Hundreds of Kids Explore Michigan Shipwreck Alley by Glass-Bottom Boat

May 14, 2026

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a beautiful place to Get Into Your Sanctuary and explore an underwater national park. The area encompassing 4,300 square miles of Lake Huron was designated to protect hundreds of nationally-significant historical shipwrecks preserved by the fresh, cold water.

Many scuba divers from around the world have Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, famously known as "shipwreck alley," on their dive bucket list. But there's a new group of explorers in town: third graders, many of them excited to see their first shipwreck.

Just in time for 2026 Kids to Parks Day, which encourages kids and families to connect with parks, public lands, and waters across the country, the Third Grade Get Into Your Sanctuary education program is helping students discover an underwater park close to home.

For the past four years, the program has brought local students into their sanctuary—many of them for the first time. This multi-visit program creates immersive learning experiences around Michigan history, maritime archaeology, and underwater robotics. The final visit offers an adventure: sailing through the sanctuary on a glass-bottom boat to see shipwrecks with their own eyes.

Wilson Elementary teacher Aimee Chrzan recounted that "When the boat glides over the shipwreck and it first comes into view, there's usually an eruption of excitement throughout the crowd." 

That excitement often quickly turns to wonder. Corie del Rio, a third grade teacher at Clara Bolen Elementary, said students are often stunned by what they are seeing.

"There is always a collective gasp of surprise," del Rio said. "Many students will ask me in a hushed voice, 'Are those real?' I am so grateful we have this magical opportunity for these little Michiganders to experience the joy of discovery."

Teachers seem to agree that the oohs, ahhs, and wows are contagious, reminding even adults that some experiences never get old.

The first year of the program brought 11 classrooms onto sanctuary waters, and with each new year, the excitement to participate grows. This year, 33 third grade classrooms will complete the program, with more than 750 students getting into their sanctuary and local park.

"We've been expanding our efforts to reach students who are further inland and otherwise would not have the chance to visit these waters," explained Daniel Moffatt, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary stewardship and education coordinator.

Survey data shows that more than 60% of participating students had never been on a boat in the sanctuary before joining the program. Now, hundreds of students are getting firsthand experience in one of America's underwater parks and building stronger connections to their local history, community and stewardship opportunities.

"We are in the business of creating educational experiences that you can't wait to share around the dinner table," Moffatt said. Each day that I connect learners with rich environmental and historical stories within their sanctuary, I too am met with a sense of wonder and discovery. This is the kind of place that makes people pause and say,'Wow.'"

Parks are places to relax, play, enjoy, and reflect. Your national marine sanctuaries offer all of that, but also have the power to spark the kind of curiosity and wonder that can inspire meaningful hobbies, careers, and life-changing discoveries. Creating engaging education programs in America's underwater parks makes that impact possible.

Sarah Morrison is the media and outreach specialist for NOAA's Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary