Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects a nationally significant collection of nearly 100 historic shipwrecks within 4,300 square miles of Lake Huron off the Michigan coast. Through research, education, and community involvement, the sanctuary works to protect the Great Lakes and their rich history for this and future generations.
Whats Happening at Thunder Bay
Deep Water Dive Project Produces New Media
In August 2025, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary dive unit joined forces with experts from the NOAA Diving Program and NOAA Diving Center to conduct a series of deep-water archaeological surveys. Over an intensive three-week expedition, [...]
Sail Into Your Sanctuary: a Weekend Powered by Wind & History
This year’s Sail Into Your Sanctuary event brought adventure, history, and plenty of on-water time to Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. From August 14–17, 2025, the sanctuary teamed up with Tall Ships America to host [...]
August Lights: Featuring the 8 Sanctuary Sentinels!
"Even though lighthouses may no longer serve their original purpose with modern GPS and radar, they still hold a valuable place in our cultural heritage and in how communities connect with their past." —Don La [...]
Thunder Bay’s Signature Events
Festival of Sail
ROV Competition
Film Festival
