Often overlooked for the vast depths of the sea, freshwater dive sites across the U.S. offer plentiful opportunities for divers not living near the coast. In addition to hosting a unique array of aquatic life, conditions at freshwater dive sites can be superior to saltwater diving. This is because, most notably, for improved visibility. Many freshwater dive sites also lead to underwater caves, which makes them attractive to cave divers from all over the world. There are some terrific freshwater dive sites in the US, and this selection features sites worth checking out.
Mermet Springs, IL
One of the most straightforward freshwater dive sites in the U.S. to explore, Mermet Springs in southern Illinois, was the location of the plane crash scene in the movie “U.S. Marshalls,” with the 727 jets from the film still occupying the bottom of the lake. The plane’s tail sits at a depth of only 15 feet, with the nose reaching approximately 50 feet. There are depths here for all levels of divers, from novice to tech, and the park has a sizable collection of sunken items. A full-service dive shop, restaurants, and hotels make this dive site a great weekend destination. Open year-round!
Pennyroyal Scuba, Hopkinsville, KY
Ranging in depths up to 120 feet and with visibility to over 50 feet, Pennyroyal Scuba Center Blue Springs Resort in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, is open during the warmer months of April to October. Pennyroyal, a 22-acre spring-fed freshwater quarry, offers divers over 40 sunken treasures to explore, including boats, a helicopter, and an RV.
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is the only one of the five Great Lakes located entirely within the United States. It is perhaps the most extraordinary of all the freshwater dive sites in the U.S., with over 400 wrecks scattered across the bottom of the Lake. With over 20 of the wrecks less than five miles from the Chicago, Illinois shoreline, divers have all the amenities of one of the world’s most famous cities to satisfy all their needs while exploring an underwater world full of sunken ships.
Lake Ouachita, Arkansas
According to the EPA, the second cleanest lake in the U.S. is Lake Ouachita in Arkansas. It has an abundance of limestone caves, fauna, and flora to discover. With visibility up to 60 feet, and as one of the few states in the U.S. to allow spearfishing, divers with an Arkansas fishing license can catch their dinner. Adjacent to Hot Springs, Arkansas, numerous amenities and three dive shops are in the immediate area.
Clear Lake, Oregon
Eighty-five miles from Eugene, Oregon, Clear Lake is arguably one of the most unique freshwater dive sites in the U.S. If not the world. Living up to its name, visibility in Clear Lake can reach 200 feet on a good day. Its caves and craters can be explored after dark, and only the moon can be used for lighting. Campsite, cabins, boat rentals, and several dive shops are available in the area.
