By: Denise Hansen
The ice hasn’t yet broken up in Munising Bay but that doesn’t deter Captain Pete Lindquist from shoveling snow off the Miss Munising, one of two glass-bottom boats designed for underwater viewing. Lindquist owns and operates the popular Glass Bottom Boat Shipwreck Tours out of his hometown, Munising, Michigan.
MUNISING -- The narrated tour provides an up-close view of select shallow shipwrecks of the Alger Underwater Preserve, located in Munising Bay and adjacent Lake Superior waters. The ice and snow will hopefully be gone by opening day, May 22, still a few weeks away. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Munising has received over 230” of snow this winter. But Lindquist isn’t too worried. Lindquist, in his 14th year of operation, has seen lots of snow in his life. “Oh, we always have plenty to talk about, but it always melts in time.” When asked about the prospect of the impending tour season, he says “we’re just looking forward to providing a great experience to all who are interested.”
More and more people are becoming fascinated with Great Lakes shipwrecks. With the recent discovery of LaSalle’s Griffin and the consistent playing of Gordon Lightfoot’s song, The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald shipwrecks are on everyone’s mind. There are approximately 4760 shipwrecks in the Great Lakes according to shipwreck guru Dave Swayze.
Alger Underwater Preserve was the first of twelve underwater preserves established in Michigan. The extra cold waters of Lake Superior preserve the wood of the ships thus enhancing the shipwreck viewing experience by boat and dive.
Come summer, many history buffs, maritime fans and tourists of all kinds will be experiencing the Glass Bottom Boat Shipwreck Tours on a snow free ship in Munising Bay. Captain Pete is sure to provide a great day for all. For more information about viewing shipwrecks in Munising Bay visit www.shipwrecktours.com.
