Viewingt the Graveyard of the Great Lakes

Michael and I got up rather early on Saturday, we wanted to get our day started. I made us breakfast and off we went. We headed to White fish Point located in Paradise MI.

Whitefish point is the location of the oldest operating light house on Lake Superior. It was first lit in 1849, and was automated in 1971. All vessels entering and leaving Lake Superior must pass the light. This treacherous shoreline is known as the Graveyard of the Great Lakes. 

The Whitefish Point area has the most shipwrecks of all areas in Lake Superior.

This is also the home of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum home of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

                                          This is a Fresnel Lens it was used to light the way.

There has been 550 known major shipwrecks lying on the bottom of the lake, and at least 200 of  them are in the vicinity of Whitefish Point. In 1975 the Edmund Fitzgerald was loss, with 29 crew members. The Bell off the Edmund Fitzgerald was raised and displayed in the museum.  A bell with the names of the 29 crew members was placed back on the Edmund Fitzgerald.

                                                These are items from various shipwrecks.

Other things to explore at White Point are the Lighthouse, the Lifeboat Rescue Station,  and you can watch a short video detailing the end of the Edmond Fitzgerald. The museum is not huge, but very interesting and has good exhibits. 

                                                  The must see inside of the light house.

The U.S. Life Saving Service, now known as the U.S Coast Guard. The Lifeboat Station was closed in 1951.

I would rate this trip a must see if you are in the UP. The people were friendly and the weather was perfect. 

          We walked along the shore of Lake Superior and of course I collected more rocks.