Tour the Ship that Built Cleveland!

Steamship William G. Mather

Discover what life onboard a working Great Lakes freighter was like as you tour this restored 618-foot historic flagship. Explore the 1925-built Mather from stem to stern and see its huge cargo holds, brass and oak pilot house, elegant guest quarters and four-story engine room. Walk the decks and marvel at the “engineering firsts” that helped transform Northeast Ohio into a great industrial center. Experience the golden era of steamboats on one of the best!

New in 2012! The Great Lakes Story
Discover more than a dozen interactive exhibits that tell the story of how the Great Lakes were formed, what environmental threats they face, and how we’re using science and technology to help restore the health of these great bodies of water.

New in 2012! Special Tours
Guided tours and behind-the-scenes hard-hat tours are available by special request. Advance reservations necessary. For details and pricing, call 216-621-2400.

Hours and Tickets

Hours
May, September, October
Saturdays and Sundays only
11 am – 5 pm

June, July, August
Tuesday – Sunday
11 am – 5 pm
Dates and times are subject to change. The historic Mather has limited handicapped accessibility.

Tickets
Adults – $8
Seniors (65+) – $7
Youth (5 – 12 years) – $6
Under 5 – FREE
Great Lakes Science Center members – FREE

Tickets available onboard and at the Great Lakes Science Center box office. The last ticket to board the Mather will be sold at 4 pm. Buy a combination ticket and get same-day admission to the Mather and Great Lakes Science Center. Get details at the box office or by clicking here.

2012 Events and Programs

Lake Erie Sails
June 28 – July 1
Take a two-hour sail aboard the schooner, Appledore IV. $52 ($39 members).Presented as part of Great Lakes Adventure Week. Call 216-621-2400 to reserve tickets.

Rock and Boom
July 4 at 7 pm
Celebrate Independence Day from the decks of the Mather and watch Cleveland’s fireworks. Food and drinks can be purchased onboard. $15 ($12 members). Call 216-621-2400 to reserve tickets. New family workshops also available.

Air Show Deck Party
Labor Day Weekend: September 1 – 3
Get the best seats in the house for the 2012 Cleveland National Air Show. Food and drinks can be purchased onboard. $16 ($12 members). Call 216-621-2400 to reserve tickets. New family workshops also available.

Thanks to the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District for their generous support of Mather programming.



The Elizabeth Ring and William Gwinn Mather Fund
The S. Livingston Mather Charitable Trust