Marquette Underwater Preserve


The Marquette Underwater Preserve was established in 1990 to promote conservation of the submerged historical resources in Lake Superior near Marquette, Michigan. The Preserve is composed of two separate units, the Marquette Unit and the Huron Islands Unit. The Marquette Unit extends along approximately 24 miles of Michigan shoreline out to the 200-foot depth contour. The Huron Islands Unit surrounds a group of granite peaks about 12 miles from shore. The Michigan Underwater Preserve Council oversees activities relating to all of Michigan's Underwater Preserves.
The preserve is open to scuba divers.

History

Marquette, Michigan became a major shipping port after iron ore was discovered in the area in 1844, and marine traffic in the area has been heavy ever since. Heavy traffic combined with not-too-uncommon thick fog and gale force winds has resulted in numerous shipwrecks.
Site nameTypeDepth Depth Coordinates
Charles James KershawWooden Propeller Steamer-
D. LeutyWooden Propeller Steamer-
DeSotoWooden Bark-
F-106BFighter Plane wreck debris-
FloridaWooden Schooner-
George ShermanWooden Schooner-
The "Gold Mine" PinnaclePinnacle of granite-
“Iron Man” & J.H. SheadleShipwreck debris-
Queen CityWooden Schooner-
Superior & Marion L.Wooden Fishing Tugs-

Site nameTypeDepth Depth Coordinates
ArcticWooden Sidewheel Steamer-
George NesterWooden Schooner-Barge-
SouthwestWooden Schooner-
Launch Huron IslandWooden Gas Launch-