The Tahoe Maritime Museum (5205 W. Lake Blvd., Homewood, 530/525-9253, www.tahoemaritimemuseum.org, May 24–Sept. 30 daily 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Oct. 1–Dec. 20 daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., adults $5, children free) seeks to illuminate the significant marine history of the large lake. On the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, a shining new museum building was designed to resemble an old boathouse (a big old boathouse).

It contains a fantastic collection of photos, artifacts, and a number of historic watercraft, some of which still run on the lake each summer. You’ll learn about the “gentlemen’s racing” history of the lake, the steam ferries that plied the waters, and the fishing that’s been part of the lke’s culture for over a century.

The museum has the largest collection of outboard motors in the country, plus an exhibit on the history of water skis, from the days when they were handmade up to modern design and styling.

You’ll also find a children’s area where younger visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits as they learn more about small and mid-sized boats, water skis, and more.