Keweenaw Peninsula , Michigan

In northwest Michigan, the Keweenaw Peninsula on Lake Superior is known as sort of a "catcher’s mitt” for ships. Over the years wayward vessels have met their fate and settled in the lake’s depths. The most recent ship to go down and now one of the most popular dive sites in the area is the Coast Guard cutter Mesquite. After it ran aground in 1989, winter storms pounded it against the shore, damaging it beyond repair. It was moved from shore and sunk in 120 feet (36 m) of water in Keystone Bay. Its deck is about 100 feet (30 m) from the surface. But the Mesquite is not the only attraction in the area. Marked wrecks include the Langham in 90-105 feet (27-32 m) of water in Bete Grise Bay; Scotia in 15 feet (5 m) of water off Keweenaw Point; Wasaga in 25-35 feet (8-11 m) of water in Copper Harbor; City of St. Joe at 35 feet (8 m) in Little Grand Marais Harbor; Traveller in 20 feet (6 m) in Eagle Harbor; and Pickands, Colorado, Fern, Tioga and Moreland on Sawtooth Reef off Eagle River. Removing items is prohibited. The homeport of the preserve is Copper River, Michigan, where divers will find plenty of services. 

Depths to: 100 feet (30 m)

Visibility: Varies depending on the site, but reaches 50 feet (15 m) at the Mesquite.

Water temperature: A dry suit is recommended.

Aquatic life: Trout, splake, coasters, white fish, Chinook salmon. 

Fees: None.

On-site amenities: Copper Harbor provides lodging and dining services.

More info: Visit www.copperharbor.org/dive.html.

Open: Year-round.

Getting there: Copper Harbor, near the end of the Keweenaw Peninsula, is a good starting point. From Green Bay, Wisconsin, head north on U.S. 41/141.