3 Ways to Explore Lake Huron Shipwrecks
People come to Lake Huron to vacation along its wonderful stretches of pristine coastline with sugar sand beaches and crystal blue water. As you look out into the endless blue horizon, you might not realize there are some amazing sights to see below the water's surface.
There are some 200 shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a 4,300-square-mile protected area of Lake Huron. Under the waves are the remains of an assortment of vessels – from 1800s wooden schooners to modern-day steel freighters. Thanks to the cold, fresh water of Lake Huron, these sunken ships have been preserved for us to discover.
The best place to begin exploring Thunder Bay is at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, about an hour north of Huron House in Alpena, Michigan. In the sanctuary's visitors center you'll find a multitude of Great Lakes exhibits that detail the glacial period, early inhabitants, fur traders and the shipping industry. A highlight of the center is a full-scale replica of an 1880s Great Lakes schooner, where you can walk the deck and through the cabins to see what it was like to be aboard a ship during a storm. Admission to the center is free.
When you're ready to see the shipwrecks, you have three great options to get up close and personal with these remnants of our maritime history, depending on your level of adventure.
1. Snorkel or SCUBA
With wrecks submerged in water depths ranging from a few inches to 200 feet, the sanctuary is a popular destination for both divers and snorkelers. Certified scuba divers can descend deep below the surface to explore these underwater treasures, as access is unrestricted. Or choose to snorkel close to the surface, since many of the shipwrecks are down less than 20 feet deep. Both Thunder Bay Scuba and Great Lakes Divers can provide everything you need for your underwater adventure, including snorkeling and diving instruction, gear, and charters.
2. Kayak
With several shipwrecks located in fairly shallow water, you also can easily see them from a kayak. Paddle through Shipwreck Alley, as Thunder Bay is also known, and see the remains of wrecks nestled in the sand just below the surface. For a flat fee, Alpena Adventures will let you rent a kayak for a few hours or all day to explore these well-preserved underwater artifacts.
3. Glass-bottom boat
You can experience Thunder Bay's shipwrecks without getting wet when you climb aboard the Lady Michigan glass-bottom boat. Alpena Shipwreck Tours provides a 2-hour cruise on Thunder Bay where trained sanctuary interpreters tell the harrowing history and tales of the sunken ships. You'll also enjoy scenic views of the sparkling coastline and majestic lighthouses during your voyage.
