USS LST 393 Veteran's Museum

On the picturesque waterfront of the city of Muskegon, the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum stands majestically—a unique historical site located aboard an actual World War II tank landing ship. This is not just a museum, but one of only two surviving representatives of its class in its original configuration, making it a true treasure for maritime history buffs visiting the USA.

The ship serves as a living memorial, where every corner is steeped in the atmosphere of the past. Visitors can explore thousands of artifacts, personal belongings of sailors, and meticulously restored interiors that tell the story of the crew's daily life and feats. The site's high rating and warm tourist reviews confirm that diving into naval history here is incredibly engaging and educational.

Located at Mart Dock, the museum offers not only historical knowledge but also beautiful panoramic views of Lake Michigan. This place combines educational value with aesthetic pleasure, making it a must-see for those who want to touch authentic pages of history in the state of Michigan.

To confirm visiting details or organize group tours, you can use the following contact information:

The main adventure here is the opportunity for self-guided exploration of the massive ship. You can make your way from the noisy engine room to the bridge, peek into the living quarters, and appreciate the scale of the tank deck. One of the most impressive details is the legendary bow doors, which were reopened after decades of being sealed, revealing the path to the "heart" of the landing craft.

Thousands of exhibits are collected inside the museum: authentic uniforms, navigation equipment, detailed models, and rare photographs. For those who want to learn more, organized tours are available, and sometimes you can meet reenactors in historical uniforms on board, bringing the atmosphere of past years to life. Be sure to stop by the gift shop to pick up a souvenir with the ship's insignia.

The museum often serves as a venue for vibrant events, such as Air Raid Muskegon, vintage car shows, and aircraft displays. These events turn a visit to the ship into a true celebration with live music and interactive shows, which families with children especially enjoy. Here, you can do more than just look at history; you can literally feel it beneath your feet.

Finding this majestic ship is easy: it is moored at Mart Dock, right next to the scenic Heritage Landing County Park on the waterfront. If you are already downtown, a pleasant walk to the museum will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

For travelers arriving from other regions, it is most convenient to follow I-96, which leads directly to the coastal area. The nearest major airport is in Grand Rapids, from where a car or taxi ride takes about an hour. Parking areas are provided near the museum complex and the adjacent park, making the visit convenient for drivers.

The city's public transport also covers the coastal zone, and the proximity to main pedestrian routes allows you to easily include a visit to the ship in a sightseeing tour of the city's landmarks.

The history of USS LST 393 began in the summer of 1942 at the Newport News shipyards. This ship was part of a grand program to create landing vessels capable of delivering heavy equipment directly onto the shore. During its years of service, it took part in major maritime operations in the Mediterranean Sea and participated in the Normandy landings, for which it was awarded three battle stars. Throughout its active service, the vessel transported thousands of soldiers and more than 3,000 pieces of equipment.

After completing its naval service, the ship found a "second life" in the civilian sector. In the late 1940s, it was converted into the cargo vessel M/V Highway 16. It cruised Lake Michigan, transporting cars between Muskegon and Milwaukee, effectively becoming a waterborne extension of the famous US 16 highway. During this period, its famous bow doors were welded shut for cargo safety.

The path to becoming a museum was long. An initial restoration attempt in 2000 faced difficulties, but in 2005, a group of enthusiasts and volunteers took up the cause with renewed energy. Thanks to their hard work, the ship's bow doors were reopened in 2007 — for the first time in nearly 60 years. Today, this ship is one of only two surviving LST-1 type vessels in their original configuration, representing an extremely rare monument to mid-20th-century engineering.

To leisurely explore all the decks and compartments of this massive ship, it usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is plenty of time to see the main exhibits, look into the engine room, and climb up to the bridge.

If you plan to visit the museum during special events, such as historical reenactments or equipment exhibitions, we recommend setting aside half a day. Walking along the waterfront and viewing adjacent monuments can also add time to your itinerary, so it is best to plan your visit with some extra time.

Please note that the museum is currently temporarily closed (CLOSED_TEMPORARILY). During the regular season, visits are possible from late May (Memorial Day) to early September (Labor Day), Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Since the schedule may change depending on the season and scheduled events, we strongly recommend checking the latest information on the museum's official website or by phone before planning your trip.

The waterfront area offers many interesting locations to fill a busy day. A walk along the shore will reveal not only historical monuments but also modern art objects that harmoniously complement the city landscape.

Just a few minutes' walk away are historic homes, museums, and cozy squares where you can relax after touring the ship. Below is a list of nearby attractions that may interest tourists: