Mary N. Bourke

Mary N. Bourke is a historic shipwreck in the waters off Michigan. The Great Lakes are one of the world's great graveyards of ships — thousands were lost to storms, fog, collisions and fire during the centuries when schooners and steamers carried lumber, iron ore, grain and passengers across these inland seas. Michigan's cold, fresh water preserves these wrecks remarkably well, leaving hulls, masts and cargo intact on the bottom.

Many wrecks lie within Michigan's underwater preserves and are popular with scuba divers, while shallower sites can sometimes be seen from the surface or a kayak in clear conditions. Diving the Great Lakes demands proper training, equipment and respect for cold, deep water, and the wrecks are legally protected — look, document, but take nothing. Related places list the shoreline and waters nearby.