Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Maritime sanctuary in Lake Huron, Michigan, United States.
The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary spans 4,300 square miles of protected waters containing over 100 shipwrecks from different historical periods.
Established in 2000 as the thirteenth national marine sanctuary, the site preserves numerous vessels that sank during the Great Lakes maritime trade expansion.
The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena presents exhibits about local shipwrecks and maintains an archaeological conservation laboratory for research purposes.
Visitors access the sanctuary through scuba diving excursions, guided boat tours, and kayaking trips that explore the underwater archaeological sites.
The sanctuary protects the sailing ship Ironton, which rests upright with three masts standing in the cold freshwater at the bottom of Lake Huron.
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: May 17, 2025 10:45
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