Glass Bottom Boat Tours
One of the premier attractions on Lake Superior, you can go on a fascinating tour of the Great Lakes' history. However, you won’t be exploring what is above the water, but instead what lies in the depths.
Some events, like shipwrecks, are undeniably tragic. But learning more about them can give you a stronger appreciation for the depth of history the Michigan Peninsula has to offer. The Glass Bottom Boat Tour will take you to some of the most infamous sunken ship stories in Lake Superior. If you have the proper certification, you can even go scuba diving to see these historical landmarks up close.
Shipwreck Tours
On the Lake Superior shoreline, you’ll find Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours. These watercraft will take you to some of the most prominent shipwrecks near Pictured Rocks. As its name suggests, you’ll be able to see these archaic watercraft from the bottom of the boat!
Cost
Adults: $36
Seniors: $32
Military (must show ID): $32
Children 12 and under: $12
Children 5 and under: $5
How many shipwrecks?
While the actual number of shipwrecks is unknown, around 550 wreck sites have been found.
What is the oldest shipwreck?
The oldest shipwreck that has been discovered is Ship Bermuda. This ship was originally built in 1860 and found its watery demise in the year 1870.
What is the most recent shipwreck?
The last shipwreck that happened in Lake Superior was Steven M. Selvick. This ship was intentionally sunk by the Alger Underwater Preserve in 1996. The wreck acts as a fish habitat.
Deepest Shipwreck?
While you aren’t likely to see this shipwreck, the SS Scotiadoc was buried under 853 feet of water and was recently discovered by shipwreck hunters.
Other Shipwreck Sites
These are some of the most popular ships you’ll have the chance to see when you tour with Glass Bottom. Here are a few of their fun facts!
Herman Hettler
Depth: 13 feet
Age: 1890
How long has the wreck been here?
1926
This wooden steamer ship carried with it a haul of salt when it got hit by a strong wind. The merciless, mighty breeze sent the ship careening into the Trout Point Reef.
Kiowa
Depth: 20-40 feet
Age: 1920
How long has the wreck been here?
1929
The Kiowa steamer unfortunately was carrying a load that was just too heavy to maintain stable control. Five lives were lost. It’s tragic, but many were able to stay alive! You’ll hear the story when you take the tour!
Manhattan
Depth: 20-40 feet
Age: 1887
How long has the wreck been here?
1903
Make sure you play nice with fire! The Manhattan had a broken rudder chain, which forced it to run into the rocks on Grand Island. A lantern tipped over–lighting the boat on fire. Chaos!
Shipwreck Diving
However, maybe you want to get even closer to these underwater titans. If the thought of swimming up to the wreckage thrills your bones and spikes your adrenaline, you can do it!
For $100 a diver, you’ll have the opportunity to explore two shipwreck sites. One will be in shallower waters, and the other will be in the deep.
However, there are a couple of stipulations to do this:
- You must have your open water certification.
- You must bring your own scuba gear (tanks and weights can be rented).
If you choose to do this, it can be one of the coolest excursions you take on the Michigan peninsula. Anyone who loves to dive must do this once.
