Top 11 'Shipwreck-Strewn' Coastal Kayaking Trails to experience in the Great Lakes in Summer 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
There's a unique kind of magic that happens when you dip your paddle into the crystal-clear waters of the Great Lakes. But what if, just beneath the surface, lay a portal to the past? Imagine gliding in your kayak, the summer sun warming your back, and peering down through the turquoise water to see the perfectly preserved ribs of a 19th-century schooner resting silently on the lakebed. This isn't a fantasy; it's the reality of coastal kayaking in the Great Lakes.
These vast freshwater seas, notorious for their sudden, violent storms, have claimed thousands of vessels over the centuries. Cold, fresh water acts as a remarkable preservative, creating an underwater museum unlike any other on Earth. While many of these wrecks are the exclusive domain of scuba divers, a surprising number lie in shallow, accessible waters, their ghostly outlines visible from the seat of a kayak. It's an experience that combines thrilling adventure with a profound sense of history.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe the best adventures connect us to the stories of a place. So, if you're planning your big trip for Summer 2025, forget the crowded beaches. Instead, grab your paddle, chart a course for North America's inland oceans, and prepare to explore history from a perspective you'll never forget. Here are the top 11 shipwreck-strewn coastal kayaking trails to add to your list.
1. Fathom Five National Marine Park, ON (Lake Huron)
Topping our list for its sheer, breathtaking clarity and accessibility is the water around Tobermory, Ontario. Nestled at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, Fathom Five is Canada's first National Marine Park, and for good reason. The water here is so clear it's often compared to the Caribbean, with visibility frequently exceeding 50 feet. For kayakers, this means you don't just see a dark shape below; you see every detail.
The main attraction is Big Tub Harbour, home to two remarkably shallow and intact wrecks: the schooner Sweepstakes and the steamer City of Grand Rapids. Lying in only 10-20 feet of water, these wrecks are so popular that tour boats circle them all day. In a kayak, however, you can get a front-row seat. You can hover directly over the Sweepstakes' deck, tracing its railings and imagining its final moments in 1885.
- Pro Tip: Launch from the public dock in Tobermory, but go early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the tour boat traffic. This gives you a more serene and personal experience with the wrecks. Pack a snorkel and mask; the water is chilly, but a quick dip to get an even closer look is an unforgettable thrill.
2. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MI (Lake Huron)
Welcome to "Shipwreck Alley." Off the coast of Alpena, Michigan, lies a treacherous stretch of Lake Huron that has claimed over 200 vessels. The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects this incredible collection of maritime history, and they actively encourage exploration by kayakers. Many of the wrecks are marked with seasonal mooring buoys, making them easy to find.
The sanctuary's clear waters and the variety of shallow wrecks make it a paddler's paradise. A great place to start is the 447-acre Alpena Shipwreck Tour, a route that takes you over several wrecks in less than 30 feet of water. You can paddle over the schooner Shamrock, which rests in only 12 feet of water, or the massive steel freighter Nordmeer, part of which remains exposed above the surface.
- Pro Tip: Before you head out, visit the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena. Their exhibits provide the backstory for the ships you're about to see, adding incredible depth to your paddle. Consider renting a kayak with a clear bottom viewing panel to enhance the experience.
3. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI (Lake Superior)
While justly famous for its magnificent, mineral-stained sandstone cliffs, Pictured Rocks is also a premier destination for shipwreck kayaking. The notoriously cold and clear waters of Lake Superior have preserved numerous wrecks in shallow water along this stunning 42-mile stretch of coastline. Paddling here is a two-for-one adventure: world-class scenery above the water and haunting history below.
The Munising Bay area is the hub for kayakers. Here you'll find the wrecks of the wooden steamer Bermuda, which sits upright in about 12 feet of water, and the schooner-barge Herman H. Hettler, which lies broken but fascinatingly explorable just off the beach. The contrast of these dark, submerged shapes against the bright sandstone lakebed is a photographer's dream.
