Cedarville (Wrack)

Why dive here

Cedarville (Wrack) lies in a species-rich stretch of Great Lakes, with 30+ marine species recorded in the area.

Marine life30+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive

Diving the Cedarville isn't just a dip, it’s a cold water history lesson. We're talking about a former limestone carrier, split in two after a collision in 1965, and now resting in the Straits of Mackinac. We love this site for the sheer scale of the wreckage. You descend into a deep gloom, often with visibility that forces you to hug the steel, and then the bow or stern loom out of the murk. It’s a sensory experience – the chill of the water, the creak of your gear, and the way the light filters down, painting the wreck in shades of grey and deep blue. Exploring the Cedarville means navigating massive cargo holds and broken superstructures. It’s not a wreck for the faint of heart; currents can be tricky, and that cold water demands good drysuit skills. But for those who embrace it, there are rewards. Look for the mottled sculpin tucked into crevices, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large Chinook salmon cruise past, using the wreck as shelter. The Alewife and Rainbow Smelt flit around the edges, adding a darting movement to the somber scene. Our favorite part is the sheer sense of history, touching steel that’s been down there for decades, slowly being reclaimed by the lake. It's a deep, challenging dive, perfect for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a significant piece of maritime history.