Enter to Win a Great Lakes Getaway in the 2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle
June 25, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes invites adventurers and supporters of Great Lakes history to take part in the 2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle, offering a chance to win unforgettable travel experiences. This year’s raffle features two once-in-a-lifetime grand prize options and a third prize that’s perfect for a party on the water.
GRAND PRIZE – Winner’s Choice
A Multi-Day Freighter Trip for Two Aboard an Interlake Maritime Services Vessel
Experience the Great Lakes like never before aboard a working Interlake freighter. Guests will enjoy private staterooms, stunning views, legendary freighter fare, and the rare opportunity to witness real-time commercial shipping operations. This immersive journey is not available to the public and is coordinated with Interlake to ensure a custom, unforgettable experience.
OR
A 9-Day Great Lakes Cruise for Two with Victory Cruise Lines
Sail across all five Great Lakes in luxury with Victory Cruise Lines from Chicago to Toronto—or vice versa. With curated shore excursions, Lakelorian lectures, and onboard programming in partnership with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, this cruise offers an elegant blend of leisure, learning, and lakeside culture. Prize must be booked in 2025 for a 2026 trip.
THIRD PRIZE – Private River Cruise in Detroit
Host up to 150 guests aboard a private 2-hour charter with Diamond Jack River Tours on the Detroit River. Perfect for family reunions, corporate outings, or any celebration, this charter includes a cash bar and the option to bring your own food aboard.
“This raffle is more than just a chance to win a dream vacation—it’s an opportunity to directly support the preservation and storytelling of Great Lakes history,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “Every ticket purchased helps us continue our mission to keep these incredible stories alive for generations to come.”
All proceeds benefit the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes, whose mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story.
Raffle Details
- Ticket Sales Open: Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Early Bird Special: Through July, purchase 4 tickets for $250 (regularly $100 each)
- Ticket Sales Close: Wednesday, September 24 at 11:59 p.m.
- Drawing Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
To learn more, purchase tickets, or view complete raffle rules, visit nmgl.org/2025LOLRaffle.
About the National Museum of the Great Lakes: The National Museum of the Great Lakes preserves, shares, and celebrates the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story. As an interactive, experiential museum, we offer visitors the chance to explore thousands of years of history and stories through three dynamic exhibit galleries—including a rotating temporary exhibition space—and two historic museum vessels: the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio.
Founded in 1944 as the Great Lakes Historical Society, we have a long-standing commitment to education, research, and storytelling. Our initiatives include the publication of Inland Seas®, a quarterly journal of Great Lakes history since 1945 and decades of maritime preservation and archaeological exploration. Today, we strive to be the gathering place for Great Lakes conversations—welcoming all to connect with the stories, people, and innovations that have shaped and continue to influence this vital region.
MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, 419-460-8181
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