You haven't lived here until...You visited Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Ron Dzwonkowski -

What is it ? "Essentially, it's a national park out in the water that is dedicated to protecting the Great Lakes and their rich history," said superintendent Jeff Gray, 39, a Livonia native and Dearborn Divine Child graduate who has degrees in maritime history and underwater archaeology.

The sanctuary, designated in 2000, covers 448 square miles of Lake Huron off the northeast Lower Peninsula, an area known as shipwreck alley in the heyday of Great Lakes shipping because of its fog and dangerous shallows. About 200 shipwrecks have been identified in and around the sanctuary, which Gray says may be only half the actual number on the lake bottom in the area.

So do I have to swim or scuba dive to see the place? You can, but there's plenty to see and experience if you don't. The area is popular with divers from around the world because of the clear fresh water, which provides excellent visibility and has preserved many of the deep water wrecks. But some are visible to snorkelers and within easy distance from shore. If you don't want to get wet, there's a glass-bottom boat, Lady Michigan, that accommodates 110 passengers and provides outstanding views of several wrecks.

I'd really rather avoid the water altogether. No problem. Check out the visitors center, featuring a full-scale model of the aft portion of a 19th-Century lakes schooner. Climb aboard and brace for a simulated storm, with lightning, thunder and wind. "We've actually had a few people get a little seasick," Gray said.

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