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America
In June of 1928, the SS America hit a shoal on its way out of Washington Harbor.
Plan Around America
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America Details
For 30 years, the SS America transported people, fish, supplies and mail across Lake Superior from Duluth to Thunder Bay, in Ontario. It made three scheduled trips each week and was one of the main links between Isle Royale and the outside world. In June of 1928, the SS America hit a shoal on its way out of Washington Harbor, opening up a huge gash on the ship's hull. Captain Edward Smith tried to beach the ship safely, but hit another shoal. The damage was done. All passengers and crew made it safely to the life rafts before the SS America sank. Today, the wreckage remains one of the most easily visible in the park, with some sections no more than two feet below the surface. Several attempts at recovery and restoration failed when Lake Superior's infamously poor weather failed to cooperate for long enough to pull the ship out of the water. More than 500 divers visit this popular site each year. It is one of the most complete wreckage sites in the park. Highlights include the engine room, galley and several cabins. The midship and stern are still whole, enabling visitors to explore the ship's various rooms. Watch out for silt, which can significantly lower your visibility, and be careful not to get lost or entangled in the maze of debris, old ropes and wires. The SS America is now the subject of an underwater restoration effort by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society. There is a white mooring buoy with a blue stripe, connected to a sinker at 20 feet deep, as well as a marker buoy in two feet deep, at the ship's bow. You are not allowed to dive here between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm here, so that ferry boats can stop by with their passengers. All other times, only registered dive boats are allowed at the mooring here, with a maximum of two boats per mooring. All divers must check in at one of the park visitor centers before embarking.
Difficulty
Open
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Nearby Parks Around America
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Nearby Points of Interest Around America
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond America while the map context is still fresh.
0.8 mi away
Grace Island Campground
This campground is located at the mouth of Washington Harbor.
2.0 mi away
Grace Creek Overlook
Travel through the boreal forest on this 3.6-mile trail.
2.2 mi away
Feldtmann Lake Trail
This 10.3-mile hike takes visitors across the high ridge from Feldtmann Lake to Siskiwit Bay.
2.3 mi away
Beaver Island Campground
Located on Beaver Island, just at the mouth of Washington Harbor.
3.3 mi away
Windigo Visitor Center
Open seasonally from May - October with varying hours.
