Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

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The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum has become one of Michigan’s most popular destinations. Explore the challenges of maritime transport on the Great Lakes at the Whitefish Point Light Station. Witness the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior, which has been continuously active for 155 years: the Whitefish Point Light Tower.

Step inside the Shipwreck Museum Gallery to delve into the haunting world of shipwrecks. Lake Superior, the most treacherous among the Great Lakes, is the resting place for hundreds of sunken ships. Take a guided tour of the Lightkeepers Quarters and listen to firsthand accounts from keepers and their families who managed the lighthouse.

While touring the museum campus, discover a replica of the 1923 Surfboat House, once housed at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Lifeboat Rescue Station at Whitefish Point. This exhibit recounts the courageous stories of the men and women of the United States Life-Saving Service.

Stroll along the barrier-free boardwalk and descend the stairs to Lake Superior’s shoreline. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach, observing the waves crashing ashore. Before departing, don’t miss the Shipwreck Coast Museum Store for unique souvenirs. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is a standout attraction on any UP road trip. Start planning your visit today by exploring our Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary.