Michigan’s Underwater Preserve System

Michigan’s eleven underwater preserves include nearly 2,300 square miles of Great Lakes bottomland, an area nearly twice the size of the state of Delaware. The underwater preserves protect some of the region’s most sensitive underwater resources.

The vast expanse of the five Great Lakes provided a natural transportation system into the interior of the United States as our nation expanded West. One hundred years ago, the inland waterway of these Great Lakes provided the most dangerous shipping waters in the world. Sudden storms, fog, heavy traffic and steamship companies demanding captains to stay on schedule no matter what the weather, resulted in the destruction of thousands of schooners, steamers and barges. The Great Lakes bottomland is littered with these time capsules from the time when our nation began to emerge into the world power it is today. These shipwrecks, artifacts, and natural features attract skin and scuba divers from across the United States. They come to explore and observe how the cold, fresh water of the Great Lakes preserves history.

The Michigan Underwater Preserve system was created in 1980 through legislation supported and largely drafted by Michigan sport divers. Since then, divers have ensured that their sport will remain a high-quality activity with stiff penalties for disturbing the shipwrecks and their artifacts. It is a felony to remove or disturb artifacts in the Great Lakes. Those caught removing portholes, anchors, anchor chain, deadeyes, blocks, or other “souvenirs” will have their boat, car, and equipment confiscated immediately 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.

As a result of these laws, and SCUBA divers contentious efforts, wreck diving in the Great Lakes is some of the best in the world. Many sport divers unfamiliar with Great Lakes Shipwrecks are surprised to find such well-preserved shipwrecks. Small items, such as ceramic cups, silverware, tools, machinery ornaments, and other artifacts remain where they were discovered by the first divers many years before.

Well-stocked dive shops, knowledgeable sales staff, experienced instruction, and friendly service are the standard in Michigan. Most dive shops, whether they are located near underwater preserves or not, can provide expert advice on preserves and diving in the state. Regardless of origin, divers and their families will feel welcome in Michigan.

Dive charter operators can be found in all the underwater preserves. If divers bring their own boats, they will find convenient boat launches, marinas, and other facilities. Most of the popular dive sites are buoyed in the summer by members and volunteers of the Michigan Underwater Preserve Council, Inc., a private, non-profit organization dedicated to development of the preserves. Many preserves also offer exceptional shore-access diving.

A word of caution is in order whenever venturing out on the Great Lakes. These massive bodies of water are as unpredictable as they are beautiful. Storms and heavy seas can arise suddenly and with little warning. Do not head out onto the Great Lakes unless you have proper safety equipment, an appropriate vessel, and experience.  Never leave your dive boat unattended.  If trouble arises, the U.S. Coast Guard monitors vhf channel 16 and search and rescue service is available. But it is best to avoid such situations.

Be prepared for cool water temperatures. Although surface water temperatures may reach 65 degrees or more in midsummer, temperatures below 40 feet may be substantially less. Most Great Lakes divers use full wetsuits, or dry suits.  Diving in the Great Lakes may be colder, but it’s well worth the extra effort, to see such pristine wrecks. 

After diving in any of Michigan’s underwater preserves, you may find yourself wanting to try them all! Each offers a unique experience, both underwater and on land. 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. 

So, come back again and tell your friends and family. Michigan is good to sport divers and great to their families seeking a fun vacation sure to create fond memories for many years. 

Although each underwater preserve offers a variety of diving attractions, it is possible to describe only some of the most popular dive sites in this booklet. Please contact the sources in each section to obtain more information about diving in that underwater preserve.

The Michigan Underwater Preserve Council (MUPC) was formed in an effort to preserve, protect the Great Lakes shipwrecks and to educate divers and non-divers on their history and aid in their preservation. MUPC is a private, non-profit, volunteer driven organization.

We promote diving and conservation of the shipwrecks in the 11 underwater preserves and Great Lakes. These shipwrecks have been under water for many years, and are often found in good condition, even after being submerged for 100+ years. There are various factors which keep  these shipwrecks in the  wonderful condition they are in, some natural factors, some manmade. Great care is used in the placement of the buoy, buoy chain and ropes, the amount of scope in lines used and  as well as other considerations in preserving and  protecting  the wrecks.

One of our many goals for the future involves placing mooring bases on many of the wrecks in the preserves. This will allow divers to dive the wrecks, without damage from lines, chains and hooks. It will also aid in making the dive safer for the diver.

Mission Statement
The PURPOSE of the Council is to:
• Foster cooperative stewardship of the historical, cultural, natural and recreational resources associated with the preserves.
• Enhance the quality (safety, access and diver ethics) of preserve diving, and provide preserve-related opportunities for non-divers.
• Support and speak as a unified voice for the preserve committees.
• Promote wider involvement in the preserve council and individual preserves through membership, networking, partnerships and volunteers.
• Market the preserves, and cooperatively market diving in Michigan.
• Identify, support and participate in projects which benefit the state’s preserves (e.g., placement of marker buoys, development and application of new technologies, artificial enhancement, education)
• Provide input and advice on permits and preserve-related research efforts.
• Act as an information clearinghouse and referral service to: existing preserve committees, existing and potential preserve-related businesses, and groups interested in establishing new preserve committees.
• Facilitate communication among preserve committees and with different preserve stakeholders.
• Monitor, assess and develop positions on emerging issues and factors which impact on the preserves and preserves committees. Communicate these positions to the legislature, relevant agencies and organizations, and preserve stakeholders.