The Straits of Mackinac Underwater Preserve lies at the northern tip of Lakes Michigan and Huron and tries to preserve Michigan’s shipwrecks for later generations. Over the years, a large number of ships have submerged in the Straits, many of them have yet to be discovered. One of the shipwrecks that has been found is the wooden steamer Fred McBrier.
Built in W. Bay City of Michigan in 1881, the Fred McBrier was nine years old when she sank in October 1890. Loaded with iron ore, while towing two schooner barges, she was moving cautiously in conditions of poor visibility. The darkness and the misinterpreted fog horn signals, that the Fred McBrier exchanged with the oncoming schooner barge Progress led to their collision.
The 161 ft/49 m long, wooden steamer Fred McBrier is now located upright in 104 ft/32 m depth of water, 9 mi/14.48 km west of the bridge, in Lake Michigan. Moored at her upright engine (which is at 85 ft/26 m), the Fred McBrier is slowly dissolving. Her bow has separated, but her stern is mostly intact. You will be able to see much of her equipment, including the engines and windlass. Penetration is possible.
Kailua Kona is located in the North Kona District, Hawaii. It is a lively seaside town with sunny tropical weather all year long and lies at the bottom of the Hualalai Volcano.
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia, located on the Swan River. The climate here is classified as Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and cool and wet winters. Immerse yourself in the unique combination of stunning natural surroundings, beautiful beaches with clear waters, greenery park-lands and outstanding city architecture that attract visitors all year long.
Kailua Kona is located in the North Kona District, Hawaii. It is a lively seaside town with sunny tropical weather all year long and lies at the bottom of the Hualalai Volcano.
Victoria is the second-smallest state of Australia. It borders with New South Wales to the north and Tasman Sea to the east. The unique combination of spectacular coastline, pristine beaches, numerous national parks, dense forests and mountains attract visitors all year long and offer a plethora of activities to sport lovers.
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia, located on the Swan River. The climate here is classified as Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and cool and wet winters. Immerse yourself in the unique combination of stunning natural surroundings, beautiful beaches with clear waters, greenery park-lands and outstanding city architecture that attract visitors all year long.
The beautiful island of Corfu is situated in the Ionian Sea and is part of the Eptanisa island complex. Blessed with amazing natural landscape, stunning sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, along with historical monuments and medieval villages, Corfu is a fascinating Mediterranean destination that enchants and inspires visitors!
Chicago is the seat of Cook County, Illinois, USA. It is the third most populous city in the US and the most populous city in both the American Midwest and Illinois. Nicknamed as The Second City or Windy City, Chicago is situated on the southeastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the northeastern Illinois.
Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace is the connecting node between the Upper and Lower Peninsula at the northern end of the Mackinac Bridge. Saint Ignace is the second-oldest city founded by Europeans in Michigan and the third oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S. It is inhabited by Native Americans, Europeans and is rich in history. With its pristine beaches, water filled activities, entertainment, history and annual events St. Ignace is a great vacation destination for all.
Chicago is the seat of Cook County, Illinois, USA. It is the third most populous city in the US and the most populous city in both the American Midwest and Illinois. Nicknamed as The Second City or Windy City, Chicago is situated on the southeastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the northeastern Illinois.
Saint Ignace, the second-oldest city founded by Europeans in Michigan and the third oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S. Inhabited by Native Americans, Europeans and rich in history, it is mostly known for its ferry service to Mackinac Island and as being home to Straits State Park. Furthermore, the Huron Boardwalk, a number of waterfront parks, the virgin beaches and the St. Ignace – Trout Lake Trail make St. Ignace a great vacation destination for all.
Lake Huron is the second-largest of the Great Lakes and the third largest fresh water lake on Earth, with more than a thousand wrecks being recorded. At least eleven of these shipwrecks are contained in the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve. 3 mi/4.8 km east of Mackinac Bridge lies what's left of the Cedarville. Being in a very good condition, because of its close proximity to the surface, the shipwreck has much to explore.
Grand Traverse Bay, a 51 km/ 32 mi long, 16 km/ 10 mi wide bay of Lake Michigan, is divided in two by the old Mission Peninsula. It is coextensive with the Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve that contains numerous shipwrecks. One of the confirmed shipwrecks of the region is the Metropolis.
Traverse City is a city in the state of Michigan and the county seat of Grand Traverse County, located at the south end of Grand Traverse Bay, a 32 mi / 51 km long, 10 mi / 16 km wide and up to 620 ft / 190 m deep in spots bay of Lake Michigan. Combining varied natural attractions for adventure and/or relaxation, Traverse City is a four-season visitor’s destination.
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes, the only one placed entirely within the United States and the second largest Great Lake by volume. It has the same surface elevation as Lake Huron, making the two technically a single lake. The Straits of Mackinac connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Over the years, many ships have sunk in the Straits. One of the shipwrecks lying in the Straits of Mackinac Underwater Preserves is St. Andrew.
