Thunder Bay Nominated as Favorite Michigan Attraction

August 2017

teams paddling cardboard boat from shore to shore
The Cardboard Boat Regatta is a highlight of the annual Thunder Bay Maritime Festival. Photo: NOAA

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary has been nominated in by USA Today in their latest 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest! The 10Best panel of experts selected Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary as a contender for Best Michigan Attraction. This sanctuary provides a spectacular setting to learn about Great Lakes maritime history and visit one of America's best-preserved and nationally-significant collection of shipwrecks.

Voting ends Monday, August 28th, 2017 at 11:59am EDT; the winners will be announced on 10Best on Friday, September 1st, 2017 at 12:00pm EDT and then later on USA TODAY. You can vote EVERY DAY, but only once per day. Cast your vote for Thunder Bay:

Vote for Thunder Bay

view of old presque isle lighthouse from the water
The Old Presque Isle Lighthouse as seen from the waters of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: David J. Ruck/NOAA
snorkler popping his head out of the water over the wreck of the Joseph S. Fay
Snorkeling adventures at the site of the shipwreck Joseph S. Fay, a wooden bulk freighter sunk in 1905. The Fay lies in just 17 feet of water off the shores of the 40-mile Point Lighthouse in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Stephanie Gandulla/NOAA, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
ship lowering a lifeboat exhibit at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
Located in downtown Alpena, Michigan, the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center serves as the visitor center for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and features interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. Explore Great Lakes maritime heritage and sanctuary shipwrecks without getting wet! Photo: NOAA, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
diver swimming over the wreck of the montana
A diver explores the wreck of Montana, a wooden steam barge that caught fire and burned to the water's edge in 1914. Now, more than a century later, Montana's engine, boiler, shaft, and propeller remain in place and the wreck is a popular dive site. Photo: NOAA