- Pro Tip: Lake Superior is powerful and unpredictable. Always check the weather forecast and paddle with a buddy or a guided tour. Guided tours are highly recommended here, as they provide the necessary safety equipment and their expert knowledge will ensure you find the best wrecks and sea caves.
4. Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve, MI (Lake Michigan)
Stretching between the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Manitou Islands, this passage was a bustling but dangerous shipping lane. Today, it’s a protected preserve littered with fascinating wrecks. The star of the show for kayakers is the freighter Francisco Morazan, which ran aground in a 1960 snowstorm. Its rusted hull juts dramatically from the water off the southern tip of South Manitou Island, creating an eerie and compelling sight.
Closer to the mainland, in Good Harbor Bay, you can find the remains of the wooden steamer Rising Sun. In just 10 feet of water, its lower hull is easily visible from a kayak on a calm day. Paddling these waters offers a unique blend of sandy dunes, beautiful islands, and the tangible echoes of maritime commerce and disaster.
- Pro Tip: The paddle out to the Morazan is for experienced kayakers only, as it involves a significant open-water crossing. For a more accessible trip, focus on Good Harbor Bay. The D.H. Day Campground is a perfect basecamp for launching your exploration of this area.
5. Isle Royale National Park, MI (Lake Superior)
This is the ultimate Great Lakes kayaking adventure, but it's not for the faint of heart. Isle Royale is a remote, rugged archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry or seaplane. Its waters hold some of the most intact collections of shipwrecks on the planet, preserved in the lake's frigid depths. While most are dive sites, a few are visible from the surface.
In the clear, protected waters of Rock Harbor, you can paddle over the remains of the SS America, a 183-foot passenger steamer that sank in 1928. Its bow lies in just a few feet of water, gradually sloping down into the depths. On a calm, sunny day, you can see much of the superstructure from your kayak. The sheer isolation and wildness of the park make spotting a wreck here feel like a true discovery.
- Pro Tip: This trip requires significant planning for Summer 2025. You'll need to book ferries and campsites months in advance. A sea kayak is essential, as are advanced paddling and navigation skills. If you're up for the challenge, the reward is an unparalleled wilderness and history experience.
6. Death's Door Passage, WI (Lake Michigan)
The name alone should tell you something. This narrow, turbulent strait separating the tip of Wisconsin's Door Peninsula from Washington Island is legendary for its treacherous currents and ship-swallowing storms. Its floor is littered with the bones of unfortunate vessels, making it a hotspot for maritime history buffs.
While the currents demand respect, experienced paddlers can explore the waters around the islands that guard the passage, like Plum Island and Pilot Island. Here, you can find debris fields and the scattered remains of schooners that failed to navigate the "Porte des Morts" (the Door of the Dead). The kayaking here is as much about the atmosphere and the stories as it is about seeing a perfectly intact wreck.
- Pro Tip: This is a destination for advanced kayakers only. Never paddle it alone. Go with a local guide who understands the currents and weather patterns. The reward is paddling through a place steeped in maritime folklore and raw, natural beauty.
7. Whitefish Point, MI (Lake Superior)
Known as the "Graveyard of the Great Lakes," the area around Whitefish Point is the final resting place for hundreds of ships, including the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald. While most wrecks are in deep water, the coastline itself offers a powerful and poignant paddling experience. The sense of history is palpable as you paddle along the same shoreline that countless sailors desperately tried to reach.
Near the shore, you can sometimes find scattered debris fields pushed in by storms. The main draw, however, is the experience of paddling in the shadow of the Whitefish Point Lighthouse and visiting the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. It provides the context for the immense power of Lake Superior and the tragedies that have unfolded on its waters.
- Pro Tip: Combine your paddle with a visit to the museum. Seeing the artifacts recovered from famous wrecks (like the bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald) before or after your paddle creates a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.
8. Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve, MI (Lake Huron)
Located in Michigan's "Thumb" region, this preserve protects 163 square miles of Lake Huron and numerous shipwrecks. While many of the most famous wrecks, like the freighter Regina, are in deeper water for divers, the shoreline itself holds secrets for the observant kayaker.
