National Marine Sanctuary

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary at the
Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena  (989) 356-8805
web site: www.thunderbay.noaa.gov

Thunder Bay National  Marine Sanctuary’s Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center is a popular destination which allows the public to experience and appreciate the estimated 200 shipwrecks in and around Thunder Bay. The 20,000 square foot center features exhibits, a gift shop, an auditorium, archaeological conservation lab and artifact storage, education space, research facilities and administrativespace.  The Thunder Bay Sanctuary Research Collection, one of the largest collections of its kind, is housed at the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library.

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve is the thirteenth National Marine Sanctuary in a system that extends from American Samoa to Massachusetts. Thunder Bay NMS/UP protects a nationally significant collection of over 100 shipwrecks, spanning over a century of Great Lakes shipping history. Thunder Bay NMS/UP represents many "firsts" for the National Marine Sanctuary Program:

• First Great Lakes sanctuary.
• First sanctuary to focus solely on a large collection of underwater cultural resources.
• First sanctuary located entirely in state waters.