kids encyclopedia robot

Grand Traverse Bay Bottomland Preserve facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve
Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve is located in Michigan
Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve
Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve
Location in Michigan
Location Grand Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse County, Antrim County, Leelanau County, Michigan USA
Nearest city Traverse City, Michigan
Area 295 square miles (760 km2)
Established 2008
Governing body Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve is a special protected area in Michigan, USA. It covers all of Grand Traverse Bay, which is a large bay of Lake Michigan. This preserve is huge, about 295 square miles (760 km2) in size. It is located near Traverse City, Michigan.

What is an Underwater Preserve?

An underwater preserve is like a national park, but it's under the water! These areas protect important things found on the lakebed. This includes old shipwrecks, unique rock formations, and special underwater habitats. They help keep these treasures safe for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Exploring Grand Traverse Bay's Waters

The Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve protects the lake bottom in several areas. These include the waters near Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula. It also covers parts of Grand Traverse County. The preserve stretches along the western shore of Antrim County, which borders the bay's East Arm. It also includes the eastern shore of Leelanau County, which borders the bay's West Arm.

Shipwrecks and History

One exciting part of the Grand Traverse Preserve is the old shipwrecks. These sunken ships tell stories of the past. They are like underwater museums!

The Schooner Metropolis

One famous shipwreck here is the schooner Metropolis. A schooner was a type of sailing ship. The Metropolis sank in November 1886. It was carrying a load of lumber to Chicago when it went down near Old Mission Peninsula. Divers and researchers studied the remains of this wreck in 2009. It helps us understand what life was like for sailors long ago.

Protecting Our Underwater Heritage

The Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve was officially created in June 2008. It became Michigan's 12th underwater preserve. These preserves are important for protecting history and nature. They allow people to explore and learn about the Great Lakes in a safe way. Divers can visit the shipwrecks, but they must follow rules to keep them safe.

kids search engine
Grand Traverse Bay Bottomland Preserve Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.