Looking for an utterly unique day trip to take in Massachusetts? A visit to this truly special island museum will both educate and delight. Here’s all you need to know to visit this awesome shipwreck museum just off the coast of the Bay State.
The Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum is one of the most fascinating and unique attractions in the state. It’s the perfect destination for all ages.
This museum celebrates and honors the legendary seafaring history of Massachusetts and Nantucket. It focuses on local shipwrecks, and you might be surprised to hear just how many there have been around the island.
More than 700 shipwrecks have been recorded off the coast of Nantucket. This astounding number is due to the treacherous shoals, dense sea fog, and strong currents of the area.
The museum walks each visitor through the tales of these shipwrecks, including the lives of their victims and the heroic efforts of the locals who tried to save them.
The museum has a collection of over 5,000 artifacts from local shipwrecks and maritime history. You can check out real period surfboat, beach carts, vintage photographs, and even a real lighthouse lens.
Admission includes a guided tour, short films, access to a scenic outdoor picnic area, and access to the special exhibits. Young visitors can enjoy playing with a ship’s rigging rope wall, knot-tying boards, and a breeches buoy swing set.
The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Admission is $10 per adults and $5 for guests under 17, with reduced or free admission for seniors, students, and kids under six.
