Recreation area

Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary · Alpena · Michigan — managed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

Explore the shipwrecks lying in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, featuring exciting exhibits for all ages. Walk the decks of a wooden Great Lakes schooner replica, feel a Great Lakes storm, and touch the massive timbers of the boat resting on the lake bottom. All without getting wet! This visitor center provides a range of accessibility features for every visitor to enjoy the exhibits. Visitors can download the Shipwreck Alley Tours app, which presents an audio tour of the exhibits and a written narration of the shipwreck tour. This app also provides sensory friendly assistance. Visit our website to learn more information specifically about wheelchair mobility, service animals, sight and hearing impaired assistance, and sensory friendly assistance.

Getting there

Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center can be found in the historic downtown Alpena, Michigan along the Thunder Bay River.

Contact
(989) 884 6200

Activities

  • CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
  • EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
  • AMPHITHEATER
  • HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Michigan camping

Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Michigan campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.