The Marquette Underwater Preserve is made up of two separate units — the Marquette and the Huron Island Units — which collectively reach depths of 200 feet and cover many miles of Lake Superior Coastline. Five favorite dives in the area include the Southwest, Arctic, George Nestor, Florida, and DeSoto.
The Southwest
The most popular dive—The Southwest—went down in 1898. Today, divers still find small artifacts and remains scattered 100 feet below the surface.
The Arctic
On the foggy, fateful day of May 20, 1860—the Arctic—a 237 foot long steamer sunk. Today, it rests on a steep incline with depths of 5 to 105 feet of water.
The George Nestor
On April 30, 1909, the 207 foot George Nestor got stuck out in a storm. The remains are located near the Huron Island's Lighthouse with water depths from 20 to 100 feet.
The Florida
Built in New York in 1886, the Florida crashed into a Marquette dock due to a blizzard on November 16, 1886. The remains, while well decayed, are now in shallow water covered with shifting sand.
The DeSoto
Launched in 1856 and deceased on December 4, 1869, the DeSoto's framing and planking can be found in 10 foot waters, making it a nice dive for new divers.
The Marquette Underwater Preserve:
For more information visit: http://www.michiganpreserves.org/marquette.htm
Not scuba certified? Check out Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours for cruise tours near Marquette, Mi.
Wreck Name | Depth | GPS/LAT/LON |
---|---|---|
Arctic | 5’ to 105’ | 46°57.74’N 087°59.85’W |
DeSoto | 8’ to 10’ | 46°32.07’N 087°23.55’W |
F-106B Fighter Plane | 20’ to 22’ | 46°31.71’N 087°23.75’W |
Florida | 10’ to 15’ | 46°32.11’N 087°23.53’W |
“Gold Mine” Pinnacle | 12’ to 150’ | 46°35.38’N 087°21.75’W |
“Iron Man” & J.H. Sheadle | 15’ | 46°34.08’N 087°23.17’W |
Charles J. Kershaw | 25’ | 46°30.56’N 087°21.81’W |
D. Leuty | 40’ | 46°32.76’N 087°22.44’W |
George Nester | 20’ to 100’ | 46°57.99’N 088°00.20’W |
Queen City | 10’ to 13’ | 46°29.42’N 087°18.64’W |
George Sherman | 10’ to 12’ | 46°29.89’N 087°09.63’W |
Southwest | 100’ | 46°56.42’N 087°56.11’W |
Superior & Marion L. | 20’ | 46°32.50’N 087°23.35’W |