National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

National Marine Sanctuary

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Designated September 25, 2000 Area 4,300 square miles

About this sanctuary

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was designated on September 25, 2000. The first national marine sanctuary designated in the Great Lakes, and the first freshwater marine sanctuary, Thunder Bay protects 4,300 square miles of waters along the shores of Alpena, MI. This marine sanctuary is home to one of the nation’s best-preserved, nationally-significant collections of shipwrecks, thanks to the clear, cold waters of Lake Huron. It is a major economic driver for the community, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors annually to the region.

In national marine sanctuaries, America’s marine heritage is appreciated by current and future generations.

Top attractions

  • Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center

    Experience the rich history of the Great Lakes with exciting and interactive exhibits.

  • Alpena Shipwreck Tours

    Glass-bottom boat tours that offer incredible shipwreck views.

Visit the sanctuary

Things to do at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Travel guide, recommended operators, beaches and landmarks, and local resources drawn from the Foundation's existing sanctuary content.

Tours & Outdoor Recreation 6

  • Alpena Shipwreck Tours

    Glass-bottom boat tours that offer incredible shipwreck views

  • Alpena Pedal and Paddle

    Kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, and bike rentals.

  • Mooring Buoys

    Seasonal mooring buoys can be found on many popular shipwrecks, allowing paddlers, divers, and snorkelers to find and explore these wrecks.

  • Alpena Blueway Paddling Guide

    A map atlas for paddling Lake Huron from the Straits of Mackinac to Saginaw Bay.

  • Clem’s Bait & Tackle

    Sells fishing licenses and gear, including bait, tackle, rods, and apparel.

  • Alpena City Walking Tours

    Guided family-friendly haunted walking tours about the history and mysteries of Alpena.

Museums & Visitor Centers 4

  • Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center

    Experience the rich history of the Great Lakes with exciting and interactive exhibits – this maritime heritage hub draws more than 100,000 visitors each year

  • Sanctuary Cinema

    A movie theater named for the marine sanctuary.

  • Presque Isle Lighthouses

    A collection of historical lighthouses including the tallest light on the Great Lakes that the public may climb and one hosting a museum highlighting local history and the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families.

  • Besser Museum

    Art, history, and science museum featuring an exhibit on Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage that includes actual restored vessels.

Community Events 2

  • Thunder Bay International Film Festival

    Annual festival featuring ocean and Great Lakes films from all over the world.

  • MATE ROV Competition Great Lakes Regional

    Regional ROV competition for students that allows entry into the MATE World Championship.

Hotels & Lodging 2

  • Big Bear Lodge

    Family-friendly mom & pop lodge right across from the marine sanctuary and near Starlite Beach.

  • Alpena Resorts

    Family-owned hotel less than 3 miles from the marine sanctuary.

Restaurants 9

  • Sanctuary Dogs and Riverside Ice Cream

    Gourmet hotdogs from Nowicki’s Sausage and sanctuary-themed ice cream flavors conveniently located next to the Maritime Heritage Center.

  • Knaebe’s Apple Farm & Ciderworks

    Locally owned farm and restaurant offering cider and baked goods near the sanctuary.

  • Pompeyos

    Authentic Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating that offers a view of the marine sanctuary.

  • Presque Isle Farm Cider and Taproom

    Downtown Alpena business serving cider made with 100% Michigan grown apples.

  • Thunder Bay Winery

    A small, family owned and operated vineyard and winery in Historic Downtown Alpena just minutes away from the shores of the marine sanctuary.

  • Cabin Creek Coffee

    Family-owned and operated coffee house in downtown Alpena with cozy backwoods atmosphere.

  • John Boy’s

    Restaurant near the Maritime Heritage Center that has been serving Alpena home-cooked meals for 30 years.

  • Red Brick Tap & Barrel

    Upscale pub food near the Maritime Heritage Center that highlights local ingredients.

  • Court Yard Ristorante

    Relaxed spot near Starlite Beach that offers fresh seafood and live music.

Watch

Shipwrecks of Thunder Bay — Great Lakes maritime heritage

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