Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

The name Shipwreck Alley conjures images of doomed vessels lost in the world’s busiest ocean shipping lanes. But the freshwater expanses of the Great Lakes have proven to be just as unforgiving, their powerful storms and shifting waters creating many watery graveyards of their own. The preservation of these shipwrecks is not just about the ships themselves, but also about the stories of those who sailed on the Great Lakes.

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary covers 4,300 square miles on Lake Huron, an expanse that harbors shipwrecks dating back as far as the early 1800s. The variety of sunken vessels spans masted schooners, steamers, freighters and other boats, with many remaining in remarkable condition because freshwater doesn’t contain the same microorganisms that destroy boats in salt water.

The first stop before attempting to explore the sanctuary should be the NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center on the banks of the Thunder Bay River. Interactive displays allow visitors to follow along with a diver investigating one of the shipwrecks, and a replica shipwreck prepares those who plan to visit one of the real ones in the preserve. You can even walk through an exhibit that simulates navigating a storm after reading multiple accounts of life on the water.

The curious can take kayaks and paddleboards out to view some of the shipwrecks. If you aren’t into paddling yourself out onto Lake Huron to catch a glimpse, reserving a spot on the glass-bottom boat or hiring a diving company is a great way to experience this history as well. NOAA Maritime Heritage Center: 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena, Michigan 49707, 989/884-6200, marinesanctuary.org