places TO EXPLORE in Munising
THE ALGER UNDERWATER PRESERVE
EXPLORE
unforgettable places
This visually stunning preserve is located on the south shore of Lake Superior near the dive- friendly city of Munising.
In 1988, the Department of Natural Resources declared the area an underwater preserve and enacted laws protecting what is left of the shipwrecks and other underwater natural resources.
The Alger Underwater Preserve was the first preserve established in Michigan and offers several unusual attractions including intact shipwrecks, sea caves and underwater interpretive trails. The sea caves are portions of underwater sandstone cliffs where sandstone has been eroded by waves.
Kayakers can explore the many coves and view shipwrecks in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior.
Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours also offer travelers a chance to discover two shipwrecks of the Alger Underwater Preserve through the clear waters of Lake Superior.
Many of the wreck sites located within the Alger Preserve are protected from Superior’s temperament by Grand Island. Underwater visibility in the Alger Preserve is considered to be among the best in the Midwest. Thirty feet of visibility at a depth of 100 feet is not uncommon.
To help you to appreciate the lakeshore to its fullest, while in town stop by one of the Visitor Information Centers in Munising or Grand Marias, visit NPS.gov/piro or call the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Visitors Center at 906-387-3700.
Shipwrecks in the Alger Underwater Preserve include:
THE BERMUDA – a 150-foot wooden schooner that sank in the spring of 1870 in Murray’s Bay on Grand Island, is a very popular dive site for beginners to advanced divers. Although this wreck lies in only 30 feet of water, it is protected from ice and wave damage by Grand Island. The schooner sits upright with her top deck only 12 feet below the water’s surface.
THE SMITH MOORE – a 260-foot three-masted steamer which sank in the Munising East Channel in July 1889. She rests intact in about 100 feet of water with visibility of 20-40 feet. Divers with intermediate to advanced skills will enjoy this wreck.
THE HERMAN H. HETTLER – a 235-foot wooden steamer, wrecked in November 1926 when she was seeking shelter in Munising Harbor and slammed into a reef. She is located in 30-40 foot depths with outstanding visibility.
THE KIOWA – a grain carrying 251-foot steel bulk freight steamer, was hit by a gale in November 1929. Because she is located at 20-40 foot depths, on a clear day the huge sections of hull are easily visible from the surface.
THE MANHATTAN – a wood-hulled freighter sank in October 1903 and is now in 20-40 foot depths off the east shore of Grand Island.
THE STEVEN M. SELVICK – a 71-foot steel tug, was intentionally sunk off Trout Point in May 1996 in the Alger Underwater Preserve. She is totally intact in 60 feet of water and rises to within 30 feet of the surface. Captain Peter Lindquist of Shipwreck Diving Tours was responsible, in large part, for adding the Steven M. Selvick to the Alger Underwater Diving Preserve.
Chapel Rock
Chapel Falls
Chapel Falls is an 80 ft scenic waterfall located within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park. Its water is derived from Section Creek. There is a long hike to this waterfall – approximately one hour. Located within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park, this beautiful waterfall is located East of Miner’s Castle. Traveling West on H58 from Munising, MI, you will drive approximately 15 miles. About 1 1/2 miles past Melstrand, MI you will see a sign “Chapel Area” on your left. Stay to the right and follow the signs. You will need to hike approx 3 miles one way from the parking area.
things to do at
The Alger Underwater Preserve
CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY:
Dive Shipwrecks at the Alger Underwater Preserve
Primary Dive Sites The Bermuda A 150-foot wooden schooner that sank in the spring
Other Unusual and Interesting Dive Sites
Cathedral Caves, Miners Castle, Ferry Dock Landing Drop-off, Pancake Rocks and the dock ruins offshore
Shipwreck Tour, Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Lake Superior Wreck Dives
Located on picturesque Munising Bay in Munising, Michigan Shipwreck Tours offers modern travelers a chance
PLAN AHEAD
start planning
your trip
No matter what time of year you plan to travel to Munising, it’s best to plan to ensure your vacation goes as smoothly as possible. But don’t worry, we have all the resources you need.
Munising offers an array of options for dining out, from fast-casual establishments to upscale restaurants.
Munising offers countless lodging options to choose from, including boutique hotels, small family-owned motels, and secluded cottages and cabins.
Whether you want to snowmobile, view some of the most beautiful fall foliage in America, or relax on a magical beach, Munising’s four seasons have something for everyone.
While its rural location is part of the charm, cell service can be an issue for some arriving in the Upper Peninsula. Fortunately, we have a range of maps and guides to help you along the way.
