The Alger Underwater Preserve, located west of Munising and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan protects 12 shipwrecks that are open to the public for recreational diving. However, scuba divers must adhere to regulations that prohibit taking, touching, or disturbing any shipwreck or artifacts found within. Divers who violate these rules are considered criminals under the law and subject to two years in prison, substantial fines, or the confiscation of their personal items such as diving gear, boats, and cars.
Wrecks within Alger Underwater Preserve start in as little as 12 feet and extend up to 105 feet. Even in summer water surface temperatures only reach around 65F, so be prepared with cold water gear. Because conditions can change rapidly within the Great Lakes, diving here is not advised without experience or the assistance of an experienced guide. Here are just a few of the wrecks you can explore within the boundaries of the beautiful Alger Underwater Preserve
Bermuda
The Bermuda (also known as Murray Bay) sits 12 feet underwater off Grand Island’s Bay. Measuring 130 feet long, this wooden schooner sank in 1870 and is one of the most popular shipwrecks because it sits upright in shallow water. Divers can explore the stern, cargo hatches, and swim with schools of fish.
Herman H. Hettler
Herman H. Hettler sits 30-40 feet beneath the surface of the Alger Underwater Preserve. Launched in 1890, the wooden steamer hit a reef rock in 1926 and sank. Scuba divers will come across the ship’s boiler and mechanisms like tanks, pipes, and a bathtub at just 25 feet deep.
Steven M. Selvick
As you reach 30 to 60 feet, you’ll come across the 70-foot elongated tub called the Steven M. Selvick. In 1996, this ship was deliberately sunk in order to provide diving opportunities and provide wildlife habitat. For photographers, this ship supplies an array of vivid imagery. From the pilothouse, galley, engine room, mess room, and crew quarters, divers can explore every nook and cranny and take magnificent photos.
Smith Moore
The deepest wreck lies at 70 to105 feet. The Smith Moore is an antiquated 1880 wooden steam barge and the preserve’s most famous wreck. Experienced divers plunge 80 feet to access the ship’s interior where through its open deck hatches, schools of colorful fish add eccentric movement alongside the historic wreck.
In addition to the wrecks, The Alger Underwater Preserve offers snorkeling and free diving underwater photography opportunities amidst Munising’s magnificent stretch, making this an excellent day trip for the family or groups of friends that are not scuba certified, Check it out for yourself the next time you’re in the area!
