Researchers from NOAA, the state of Michigan, and Ocean Exploration Trust have discovered an intact shipwreck resting hundreds of feet below the surface of Lake Huron. Located within NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the shipwreck has been identified as the sailing ship Ironton. Magnificently preserved by the cold freshwater of the Great Lakes, the 191-foot Ironton rests upright with its three masts still standing. Learn more about the discovery.
Whats Happening at Thunder Bay
Freshwater Acidification Monitoring Project Engages Students
Beginning in spring of 2022, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) partnered with NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research and Laboratory (GLERL) to establish the basis of a long-term monitoring program to measure Lake Huron water [...]
Spencer William Cootware
Alpena, MI. Our community sadly lost an important member of the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on July 25, 2022. With sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Captain Spencer W. Cootware of [...]
Festival of Sail
TALL SHIPS ARE COMING! And a REALLY BIG Rubber Duck Majestic Ships Set Sail for Alpena July 15-17, 2022 Tall Ships return to Alpena, July 15-17, 2022 for the Festival [...]
‘Tis the Giving Season
Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Offers Incentives to “Explore Your Sanctuary, Virtually!” Alpena, Mich. – The Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (FTBNMS) is in the giving spirit and offering a daily [...]
Thunder Bay’s Signature Events
Maritime Festival
ROV Competition
Film Festival
