Keweenaw Underwater Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Keweenaw Underwater Preserve |
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 Keweenaw Underwater Preserve
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Lake Superior, Keweenaw County, Houghton County, Michigan, USA |
| Nearest city | Houghton, Michigan |
| Area | 103 square miles (270 km2) |
| Governing body | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
The Keweenaw Underwater Preserve is a special area in Lake Superior, off the coast of Michigan. It helps protect important historical sites found underwater. This preserve covers waters near the Keweenaw Peninsula, which is a long piece of land sticking out into the lake. It's a great place to explore shipwrecks and learn about the past.
Why is the Keweenaw Peninsula Special?
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources helps manage the Keweenaw Underwater Preserve. They describe the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula as a "catcher's mitt." This means it often catches ships that get into trouble during big storms on Lake Superior. Because of this, many ships have sunk here over the years.
Exploring Shipwrecks
The preserve is home to many shipwrecks. These old boats are now protected and are popular spots for scuba divers. Divers can explore these underwater museums and see history up close. Each wreck tells a story about the lake's past and the brave sailors who sailed its waters.
Famous Shipwrecks to Explore
One of the more recent large ships to sink in the Great Lakes is the Mesquite. This ship was a United States Coast Guard cutter. It ran aground, meaning it hit the bottom, near Keweenaw in 1989. Now, the Mesquite is a popular shipwreck for divers to visit in the preserve.
The biggest shipwreck in the preserve is the freighter William C. Moreland. This large cargo ship ran aground in 1910. It rests in about 40 feet of water. The William C. Moreland is also a protected shipwreck and a favorite spot for divers. It's a reminder of the powerful storms on Lake Superior.
