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
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 [...]
Get Your Paddle On….in the Sanctuary!
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is known for the shipwrecks it protects—nearly 200, with about 100 yet to be found! So often, deep-water shipwrecks are the images we see because the preservation and detail are [...]
Thunder Bay’s Signature Events
Festival of Sail
ROV Competition
Film Festival
