed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2000 by professional shipwrights and nearly 400 volunteers. Per their website, she's a "modern educational sailing vessel with two diesel engines, a scientific laboratory, two computer workstations, and modern communication and navigation equipment."
The ship is a stunning piece of craftsmanship and a stunning look at shipbuilding more than a hundred years ago. The ship took years and more than a million volunteer hours to create in modern times, so imagining what it took to complete the construction without modern technology is somewhat mind-blowing.
There's really no better way to experience Lake Michigan or Superior than on the S/V Denis Sullivan. The ship calls Milwaukee's Discovery World Museum home and that's where you'll find it docked most often, though she does travel quite a bit. Last summer the ship sailed through the Great Lakes to Quebec City. She's been to the Caribbean and spend time up in Duluth and Manitowoc, as well.
Most often, though, you'll find her in Milwaukee, where you can board the ship for a two-hour tour into Lake Michigan and along the Milwaukee shoreline. Any time is a great time to experience this unique thrill, but the evening run is usually accompanied by a sunset and being out on the water is a stunning way to experience it.
Photo property of author
The ship is manned by a staff of ten who are well versed in sailing and working on a ship of this size. On your tour, you get to help with sails and rigging, but the experienced sailors do most of the work. But they're always ready to answer questions and help you understand the ship they love.
If you're lucky, one of the crew members at the time you go may be musically inclined and will add to the historical atmosphere by playing some music. From violins to spoons, many of the crew are able to create a truly unique and charming atmosphere.
Photo property of author
The ship is stunning from the shore when in full sail and it's sort of mind-boggling to comprehend that this used to be a main mode of transportation, especially for goods to be moved around the Great Lakes. When she's at sea, she looks dramatic and almost like a ghost ship in stark relief to the more modern shoreline.
There's something truly transforming and magical about taking a trip on the Denis Sullivan and if you find yourself enamored on the two-hour trip, imagine what it would be like to join the week-long sail that literally is decided by the wind. There are fireworks sails and even beer-tasting sails. No matter how you decide to experience the S/V Denis Sullivan, it's something you'll never forget.
Photo property of author
Advertisement
The S/V Denis Sullivan offers a family sail that covers four family members for $120. Day and night sails are $45 for adults, $40 for kids 3-17 years old. Children under the age of two are $10. There's a $5 discount for military and seniors.
There is really nothing like experiencing the majesty of the Great Lakes on this awe-inspiring tall ship. She's a masterpiece of craftsmanship and engineering and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As they say on their website, "Water is the world’s most precious resource, and the S/V Denis Sullivan provides a unique platform from which to provide marine education, leadership training, and personal development to visitors of all ages."
