Minnesota

Lake County

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States

Wreck located 200 yards off shore up against breakwater.us

Shore dive - Split Rock Lighthouse

Beaver Bay

Madiera

The America was the old ferry that transported people from Wisconsin to Isle Royal National park. It sank however when it struck a shoal. Still today the incoming ferry stops to let passengers see the wreck which is visible from the surface, its bow cutting the current.

The America is an amazingly intact wreck. Located only 100 feet of shore it lies in about 50 feet of water but it is on an angle and its bow rises only 3 feet below the surface. It is worth noting that their is a significant current on the surface but below three of four feet the water is still. The wreck offers everything to suit all types of divers. Inside the wreck you can see wiring running to old lights. One of the most spectacular aspects of this wreck is the grand stair case that truly reminds you of the titanic.


The America is located at the very west end of Isle Royal national park near the Windigo visitor center. Access is by boat. The wreck is located in 3-50 feet of water.



America Wreck

No amenities. Abandoned Iron Ore Mines. Great Visibility and stocked with game fish. Gravel bottom. Some pits are more than 400 feet deep.

Shore diving and campsite.

Crosby Mine Pit is also known as Ironton Mine Pit.

Crosby Mine Pit

There are several items to look for and photograph in this pit with depths ranging from 20 feet to about 100 feet. Shallow sites are a fake graveyard and sunken boat not to far out from the access entry point. At about 50 ft depth there is a platform that was or is still used for training. Below about 75 feet you can find a mermaid, a pirate and sparky the plastic skeleton holding a couple wires from an old electrical panel from when they were still mining here.

From the town of Ironton take county rd 30 north 1.25 miles then turn left onto the gravel road. Follow this road (I think it is called Silkstone Dr.) for about 1.26 miles then make a left turn. There is road (I use the word road loosely for this part because they are little to no maintenance.) that goes up hill then levels out to a nice open area about .1 miles in.  The Dive Shop in Brainerd is the closest one to the Mine Pitts and they have maps of the area.

Louise Mine Pitt

Long Lake, Zerkel is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Minnesota, USA Mid which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Long Lake, Zerkel

Marquette Upper Harbor is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Michigan which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Marquette Upper Harbor

Iron ore mine pit. Flooded and converted to park. On site camp spots available. Many dive features are buoyed.  Multiple training platforms at various depths.  Some sunken features, such as a boat. (Not really a wreck.) Temps are very cold at depth - dress warm. Fish cribs are fun to see.

Shore diving with equipment set up racks.

Lake Wazee is also known as Wazee Lake.

Lake Wazee

Two Masted Schooner in good shape. Good example of two masted schooner. You can get below deck.

Murray Bay

Bermuda Wreck

113 square mile preserve, 100ft depth, 55DegF, 30ft viz; rock bass; Has the Murray Bay wreck and a 71ft tugboat.  See www.algercounty.com or www.munising.org

Take I-75 to the upper peninsula, the go west on Hiway 28 to Munising, on Lake Superior.

Alger Underwater Diving Preserve

Wooden Steamer sank in collision. Boiler in and stern very interesting.
Depending on current sometimes visibility can be a problem from the milky water from Picture Rocks.



Madiera

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Madiera