Lake Superior started to build a solid reputation as a premier destination for wreck diving enthusiasts during the 1950s, and wreck diving became the most popular outdoor adventure in Minnesota, featuring a diverse set of shipwrecks that remained intact and well-preserved in the fresh waters of Lake Superior.
The 1970s were considered to be the best times for wreck diving in Lake Superior. It was during this period that some of the most important wreck diving sites were discovered and buoyed. These include The Milwaukee and other shipwrecks in the deep waters of Whitefish Point and Isle Royale. And by 1980, there were more than enough wreck diving sites in Lake Superior to keep even the most seasoned divers occupied for several years.
As diving activities in Lake Superior continue to evolve, several wreck diving experts started to adopt extreme methods like the cave techniques in order to engage in deep dives of up to 500 feet from the surface.
Featured Shipwrecks in Lake Superior
Thomas Wilson
Thomas Wilson is a US-registered whaleback freighter that was built at West Superior, Wisconsin during the winter months of 1891 to 1892. This steel-riveted steamer was launched in April of 1892. The historical significance of the Thomas Wilson is that it is known to be the best surviving vessel belonging to the early generation of whaleback steamers.
Thomas Wilson figured in a major collision with George Hadley, a 2,000-ton steamship, on June 7, 1902 while both vessels were desperately trying to make sharp turns to avoid each other. The accident happened a few miles off Duluth Harbor. Within minutes from the actual impact, Thomas Wilson began to keel over and sink.
Hesper
The Hesper is a US-registered wooden-hulled freight steamer which was launched in June 1890 at Radcliffe Yard in Ohio. It is one of the important freighter vessels that were used by the burgeoning iron-ore industry during that time. The remains of this 3-mast single propeller steamship are superbly preserved by the cold waters of Lake Superior.
The Hesper sunk after it was hit by a vicious gale during the latter part of spring in 1905. The northeasterly weather system pushed the steamer several miles off her original course until it was hurled into the reef, which now lies near the southwestern end of Silver Bay Harbor. The damaged steamship broke into 2 as it settled at the bottom of Lake Superior, some 42 feet from the surface.
Onoko
The Onoko is a US-registered steamship and was the first ever iron-screw and iron-hulled freight steamer when it was launched in February of 1882. During that time, the Onoko was the largest vessel that sailed along the maritime route within Lake Superior. It remained to be the largest vessel until steel-hulled freighters were launched some 10 years later. It also served as the prototype for another large bulk freighter, the Great Lakes.
The Onoko ran aground in the early part of September 1915 while coming off from a grain elevator on Duluth Harbor. Days after that fateful incident, the Onoko began taking in large volumes of water while carrying more than 100,000 bushels of wheat. It instantly foundered and began to sink as water entered the boat’s engine room. It settled on the lakebed stern first some 220 feet from the surface.
