Lake Superior Marine Museum Association

Preserving the Past, Lighting the Future

Win a Cruise of a Lifetime!

Set sail in 2027! One lucky winner—and up to 3 guests—will embark on a weeklong round-trip journey aboard the legendary 1,000-foot laker Edwin H. Gott. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Lake Superior like a true mariner!

The lucky winner and up to 3 guests will sail round-trip on the 1,000-foot laker, Edwin H. Gott during the 2027 season.
Average trip length is 6-7 days. Keep your schedule flexible; winner and guests will sail when the ship is available.
Boarding location to be determined, but likely Two Harbors, MN.
Winner need not be present on November 7, 2026 at the Gales of November event, at the DECC, to win.

The trip is generously donated by Great Lakes Fleet/CN/Key Lakes, Inc. All proceeds benefit the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association in support of the Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center.

Download the Cruise-of-a-Lifetime form to order your tickets.

The LSMMA is a 501c(3) nonprofit that seeks to preserve the maritime heritage of Lake Superior and the Twin Ports through education and collaboration.

REQUIREMENTS: All entries must comply with all raffle regulations. Winner is responsible for any applicable fees or taxes. Must have a valid Passport by the time of the sailing and be 18+ years to enter. The ship is not handicapped accessible. Mail entry deadline is October 23, 2026.

The Gales of November Event

GALES OF NOVEMBER | Friday, Nov. 6th & Saturday Nov. 7th

Join us for Gales of November, November 6 & 7, 2026 —LSMMA’s flagship fundraising event —dedicated to supporting the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, the historic South Pier Lighthouse and the Twin Ports maritime heritage. Experience a weekend filled with captivating presentations, hands-on learning, and opportunities to connect with fellow maritime enthusiasts.

The 39th Gales of November offers something for everyone: Friday’s venue will be at The Garden event center in Canal Park and then on Saturday we will move across Minnesota Slip to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). In additional to our normal offerings that will include a silent auction fundraiser, archive display, and Cruise of a Lifetime raffle, we will also be able to tour the University of Minnesota Duluth’s research vessel Blue Heron on Friday afternoon. Your attendance helps preserve our maritime past and advance new initiatives that connect with Lake Superior’s maritime legacy. Your participation helps fund essential educational programs, historical preservation projects, and ongoing efforts to maintain our iconic waterfront landmarks.

Join us for a memorable conference—secure your spot at Gales of November and help keep Lake Superior’s maritime legacy alive! We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support of the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association (LSMMA) and our region’s rich maritime heritage. Join us, as the cool weather has, at this year's Gales of November!

AND...

Don’t forget to order your Cruise of a Lifetime raffle tickets! Mail-in order forms must be postmarked by October 23, though tickets will be available at Gales. Our sincere thanks to Great Lakes Fleet, Inc. for donating this Cruise of a Lifetime.

GALES TICKET PRICING
• Gales Two-Day Attendee | $150
• Friday Only Attendee |  $50
• Saturday Only Attendee |  $100
• Maritime Club Member, Friday lunch only |  $40

Register for Gales of November!

Questions? Please contact Erin Makela at lsmmamgr@gmail.com. Thank you!

FRIDAY SPEAKERS

Sara Summers-Luedtke shares museum updates and completion of new landscaping at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.
Dale Koziol discusses the SS Meteor’s history and his volunteer work on this unique whaleback vessel in Superior, Wisconsin.
Fred Stonehouse shares stories of the US Coast Guard’s Great Lakes life-saving service and notable rescues and saltwater battles.
Patrick Kelly provides updates on Fraser Shipyards’ current work and new shipbuilding initiatives in Superior, Wisconsin.
Tim Zager presents rare Great Lakes memorabilia, focusing on historic passenger dining china and its stories.
UMD’s Blue Heron crew discusses the ship’s research mission, followed by a dockside vessel tour at the DECC.

SATURDAY SPEAKERS

Kelsey Prihoda shares an update on restoring the LSMMA’s south pier outer light station.
Tamara Thomsen reviews recent Wisconsin shipwreck discoveries from NOAA’s Project 2030 lakebed mapping project.
Michelle Briggs provides an update on the new lock project at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Ken Merryman shares the latest updates on 3D shipwreck mapping in the Great Lakes.
LeRoy Rubinas shares highlights from his research on the history of the bulk carrier SS J.B. Ford.
Guy Meadows discusses how Great Lakes and ocean wave differences affect vessel construction and design.