Sanctuary Offices & Visitor Center Closed to the Public
For the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, and employees, and as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the offices and visitor center will be closed to the public until further notice. We will continue to reassess the situation. We understand this closure is an inconvenience for visitors, and we apologize. Our top priority is the health of our guests who come to learn about Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and the National Marine Sanctuary System, as well as the staff and volunteers who support our visitor center. If you have further questions about the closure and TBNMS, please call 989-884-6200
WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN?
If you love the Great Lakes, join the Friends! Dedicated to sustaining the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s fresh waters and nationally significant collection of more than 200 shipwrecks, the Friends of TBNMS needs your help! Join us in supporting a dynamic range of education, community outreach, and research activities focused on protecting the Great Lakes.
GET INTO YOUR SANCTUARY
Explore the many ways to experience Great Lakes shipwrecks, lighthouses, fossil beds, and more.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Discover fascinating learning opportunities about marine science, technology, and archaeology for all ages here.
KNOW YOUR SANCTUARY
Dive deeper to learn about the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s underwater shipwreck museum.
PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE. BECOME A FRIEND.
Thunder Bay’s Signature Events
Maritime Festival
ROV Competition
Film Festival
Summer Programs
“Great experience! Highly recommend it!”
“What an incredible blessing to this town! Always love this place and the beautiful sincere staff. Thank you!!!”
“It was a blast! Captain Spencer and crew were very fun and informative about some of northern Michigan’s history.”
Whats Happening at Thunder Bay
Screenings at the Sanctuary: Great Lakes Now program to have ongoing showings at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
by Great Lakes Now Visitors to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center will be able to view new episodes of Great Lakes Now under a new partnership between the Detroit Public Television initiative and the [...]
5th Annual Student Film Competition at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
The annual Thunder Bay International Film Festival Student Film Competition (TBIFF) challenged students in grades 8-12 to create a five-minute or less film on the theme: #GreatLakesAre. Out of 30+ entries, 13 films were selected [...]
Thunder Bay International Film Festival Kicks off Sanctuary’s 20th Anniversary
ALPENA, MICH --The Thunder Bay International Film Festival kicks off the 20th anniversary year celebrating the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s (TBNMS) federal designation. TBNMS was officially designated in 2000 as the first freshwater marine [...]
Glass Artists Donate Art to Raise Support
Glass Artists Donate Art to Raise Support for Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Alpena, Mich. -- When 45th Parallel Glass Works and Gallery owners Peggy and Augie Matuzak heard the Friends of Thunder [...]