Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area protects a section of the northern shoreline with rocky coves, islands, and deep water zones that form diverse freshwater ecosystems. The area contains numerous shipwrecks and archaeological sites scattered across the lake floor and coastal areas.

The area received official conservation designation in 2015 following consultations with local First Nations communities about historic treaties and agreements. The 1850 treaty between European settlers and First Nations peoples significantly influenced later decisions about resource protection in the region.

The waters have served as a major trade route for First Nations peoples and later fur trading companies over many centuries. Today, pictograph sites and remnants of trading networks remain visible evidence of this extended period of human activity.

The area is best accessed from spring through fall when water and hiking activities are safest, while winter requires specialized gear for snowshoeing and travel. Visitors should familiarize themselves with local conditions and monitor weather, as lake conditions can change rapidly throughout the year.

The area contains more than 50 sunken vessels from different eras resting on the lake floor, creating an underwater record of maritime history. These wrecks are protected and provide researchers with important information about shipping traditions and shipbuilding practices over time.