Mission

Protecting the Great Lakes and their rich maritime history through research, education and community engagement. The sanctuary works to ensure that future generations can enjoy these underwater treasures.

About Us
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary 
Located in northwestern Lake Huron, Thunder Bay is adjacent to one of the most treacherous stretches of water within the Great Lakes system, earning the area the name of “Shipwreck Alley.” Today, the marine sanctuary protects one of America’s best-preserved and nationally significant collections of shipwrecks. Explore the sanctuary's visitor center: the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center to learn more.

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries 
The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) serves as the trustee for a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 600,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters from Washington state to the Florida Keys, and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. The network includes a system of 13 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments.

Michigan History Center
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is managed jointly by NOAA and the state of Michigan. The Michigan History Center represents the state in managing the sanctuary.  The sanctuary's visitor center is part of the Michigan History Museum system.

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Assets
More Information
The Bernice-D was found in Black River and was then brought over to the sturgeon Point Lighthouse.
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Mackinaw boats were an essential model of a vessel in the 19th century, such as the Helen Macleod.
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Mackinaw Boats were great for fishing either while rowing or sailing.
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Alpena High School students uncover, share local knowledge and stories about how Lake Huron fisheries have shaped northern Michigan communities.
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A look inside the life of the Maxwell and how it sunk.
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The Norseman’s origins and how it has changed since its years.
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Other Partnerships

Michigan History Center
The sanctuary is managed jointly by NOAA and the state of Michigan. The Michigan History Center represents the state in managing the sanctuary.