Every year, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary transforms Alpena into a cinematic hotspot! This January, experience an incredible lineup of Ocean and Great Lakes films from around the globe, right here in northeast Michigan. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration of our Blue Planet!
Whats Happening at Thunder Bay
AWARD WINNING Education Program: 3rd Grade Get Into Your Sanctuary
The 3rd Grade Get Into Your Sanctuary (3GIYS) program recently won the Sea to Shining Sea Award for Excellence in Interpretation and Education. This award is given annually by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries [...]
Volunteer Appreciation Party
"Our sanctuary runs on coffee and volunteers!" At least that’s the message on the mugs we gifted to our incredible volunteers at the annual appreciation event in December 2024. It was a pleasure celebrating nearly [...]
The Christmas Tree Ship: Education Outreach
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Brings Maritime History with a Holiday Story Have you heard of “The Christmas Tree Ship?” If you haven’t, you can ask a Hinks Elementary School pupil to fill you in [...]
Listening Session for Input on New Data Buoys in Thunder Bay
Shelby Brunner and Jennifer Boehme, of Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS), joined Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) staff on October 17th for a community listening session, held in Alpena, MI, at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage [...]
Thunder Bay’s Signature Events
Festival of Sail
ROV Competition
Film Festival
