Summary
Located in the northeastern part of the state, the preserve offers clear waters and a variety of shipwrecks to explore. One of the main draws of the preserve is the diverse range of wrecks that can be found, including the 1871 wreck of the S.S. Pewabic and the wooden steamer, the John B. Lyon.
Other points of interest at Detour Passage Underwater Preserve include the remains of an early 20th-century tugboat, the wreck of the Sandusky, and the remains of a World War II-era airplane. Visitors can also spot a variety of marine life, including fish, crayfish, and even the occasional sturgeon.
The best time to visit Detour Passage Underwater Preserve is during the summer months, when the water is warm and visibility is at its best. However, diving is possible year-round for those who are willing to brave the cold waters.
Overall, Detour Passage Underwater Preserve offers a unique opportunity to explore Michigan's maritime history and underwater ecosystem. Whether you are an experienced diver or just looking to try something new, this preserve is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
DeTour - Lake Superior State Forest
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DeTour State Forest Campground
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Lime Island State Forest Campground
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Drummond Township Park
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