Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary
NOAA has designated Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary – our nation's 15th and newest national marine sanctuary. The 962 square-mile area protects 36 shipwrecks that possess exceptional historic, archaeological, and recreational value. Co-managed with the state of Wisconsin, the sanctuary expands on the state's 30 years of stewardship of these historic sites. The sanctuary will also bring new opportunities for research, resource protection, educational programming, and community engagement. In partnership with local communities, the sanctuary will provide a national stage for promoting heritage tourism and recreation.
Map of boundaries for Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Credit: NOAA
Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary Fact Sheet
Credit: NOAA
B-Roll video
Credit: NOAA, Underwater: Eric Poggemann
Built in 1851, the well-preserved schooner Northerner lies in 130 feet of water.
Credit: Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society
An exciting recreational opportunity, a diver swims over the two masted schooner Walter B. Allen, sunk in 1880.
Credit: Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society
Built in 1843 the schooner Home, is one of the oldest shipwrecks discovered in Wisconsin.
Credit: Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society
A photomosaic of the schooner Home, made by stitching hundreds of individual images together.
Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society
Lake Michigan's cold, fresh water has kept the steamer Vernon and much of its cargo virtually intact since it's sinking in 1887 with the loss of 48 lives.
Credit: Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society
Bound for Chicago with a hold full of Christmas Trees, the Rouse Simmons was lost with all hands in a November gale in 1912.
Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society
Originally built as the Nancy Dousman in 1832, the schooner Gallinipper is Wisconsin's oldest shipwreck discovered to date.
Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society
Trading vessels like the 95-foot long schooner Gallinipper linked Wisconsin coastal cities with distant markets in the 1830s and 1840s, fueling local and regional economies.
Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society
A photomosaic of the schooner Walter B. Allen.
Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Sea Grant, Wisconsin Historical Society
