THUMB AREA GREAT LAKES STATE BOTTOMLAND PRESERVE

 

Michigan’s eleven underwater preserves include over 1,900 square miles of Great Lakes bottomland, an area nearly the size of the sate of Delaware. The underwater preserves protect some of the region’s most sensitive underwater resources. Shipwrecks and natural features attract skin and SCUBA divers from across the U.S. They come to explore these shipwrecks and see how the cold fresh water of the Great Lakes preserves history.

 

Michigan’s underwater preserve system was created in 1980 through legislation supported by Michigan sport divers. Since then divers have ensured that their sport will remain a high-quality activity with stiff penalties for illegal removal or alteration of artifacts.

 

It is a felony to remove or disturb artifacts in the Great Lakes. Those caught removing portholes, anchors, anchor chains, or other “souvenirs” will have their boats, cars, and equipment confiscated and will face up to two years imprisonment and stiff fines. Divers who have information about the theft of artifacts can report violations to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by calling (800) 292-7800.

 

The result of these laws is the finest sport diving in the Midwest. Many sport divers are surprised to find shipwrecks so well preserved. Small items, such as ceramic cups, tools, silverware, ornaments, and other artifacts often remain where they were discovered many years before.

 

Visitors will find communities near underwater preserves friendly and accommodating. Lodging is convenient and comfortable, restaurants offer a variety of tasty cuisine, campgrounds are nestled in scenic surroundings, and there are many attractions for the entire family.

 

Dive charter operators can be found at most of the underwater preserves. Divers using their own boats will find convenient boat launches, marinas, and other facilities. Most of the dive sites are buoyed in the summer by volunteers of the Michigan Underwater Preserve Council, Inc., a private nonprofit organization dedicated to development of the preserves.

 

Be prepared for cool water. Although surface temperatures may reach 65 degrees or more in mid-summer, temperatures below 40 feet may be substantially less. Most Great Lakes divers use dry-suits or full wet- suits.

 

The Thumb Area Great Lakes State Bottomland Preserve was established in 1984 and covers approximately 276 square miles of lake bottom. The northern preserve boundary is the light at the end of the breakwater in Port Austin. The southern preserve boundary is 5 miles south of Harbor Beach. The preserve’s east boundary extends out into deep water.

 

In late 1984, Huron County’s Road Commissioners voted to accept the Thumb Area Preserve into the Huron County Park System. It is the only preserve in the state to be part of a county park system. For more information on the Thumb Preserve, contact Steve Romzek at 989-269-6404.

 

 

To view a list of the known shipwrecks, select "Shipwrecks"

on the left panel of this screen.