Replicas of two of Christopher Columbus' ships will dock in Traverse City August 18-22.

The Nina and Pinta replicas will be docked at Clinch Park Marina. The Niña replica was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology Magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” Known as the first ship to sight land in the New World, the Pinta was replicated and launched in Brazil in 2005. Both ships tour together as an enhanced sailing museum for educating the public and school children on the ‘caravel,' a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to navigate and discover new terrain.

While in port, the ships will be open to public for walk-aboard, self-guided tours daily from 9am to 6pm. No reservations are necessary. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for kids ages 5 to 12. Children ages 4 and under are free. Proceeds from the event benefit The Maritime Heritage Alliance of Traverse City, which coordinated the ships' visit.

Photo credit: David Grimmel