Celebrating Our Great Lakes History

Throughout the history of the United States, we have depended on the Great Lakes for transportation and resources. A microcosm of this history exists in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where fire, ice, collision, and storms have claimed more than 200 vessels over the centuries. Every year, the sanctuary hosts the Maritime Festival in Alpena, Michigan, to commemorate this history. Thousands of visitors walk along the Thunder Bay River's Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail, see local and visiting boats, and watch the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. The Maritime Festival has been an annual community event since 2001.

Children participate in the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. Photo: NOAA

children paddling in a cardboard boat they built — Children participate in the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. Photo: NOAA

glass bottom boat — Visitors experience shipwrecks on a glass-bottom boat. Photo: NOAA