Get to Know the Sanctuary
Designated: September 25, 2000
Expanded: September 5, 2014
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was designated on September 25, 2000. The first national marine sanctuary designated in the Great Lakes, and the first freshwater marine sanctuary, Thunder Bay protects 4,300 square miles of waters along the shores of Alpena, MI. This marine sanctuary is home to one of the nation’s best-preserved, nationally-significant collections of shipwrecks, thanks to the clear, cold waters of Lake Huron. It is a major economic driver for the community, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors annually to the region.
Top Sanctuary Attractions
- Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center: Experience the rich history of the Great Lakes with exciting and interactive exhibits.
- Alpena Shipwreck Tours: Glass-bottom boat tours that offer incredible shipwreck views.
Things to Do
- Alpena Shipwreck Tours: Glass-bottom boat tours that offer incredible shipwreck views
- Alpena Pedal and Paddle: Kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, and bike rentals.
- Mooring Buoys: Seasonal mooring buoys can be found on many popular shipwrecks, allowing paddlers, divers, and snorkelers to find and explore these wrecks.
- Alpena Blueway Paddling Guide: A map atlas for paddling Lake Huron from the Straits of Mackinac to Saginaw Bay.
- Clem’s Bait & Tackle: Sells fishing licenses and gear, including bait, tackle, rods, and apparel.
- Alpena City Walking Tours: Guided family-friendly haunted walking tours about the history and mysteries of Alpena.
- North Riverfront Park: Park near the mouth of the Thunder Bay River that features a river walkway with spots for fishing and a boat launch.
- Alpena Municipal Marina: A full-service public marina with amenities including gas, a boat launch, and a fish cleaning station.
- Starlite Beach: Sandy, swimming beach with play areas including a splash park for kids and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Mich-e-ke-wis Park: Features volleyball courts, a sandy swimming beach, a playground, and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Blair Street Park: Park with a handicap-accessible pier for fishing, bike paths, and a picnic area.
- Rockport Recreation Area: A state park with more than 4,000 feet of Lake Huron shoreline that offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and paddling.
- Bay View Park: One of the City’s largest developed parks featuring a boat harbor, breakwall walkway, and Band Shell that hosts outdoor concerts.
- Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center: Experience the rich history of the Great Lakes with exciting and interactive exhibits – this maritime heritage hub draws more than 100,000 visitors each year
- Sanctuary Cinema: A movie theater named for the marine sanctuary.
- Presque Isle Lighthouses: A collection of historical lighthouses including the tallest light on the Great Lakes that the public may climb and one hosting a museum highlighting local history and the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families.
- Besser Museum: Art, history, and science museum featuring an exhibit on Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage that includes actual restored vessels.
- Thunder Bay International Film Festival: Annual festival featuring ocean and Great Lakes films from all over the world.
- MATE ROV Competition Great Lakes Regional: Regional ROV competition for students that allows entry into the MATE World Championship.
- Big Bear Lodge: Family-friendly mom & pop lodge right across from the marine sanctuary and near Starlite Beach.
- Alpena Resorts: Family-owned hotel less than 3 miles from the marine sanctuary.
- Sanctuary Dogs and Riverside Ice Cream: Gourmet hotdogs from Nowicki’s Sausage and sanctuary-themed ice cream flavors conveniently located next to the Maritime Heritage Center.
- Knaebe’s Apple Farm & Ciderworks: Locally owned farm and restaurant offering cider and baked goods near the sanctuary.
- Pompeyos: Authentic Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating that offers a view of the marine sanctuary.
- Presque Isle Farm Cider and Taproom: Downtown Alpena business serving cider made with 100% Michigan grown apples.
- Thunder Bay Winery: A small, family owned and operated vineyard and winery in Historic Downtown Alpena just minutes away from the shores of the marine sanctuary.
- Cabin Creek Coffee: Family-owned and operated coffee house in downtown Alpena with cozy backwoods atmosphere.
- John Boy’s: Restaurant near the Maritime Heritage Center that has been serving Alpena home-cooked meals for 30 years.
- Red Brick Tap & Barrel: Upscale pub food near the Maritime Heritage Center that highlights local ingredients.
- Court Yard Ristorante: Relaxed spot near Starlite Beach that offers fresh seafood and live music.
