Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a protected water area in Lake Huron that preserves over 100 shipwrecks spanning different eras of maritime history. The site contains remains of steamships, sailing vessels, and cargo ships resting in the cold freshwater lake.

The sanctuary was established in 2000 to protect vessels that sank during the era of heavy commercial shipping on the Great Lakes. Many ships went down because of storms, collisions, and hazardous navigation conditions that made the lake dangerous for vessels.

The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena displays exhibits about shipwrecks and shows how water routes shaped trade and settlement patterns in the region. Visitors learn how shipping activity connected distant communities and influenced local life for generations.

You can explore the sanctuary through scuba diving trips, guided boat tours, and kayaking adventures that show underwater archaeological sites. The best time to visit is during warmer months when water temperatures and weather conditions are more favorable for these activities.

The sailing ship Ironton rests upright with three masts still standing on the lake bottom, one of the few wrecks preserved in this position. Divers can explore this rare ship in its nearly intact form, making it a remarkable underwater sight.

Location: Michigan

Inception: 2000

Operator: National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration;State of Michigan

Website: https://thunderbay.noaa.gov

GPS coordinates: 45.00340,-83.25300

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44