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.
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I was greeted by Tomoko when arrived at the admission office/gift shop for my visit. She was super knowledgeable and helpful, as I enjoy taking pictures. Some of the ship is off limits, due to liability and safety. Also, a lack of available staff. I wasn't able to go into some of the areas that I really wish I could have, as in deeper into the bowels.I was told that on days when there is extra volunteers and staff on hand, more of the ship is open. Regardless, I had a great time and took nearly 200 pictures. Lots of interesting facts and points of interest. The staff was friendly and helpful. I had to ask one volunteer to move for a few minutes so I could get a good picture. He didn't need to apologize, but he did and quickly moved long enough for me to get pictures. Very interesting ship. The only thing I hated about my visit, was the lack of a spot for good "over all" or scenic pictures. Unless you are on a boat or the bridge, there isn't any unobstructed views of the ship. If you go way down to the end of the boat launch, you can get a quarter view angle of the whole ship from the bow end, starboard side. I drove around and tried the other boat launch, but no luck with a better picture. It might have been possible to walk all the way up to bridge and get a shot of the ship from the port side, about 30ft up but I wasn't going to do that in the rain, even if it was light/misting. The traffic was another issue. Over all, interesting ship with a rich history. Sadly, our government wastes more money on useless ideas or programs, when our historical pieces and Vets deserve better care. Thank you, to all who served, active duty and volunteers. The gift shop is small, I'd like to see it with more items specific to the ship itself. To the staff and volunteers, thank you so much for all you do to preserve this...
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The USS Edson, anchored in Bay City, Michigan, offers a compelling journey into naval history. As one of only two surviving Forrest Sherman-class destroyers, this Vietnam-era vessel, nicknamed the "Grey Ghost of the Vietnam Coast," serves as the centerpiece of the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. Tripadvisor +3 totalmichigan.com +3 Milsurpia +3 Milsurpia +6 Tripadvisor +6 Wikipedia +6
Visitors can explore approximately 90% of the ship through self-guided tours, navigating authentic naval architecture, including steep ladders and narrow passageways. The ship's preservation is evident, with many areas restored to reflect their original condition. Volunteers, some of whom served on similar ships, are often available to share personal stories and insights, enriching the experience. Tripadvisor
The museum's dedication to authenticity provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to envision life aboard a Cold War-era destroyer. From the engine room to the captain's quarters, each section tells a story of the ship's storied past, including its roles in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Located just over an hour's drive from Lansing, the USS Edson is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and families alike. Its combination of historical significance, interactive exhibits, and passionate volunteers make it a standout attraction in the region. Whether you're a naval history buff or simply looking for an educational outing, the USS Edson delivers a...
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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...
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