The best approach is to launch from Port Sanilac or Lexington and paddle the coastline. Keep your eyes peeled for wreckage that has washed ashore over the years. The true prize for paddlers is the 1881 wreck of the schooner Mary Alice B, which lies in just 8-12 feet of water. Her wooden hull is broken, but the shape of the vessel is still clearly discernible, offering a fantastic view from the surface.
- Pro Tip: The water clarity here can be more variable than in the northern lakes. Plan your trip for a calm, sunny day after a period of light winds for the best viewing conditions. Check with local dive shops for the most up-to-date coordinates and conditions for shallow wrecks.
9. Southwest Lake Erie Wrecks, OH/ON (Lake Erie)
Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes, and its warmer waters were a hotbed of early shipping. The downside is that the water is often less clear, and the wave action has broken up many wrecks. However, the island region in the western basin, including Kelleys Island and the Bass Islands, holds some gems.
Near Kelleys Island, kayakers can search for the remains of the schooner Adventure, which sank in 1903 and now rests in about 15-20 feet of water. Another target is the W.R. Hanna, a schooner-barge that lies in shallow water north of the island. Paddling around these historic islands, which are attractions in their own right, and hunting for these submerged pieces of history is a perfect summer adventure. This is a trip I've been planning myself since reading one of Goh Ling Yong's earlier pieces on historical travel.
- Pro Tip: Due to lower visibility, a waterproof case for your phone with a GPS app is essential for finding these sites. Look for days with exceptionally calm weather to maximize what you can see from the surface.
10. Alger Underwater Preserve, MI (Lake Superior)
Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Pictured Rocks, the Alger Underwater Preserve surrounding Grand Island is a fantastic destination in its own right. It offers a slightly less crowded but equally compelling shipwreck kayaking experience. The island's sandstone cliffs and sea caves are spectacular, and its waters hold numerous historical sites.
The most accessible wreck for kayakers is the Bermuda, a 150-foot schooner that sank in 1870. Wait, didn't we already mention this one? Yes, the wreck lies right on the boundary between the Pictured Rocks and Alger preserves in Murray Bay, making it a highlight for both areas. Other sites in the preserve include the wooden tug Steven M. Selvick and the wreck of the Kiowa, though parts of these may be in slightly deeper water.
- Pro Tip: Make Grand Island your primary destination for a multi-day trip. You can circumnavigate the island (for experienced paddlers), camp, and spend your days exploring its secluded beaches, historic lighthouse, and, of course, its submerged history.
11. Kingston, ON (Lake Ontario)
While Lake Ontario's best-preserved wrecks are generally too deep for kayakers, the area around Kingston, at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, is an exception. This strategic location has seen centuries of maritime traffic, and its waters are a graveyard for many early vessels. The so-called "Kingston Wrecks" are a mix of 19th-century schooners and steamers.
For kayakers, the key is to explore the shallow waters around the many islands near the city, such as Wolfe Island and Amherst Island. Here you can find the scattered remains of several barges and schooners, like the Comet and the Aloha, in 15-25 feet of water. On a clear day, their timbers are visible, offering a glimpse into the region's storied shipping past.
- Pro Tip: The water here is part of a major modern shipping channel. Be extremely cautious and aware of large vessel traffic. Sticking close to the island shorelines is the safest and most effective way to hunt for these shallow wrecks.
Your Voyage Through History Awaits
Paddling over a Great Lakes shipwreck is more than just a kayaking trip; it's a journey back in time. It's a quiet, personal way to connect with the incredible stories of innovation, commerce, and tragedy that are literally submerged in the waters beneath you. These silent monuments are a powerful reminder of the lakes' unforgiving nature and the courage of the sailors who navigated them.
As you begin to dream and plan for Summer 2025, consider trading a typical vacation for an extraordinary adventure. The ghosts of the Great Lakes are waiting. All you need is a kayak, a paddle, and a spirit of discovery.
Which of these shipwreck trails are you adding to your Summer 2025 bucket list? Share your plans or your own favorite spots in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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