If you find yourself smitten by tales of maritime expeditions, shipwrecks and the like, we have a treat in store for you. Within easy access from your exceptional guest suite at The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel, be sure to visit the Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum in Eureka, CA.
Founded in 1977, the non-profit Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum was established to curate, archive and preserve the maritime legacy of the North Coast of California. The museum accomplishes this through educational programs and exhibits, often featuring selections of the various artifacts in their collection. Shipwrecks and their contents, over 20,000 photographs, and artworks all play an important role in the museum’s mission of promoting an understanding and appreciation of the Humboldt area’s rich maritime heritage and culture.
Harbor Cruises
The museum is not “just a museum.” They also feature cruises of Madaket Harbor via The Madaket, formerly a ferry vessel used to transport lumber mill workers from Eureka to lumber operations across Humboldt Bay. The ferry service ran from 1910 through 1971, when the opening of the Samoa bridge made the ferries obsolete. The harbor cruises run May 16 through October 4 every year.
Museum Restoration Projects
Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum is also in the restoration business. The museum’s current projects are The Stephanie, a circa 1917 fishing vessel and currently one of the oldest fishing vessels to perform commercial drag fishing; and a Type TRS 36-foot motor lifeboat, the last wooden-hulled coastal lifeboat design developed by the Coast Guard. They were constructed from 1937 to 1956 at the Curtis Bay Yard. This particular vessel was restored by the Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum back in the 1980’s, then moved to the station in the 90’s and has been displayed outdoors ever since. To find out how you can contribute to the restoration efforts, please call (707) 444-9440.
Museum Location:
77 Cookhouse Road, Samoa, CA
Located over the Samoa Bridge from Eureka in the town of Samoa, right next to the Samoa Cookhouse.
Museum Hours:
December 1 – March 15 – Thursday through Saturday from 11am – 4pm.
March 16 – November 30 – Tuesday through Saturday from 11am – 4pm
Museum Admission:
Suggested donation: Adults $5, Seniors $4, and Youth $2.
After you visit the Humboldt Maritime Museum in Eureka, CA, you can return to and rest easy at The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel. For the best rates and amenities, book direct with us online or by calling 707-725-5500.
