The Marine Club 'Polar Odyssey' was founded in 1978 and brings together those who are passionate about the romance of sea voyages and the history of the fleet. For over 30 years, accurate replicas of historical wooden sailing ships have been created here, on which club members have repeatedly participated in scientific expeditions and maritime festivals around the world. In 2000, the marine museum of the 'Polar Odyssey' club was officially opened, where the main exhibits are functioning replicas of historical ships and an exhibition dedicated to the unique journeys and expeditions of club members.

During the tourist season, the museum welcomes guests daily from various cities in Russia and abroad. The uniqueness of the museum is that visitors can feel like true sea wolves on the deck and in the cabins of ancient wooden ships, as well as take a short walk on Lake Onega. No other museum in Russia offers such opportunities. The tour begins with a story about the unique expeditions conducted over the 35 years of the club's existence.

Next, visitors are shown wooden sailing ships being built at the shipyard and 'retired' traditional fleet vessels, including the world's first replica of a koch, 'Pomor', and the Russian war boat 'Lyubov', as well as a collection of boats and other small vessels. At the end of the tour, guests can board the functioning 'ships of history', such as the Pomor boat 'Saint Nicholas', the brigantine 'Polar Odyssey', and the sloop 'Gonets', to explore the life and features of traditional navigation.