Plan Your Visit
Explore, Honor, Remember!
General Admission - Self Guided Experience
VETERAN - FIRST RESPONDER - TEACHER - SENIOR
1-Day AdmissionACTIVE DUTY MILITARY - TIN CAN SAILORS - USS EDSON CREW
1-Day AdmissionPurchase Options
In-Person ==> Buy your ticket in our gift shop the day of your visit.
Online ==> Click the button above.
Guided Tour Admission
Looking for an enhanced experience aboard the historic USS EDSON? Let our knowledgeable and passionate guides take you on the ultimate tour!
With a guided tour, you’ll gain exclusive insights into the ship’s storied history, its role in naval operations, and the lives of the brave sailors who served aboard. Our guides bring the USS EDSON to life with fascinating stories, fun facts, and a deep dive into the ship’s inner workings, from the towering bridge to the engine room below deck.
Enhance your visit for just $10 more and enjoy a fully guided tour that will make your trip unforgettable.
Boarding Brief
Tickets may be purchased online or in-person at our Guest Services. Discounts available for U.S. Active Duty Military, Veterans, and members of the Tin Can Sailor Association. Discount pricing for Active Duty Military and members of the Tin Can Sailor Association must be purchased at Guest Services with valid identification or membership card.
Hours of Operations
Ship Museum
March 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024
Wednesday – Sunday: 10am to 4pm (no ticket sales after 3pm)
May 1, 2024 – September 15, 2024
Sunday – Thursday: 9am to 5pm (no ticket sales after 4pm)
Friday – Saturday: 9am to 6pm (no ticket sales after 5pm)
September 15, 2024 – October 31, 2024
Wednesday – Sunday: 10am to 4pm (no ticket sales after 3pm)
November 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Closed to public touring. All tours and events by reservation only.
Ship Store
Our Gift Shop will be open during the museum hours as posted. Please stop in and purchase your tickets here before boarding the ship.
Closed
Thanksgiving
Christmas
All of January and February
Weather Closing
We reserve the right to close for weather and maintenance purposes…PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO INSURE WE ARE OPEN ONLY IF LOCAL NEWS SOURCES ARE ISSUING SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS.
Location
Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum
1680 Martin St.
Bay City Michigan 48706
To Find Us on Google Maps
Type in “USS Edson, Bay City, MI 48706″
GPS Coordinates
If your equipment allows it, you may also enter the latitude and longitude coordinates 43.6139 N, 83.8689 W.
1. Allow at least 1 to 2 hours for your visit – there is a lot to see on the ship. If you are taking a guided tour, plan on a minimum of 2 hours.
2. Discounted Admission Tickets (such as Groupon, etc.) are valid only for general admission during regular hours. They cannot be used as payment for group tours or special events.
3. The tours are mostly self-guided. Occasionally, we may have volunteer tour guides available. You will receive a tour guide brochure at the admissions desk to help guide you through the ship.
4. Wear comfortable shoes. You will be going up and down ladders and doing a lot of walking. We recommend, for your safety: no heels, sandals, flip flops, or open-toed shoes.
5. Purses, backpacks, and diaper bags are not allowed on the ship. Camera bags and bags with medical supplies will be allowed with staff approval.
6. Children must be kept close to an adult at all times. It is a large ship with many passages and it is easy to get separated.
7. Cameras are welcome on board for personal use only. We do recommend that you use a neck or wrist strap while exploring the ship for your safety.
8. Talk to the volunteers around the grounds and aboard ship! They will be happy to answer your questions and are full of information on the restoration process. Many are veterans who will also be happy to share their own experiences in the service.
9. NO RUNNING
10. Visit the gift shop before you leave to purchase a souvenir or two.
11. Consider making a donation or purchasing a membership to help support the USS Edson and the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum.
12. Visit TripAdvisor.com and rate your visit.
Behaviors that are considered a safety hazard to oneself or to others will result in immediate removal from the ship. No refunds will be provided.
Price and programs subject to change without notice.
For Your Safety
1. Be very careful on all ladders and hold onto ladder rails with both hands.
2. Beware of low overheads and knee-knockers (door thresholds).
3. Do not run.
4. Do not touch controls or switches – this is a live ship!
5. Do not cross any chains, closed doors, or play with door handles.
Heed all restricted areas and enjoy exploring the USS EDSON.
1. Due to the historic nature of the ship, there is no wheelchair or stroller accessibility on the ship.
Please contact us at 989-684-3946 so that we can provide alternative accommodations.
2. Pets and other animals are not allowed on board. ADA certified Service Dogs are allowed but please note the deck of the ship can get very hot. Dogs will not be allowed to be carried up and down the ladders or in bags for safety reasons.