Visiting Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a protected area on Lake Huron's Thunder Bay, off the east coast of Michigan. It is home to an estimated 116 historically significant shipwrecks, including the Monohansett (1862-1904) and the New Orleans (1838-1849).

Visitors to Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary can choose to explore above or below the waves. Glass-bottom boat tours offer a unique perspective of the shipwrecks, while kayaking and snorkeling allow visitors to get closer to the action. Experienced divers can explore the wrecks in more detail, and even discover artifacts that have been left behind by the sailors who once sailed on these vessels.

One popular way to explore Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is aboard the Lady Michigan, a glass-bottom boat that departs from Alpena, Michigan. The Lady Michigan offers a two-hour cruise that takes visitors past some of the sanctuary's most popular shipwrecks, including the Monohansett and the New Orleans.

The Monohansett was a wooden steam barge that sank in 1904. It is now one of the best-preserved shipwrecks in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Visitors on the Lady Michigan can see the Monohansett's hull, boilers, and propeller.

The New Orleans was a steamboat that sank in 1849. It is now one of the oldest shipwrecks in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Visitors on the Lady Michigan can see the New Orleans' hull.

In addition to the Monohansett and the New Orleans, the Lady Michigan also takes visitors past other popular shipwrecks in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, such as the Alpena (1880), the Argo (1901), and the Pewabic (1881).

If you're interested in learning more about Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and its shipwrecks, be sure to visit the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena, Michigan. The museum features exhibits about the region's maritime history, as well as an archaeological conservation lab where visitors can see how shipwrecks are preserved and studied.

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