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One of the highlights of a recent trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was my visit to The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, Michigan. The Museum is located at the Historical Lighthouse at Whitefish Point on Lake Superior. Whitefish Point is where many ships have met their demise. The main reason for the large number of Shipwrecks near Whitefish Point is due to fierce weather events that occur suddenly and catch mariners unprepared. South Eastern storms also tend to build water up into Whitefish Bay of Lake Superior causing massive waves that ricochet off of the banks of the Lake and crash into the Ships. The agitation of the water amplifies and some Ships have actually been thrown out of the Lake.

One of the most famous Shipwrecks that can be seen at the Museum is the Ship's Bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald as seen in the photo. I was drawn to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum to see the Edmund Fitzgerald artifacts that were recovered and displayed there. The Edmund Fitzgerald went down on November 10, 1975 in severe weather conditions. Additionally, the Whitefish Point Lighthouse and Radio Beacon failed and left the Edmund Fitzgerald without any navigational aid. This is the only time the Whitefish Point Lighthouse has ever failed. The Bell was recovered in the summer of 1995, and on the anniversary of the Shipwreck, a memorial service is held. The Bell is rung 30 times. Once for each crew member and once to commemorate all mariners lost at sea.

There are many things to see in the Museum besides the Edmund Fitzgerald artifacts. There are displays for several other Shipwrecks dating back to the 16th century. The Whitefish Point Lighthouse is still active and can also be visited, but they will not allow you up in the Light area; however, there is a tour of the Lightkeeper's Quarters including log books and other artifacts. There is also a compelling story about a German Spy that was captured by the lightkeeper during WW II. I'm not sure of the validity of the story, but it is interesting none the less. There is also a Shipwreck Gift Shop with some very nice things such as paintings and prints, Ship's Bells, Sextants, and lots more.

If you are near Paradise Michigan on the Upper Peninsula, then do yourself a favor and stop by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point. It isn't very expensive, and if you like History, then you should find it to be a unique and interesting Historical sites to see.