TOUr the william a. irvin
MAKE A VOYAGE TO THE IRVIN
In the heart of Canal Park, set against the majestic Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge, is a Great Lakes vessel you can’t miss—and won’t want to. Despite carrying iron ore and coal through treacherous storms, the William A. Irvin remains in pristine condition today. Don’t miss your chance to tour the proud flagship of U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Fleet. Discover its rich history.
TICKETS & SCHEDULE
To learn about Irvin tour hours and more information, please visit Tickets & Schedule.
The last tour of each day begins at 4:30 PM.
*Please note that due to the historic nature, the Irvin is not wheelchair accessible. There are many stairs and no elevators available.
NEW PARANORMAL TOURS
New this year, the Irvin, will offer TWO limited-ticketed paranormal tours in 2025 for paranormal investigators. These exclusive events will allow the preternatural-curious to use their own investigative equipment aboard the storied freighter on Friday, June 13 and Tuesday, August 26 from 8PM – 2AM and cost $75.
The historic freighter, with its imposing steel hull and shadowy corridors, has long been rumored to harbor ghosts. Numerous paranormal investigators have documented unexplained phenomena throughout the vessel, including temperature fluctuations, voices, and shadowy figures glimpsed in the outer passageway.
Paranormal tour tickets are $75 per person. To participate, attendees must sign a contract and waiver.
Group tours allow the Irvin to accommodate the many paranormal investigation requests that cannot be fulfilled through individual tours, providing an opportunity for as many investigators as possible to access the freighter.
For paranormal tour reservations, please contact hauntedship@decc.org.
SET SALE FOR THE GIFT SHOP
Be sure to stop by the William A. Irvin Gift Shop, featuring the area’s largest selection in nautical items and collectibles.
No ticket required to visit the Gift Shop.
CONTACT INFORMATION
218-722-7876 (During Season)
218-623-1236 (Off Season)
THE WILLIAM A. IRVIN Tickets
Enjoy this station-to-station tour at your own pace
TICKET PRICING
In Person Pricing | Online Pricing
Adult admission (18+): $20.00 | $21.85
Seniors (62+): $17.00 | $18.76
Children (4-17): $10.00 | $11.55 (children under the age of 4 are free and do not require a ticket for entry)
Family Rate: $55.00 | $57.90 (only valid for 2 adults and any number of children in a single household)
Active Military Personnel (with ID): FREE (only available at the Box Office)
The Irvin is a NEW Blue Star Museum and now offers FREE admission to active Military personnel and up to 5 of their family members.
SCHEDULE
TOUR SCHEDULE
Opening Day: May 1, 2026
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last tour begins at 4:30 pm)
OPEN on MEMORIAL DAY– Monday, May 25, 2026
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May 28 – June 21, 2026
Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last tour begins at 4:30 pm)
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June 22 – August 23, 2026
Open 7 Days a Week
10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last tour begins at 4:30 pm)
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August 28 – September 13, 2026
Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last tour begins at 4:30 pm)
OPEN on LABOR DAY – Monday, September 7
Last day for regular tours September 13
September 13 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
TICKET PRICING
Tickets are General Admission and on the day of your tour you may arrive any time during open hours (but you MUST arrive by 4:30 pm).
HISTORY
THE STORY OF THE WILLIAM A. IRVIN
For over four decades, the William A. Irvin was a true Great Lakes powerhouse — braving fierce storms, hauling iron ore and coal to ports across the region, and standing tall as the proud flagship of U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Fleet. But this vessel was more than muscle — she was also a symbol of elegance and prestige, hosting dignitaries and special guests in comfort and style.
Launched on November 21, 1937 at the American Ship Building Company in Lorain, Ohio, the Irvin was the first of four in her class, built at a cost of $1.3 million. Christened by Gertrude Irvin, wife of William A. Irvin himself, she began her maiden voyage on June 25, 1938, carrying bulk cargo from Duluth and Two Harbors to U.S. Steel’s mills on Lake Michigan and Lake Erie.
The Irvin made history in her working years, setting a still-unbroken record by unloading 13,856 tons of iron ore in just two hours and 55 minutes using Hulett Unloaders. She retired in 1978, smaller in capacity compared to the new 1,000-foot ore boats, but forever a record holder.
Beyond her workhorse reputation, the Irvin was built for hosting. Guests traveled in private luxury cabins, dined in their own elegant dining room, and relaxed in a lounge trimmed with oak paneling, walnut veneer, and gleaming brass railings. From the finely crafted woodwork to the polished brass in the engine room, every detail remains intact — a rare time capsule of maritime history.
Today, you can step aboard and experience both the raw 2,000-horsepower steam turbine engine and the refined beauty of her guest quarters. Docked along Lake Superior next to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, the Irvin invites you to discover the power, grace, and history that few have experienced.
The Irvin is open daily for tours May–September, with the legendary Haunted Ship Tours beginning in October.
Quick Facts:
Built: 1938, Lorain, Ohio
Length: 610′ 9.75″ | Beam: 60′ | Depth: 32′ 6″
Service: U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Fleet (1938–1978)
Capacity: 14,000 tons (modern ore boats average 28,000)
Crew: 9 officers, 32 crew members
Features: Steam turbine engine, luxury guest quarters, three cargo holds, 18 massive hatch covers (each weighing 5.5 tons)
Anchors: Two 8,000 lb. bow anchors & one 6,000 lb. stern anchor
Step aboard the William A. Irvin where Great Lakes history comes to life.
BUSINESS HOURS
Opening Date: May 21, 2021
Open for Tours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 5pm
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