Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve |
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 Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Lake Michigan, Leelanau County, Michigan USA |
| Nearest city | Empire, Michigan |
| Governing body | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
The Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve is a special protected area in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located in Lake Michigan. This preserve completely surrounds two islands: North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island. It also includes much of the lake area that borders the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This preserve helps protect amazing history hidden underwater.
Why So Many Shipwrecks?
The Manitou Passage was once a very busy pathway for ships on Lake Michigan. Many large commercial ships, often called Lake freighters, used this route. They traveled north or south through the passage. Because so many ships passed through this area, many accidents happened over the years. This means the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve is full of old shipwrecks! These sunken ships tell stories of the past.
Exploring the Underwater World
Today, the Manitou Preserve is a popular spot for people who love to explore underwater. There are 33 different sites where people can go recreational diving. Most of these sites are also within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Divers can see old shipwrecks and other things related to shipping, like parts of old docks.
Some of the popular dive sites include:
- Alva Bradley
- PJ Ralph
- JB Newland
- Congress
- Three Brothers
These sites offer a unique chance to see history up close, deep beneath the waves.
