Like the legendary Long Point in Lake Erie, the Keweenaw Peninsula on the South shore of Lake Superior and has often been a “catcher’s mitt” for wayward ships. Over the years many storm driven ships have run out of lake on the Keweenaw. As a result, the 103-square mile preserve is host to a variety of shipwrecks, including one recent addition.
In the fall of 1989, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mesquite ran aground off Keweenaw Point while retrieving buoys. During the winter, storms pounded the ship against the rocks and damaged it beyond repair. Eventually, the ship was intentionally sunk in about 110 feet of water off the peninsula.
Today the wreck of the Mesquite is the most popular dive destination in this preserve. Divers will find the wreck in excellent condition with virtually all of the equipment on deck. A portion of the pilot house was removed during the sinking process and lies near the main section of the ship. Divers can enjoy exploring the interior of the Mesquite, but interior exploration should be reserved for very experienced divers with proper equipment. Visibility at this site generally exceeds 50 feet.
Other shipwrecks are concentrated at Eagle River, Eagle Harbor, and Copper Harbor. These wrecks are both steamers and schooners, primarily of the 1800s and very early 1900s. Because they wrecked in relatively shallow water, most have been broken up by waves and ice. This process permits divers to see how ships were constructed.
Boilers, machinery, and broken hulls are found on reefs. There is little “penetration” diving at these sites, which makes these sites especially attractive for beginning to intermediate divers and underwater photographers.
A couple of the most popular dive sites are the Tioga, a steel package freighter that grounded on Sawtooth Reef in 1919, and the City of St. Joseph, which ran aground north of Eagle Harbor in 1942. The remains of these ships lie in 40 feet of water or less. Divers will find large sections of the hull, machinery, and other artifacts that make for excellent exploration and backdrops for excellent underwater photography.
Other dive sites include the John Jacob Astor, a 112’ long two master wooden brig is the oldest known shipwrecks site in Lake Superior. Constructed at Black River Ohio, she was the first U.S. commercial vessel on the big lake. The Astor stranded and broke up in strong winds and remains and interesting dive. The Langham, a wooden steamer, burned to a total loss with a coal cargo but no lives lost. Features include the ship’s two boilers, engine and much machinery still in place.
In addition to shipwrecks, the Keweenaw is a popular area for exploring underwater geologic formations. Large deposits of copper can be found in this region. Visibility throughout this preserve is generally very good and often exceeds 35 feet.
Visitors will find many fascinating historical sites, nature trails, and beautiful countryside to enjoy on the Keweenaw Peninsula.
A note about the charts included in each Preserve reference:
The coordinates are presumed to be accurate but we place no guarantee. Water depths may be off due to water level changes. Always evaluate weather conditions and divers abilities before diving any wreck. We are not recommending any of these dive destinations. We are only publishing information. Caution: Some wrecks may be out of the sport diving depth limit. Diving is a potentially dangerous activity. Use common sense and dive within your training and skill level.
