U.S.S. Edson - Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum
U.S.S. Edson - Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
cultural
family friendly
The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum is dedicated to documenting the history of the United States Navy. The museum is permanently housed in the USS Edson, a retired United States Navy destroyer that has recently been converted to a museum. The museum is located in Bay City, Michigan, United States.
attractions: Edson Incident Haunted Attraction, Independence Bridge, restaurants:
Ratings
Description
The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum is dedicated to documenting the history of the United States Navy. The museum is permanently housed in the USS Edson, a retired United States Navy destroyer that has recently been converted to a museum. The museum is located in Bay City, Michigan, United States.
Posts
I have been to a handful of museum ships and this was my first time touring a destroyer. We visited on a cloudy and chilly October day. The ship was pretty lonely sitting on the river and we had pretty much the run of the ship. The volunteers were friendly and personable upon our arrival. No real issues there. The primary issue that we had was some confusion on the tour route. We were given a paper handout with the tour directions but the signage throughout the ship wasn’t always logical. The ship itself is in decent shape. The volunteers seem to do a pretty good job maintaining the outside of the ship. Some of the outside areas could use a little more the non-slip tread applied because it was a little slick with the recent rains. The interior spaces were in various conditions with some areas pretty nice and other areas need a little upkeep. I feel that if I would improve something, it would be the various signage inside the ship including the tour route but also providing additional information about what we are looking at or what something does. Overall, it’s worth a visit if you are in the area.
Jason HartsellJason Hartsell
00
This is an extremely well preserved ship. You can go into many, many areas of the ship from the bridge down to the engine rooms. There is a map showing the layout of the ship. That is worth having with you during the visit. You aren’t likely to get lost, however it’s possible you will miss some of the areas of the ship without the map or find yourself retracing your steps. You can, for example, look into the gun mounts and see how the shells were loaded into the barrel. There is Full access to the crew and officers quarters as well as the various facets of the ship including Sickbay, administrative areas like the mail room and the ship’s mess. This has a very authentic feel, as if you can tell the ship was in action and used for a number of years and crewed by many men during those years. You get a great view of the surrounding area from the bridge level. Definitely make a visit to the gift shop.
unsatisfied99unsatisfied99
00
Just an awesome place all around. We went on a quiet afternoon. We were 7 of the 11 people on board, including 2 of the USS Edson's original crew members. We went on a guided tour with Sailor who served on the Edson, who better to walk us through her! The crew and their stories were genuinely awesome and a great way to learn some history from those who were there. The Edson is a Forrest-Sherman Class Destroyer and saw action in Vietnam among other conflicts. The Ships horn works from the bridge and if you're polite and ask nicely, you may even get a chance to let it blast! The Air Search RADAR spins (but doesn't radiate...thankfully) The ship herself is well preserved and cared for by amazing volunteers. It was really a pleasure to get the opportunity to step foot on one of Michigan's best surviving pieces of Naval History.
Tim M.Tim M.
00
Upon arriving in Bay City, the skies looked a little gloomy, how ever we were determined to make our first afternoon here eventful and educational. We happened to discover the USS Edson and went for a self guided tour. While exploring the crew sleep areas, we were greeted by a retired Navy officer who volunteers on the Edson. He so graciously gave us a personalized tour. We were able to see areas that normally we wouldn't get to due to being the only ones exploring the ship. Our favorite part was the unexpected scent of a cigar. Once we mentioned this to our guide, he smiled and told us of the caretaker that still guards this magnificent ship that had his heart. The experiences that the ship, our guide, and her permanent residents gave us will stay with us always. We can't wait to experience the Halloween ship in October.
crystal bushcrystal bush
00
My husband and I went on Saturday and loved it! It’s amazing the USS Edson aka the Gray Ghost is still intact after the battles it’s been through in Vietnam. The ships galleys and passages are clearly marked. They have put up all kinds of signs describing each area so you get a very good idea what the sailors life was like at sea. They have it set up so you will get to see 95% of the ships areas! The crypto room was too cool! President of the museum Michael Kegley and a retired Navy man himself was there the day we went and he had so many fascinating historical stories about this vessel. He also answered a lot of questions my husband and I had. This is a great piece of history and a must see attraction! I didn’t add all my photos as it would spoil the intrigue of coming and seeing it for yourself.
Michelle FoyMichelle Foy
00
Pretty awesome experience. I wanted to find something different for my husband and I to do that would be fun and educational. I also was looking for something that he would get into. I would have never expected us to be there over 3 hours learning so much and having the best tour guide ever. We had such a good time and would definitely recommend If you’re in the area. I was expecting the typical museum experience but this was nothing like that. It felt like an exploration, interactive and very educational. Really makes you appreciate history and how much we as humans can accomplish. My husband enjoyed the mechanical aspects and it was a really fun date. Our tour guide was truly a blessing to have with us and couldn’t imagine the trip without him!
Hannah CHannah C
00
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