The water level of Lake Huron fluctuates on a month-to-month basis, and the highest water level is achieved during the months of October and November. On the other hand, the lowest water levels are usually observed during the winter months.
Some of the best shipwreck diving spots in the Great Lakes are found in Lake Huron. Among the most popular wrecks include New York, Regina, Sport and Checotah. In addition to the numerous wreck diving sites, Lake Huron also offers a wide variety of fun activities and historic attractions including the Lake Huron Shipwreck Museum, Sanilac Petroglyphs and Port Sanilac Lighthouse.
Featured Shipwrecks in Lake Huron
Cornelia B. Windiate
Cornelia B. Windiate, while bound for Buffalo in December of 1865, got trapped in ice, broke and sunk. Historical records indicate that she was not able to make it through the Straits and some witnesses reported having seen her spars sticking out of the surface along the region near the Fox Island. This was the main reason why it was originally believed that she had sunk in Lake Michigan and not in Lake Huron. She was discovered in 1987 in near perfect condition at the bottom of Lake Huron.
Cornelia B. Windiate is one of just a small number of intact schooners lying on the bottom of the Great Lakes. All the 3 masts of Cornelia B. Windiate remain standing. While the bowsprit is already extensively damaged, the main cabin remains in place and still retains some of the intricate woodwork designs on the side portion as well as the back portion of the cabin walls.
Dunderberg
Dunderberg figured in a major collision with the steamer Empire State in August of 1868 and sunk just a few miles offshore. It was learned that Empire State was at fault and the miscalculation by her mate led to the accident, which resulted to the death of one female passenger, who was thrown overboard as a result of the impact of the collision. The figurehead is the main attraction of this wreck diving site in Lake Huron. This 3-mast schooner was built during 1867 in Detroit. The wreck is in a relatively excellent condition and stands upright on the lakebed.
John J. Audubon
John J. Audubon was bound for Chicago on a foggy night in October of 1854 when she collided with the schooner Defiance and nearly broke into two. Historical records place the location of the incident at about 15 miles off Pte Aux Barques.
Defiance
Defiance is a 2-mast schooner that sank in October 1854 after colliding with the newly built brig John J. Audubon and went under after 15 minutes. The aggregate loss of the two vessels cost the underwriters a total of $60,000.
E.B. Allen
E.B. Allen figured in a major collision with the bark Newsboy in September of 1871. The shipwreck now sits at the bottom of Lake Huron with significant sections that are still intact. The major cut that led to her sinking can be clearly seen as well as her large windlass forward.
