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All the United States Michigan The Wreck of the Dorcas Pendell
AO Edited

The Wreck of the Dorcas Pendell

An easy-to-reach, century-old shipwreck in shallow and crystal clear waters.

Harbor Beach, Michigan

Added By
eljojoe
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The wreck lies in shallow water.   eljojoe / Atlas Obscura User
The wreck lies in shallow water.   eljojoe / Atlas Obscura User
Harbor Beach Bay.   eljojoe / Atlas Obscura User
Former Coast Guard Station.   eljojoe / Atlas Obscura User
The wreck is in a good state of preservation.   eljojoe / Atlas Obscura User
The water clarity is very good.   eljojoe / Atlas Obscura User
Harbor Beach lighthouse.   eljojoe / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The wreck of the Dorcas Pendell is a rare treat— a shipwreck in crystal clear shallow water. No need for scuba gear, a quick kayak trip in a sheltered bay and visitors can almost touch the wreckage. 

Constructed in 1884, the Dorcas Pendell was a 149 foot long, two-masted schooner that plied the Great Lakes for years until it was grounded during the Big Storm of 1913. Eventually, the ship caught fire and burned to the waterline.

The wreck is an easy 20-30 minute kayak trip to a location just over 2,000 feet from the shore. The location is easily marked with a bright red buoy. The wreckage is surprisingly large and the water is about five feet deep. Photos capture only a small portion of the ship.

Harbor Beach is the largest human-made freshwater harbor in the world and contains two other shipwrecks. The bay also possesses an abandoned Coast Guard station and a lighthouse.

Related Tags

Shipwrecks Water History & Culture Ships

Know Before You Go

Kayak rentals are available but it is best to call in advance.

Community Contributors

Added By

eljojoe

Edited By

akohler726

  • akohler726

Published

October 11, 2021

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Sources
  • https://www.coastalshipwrecks.com/wreck-16
  • https://images.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/details.asp?ID=62580
The Wreck of the Dorcas Pendell
875-585 Resort Rd
Harbor Beach, Michigan, 48441
United States
43.838613, -82.636971
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Nearby Places

Turnip Rock

Port Austin, Michigan

miles away

Sanilac Petroglyphs State Historical Park

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miles away

The Emergency Ark

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Michigan

Michigan

United States

Places 271
Stories 29

Nearby Places

Turnip Rock

Port Austin, Michigan

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Michigan

Michigan

United States

Places 271
Stories 29

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