Tiny Bubbles
Contributor
Last weekend I dived (solo - since I couldn't get anybody to go with me) on the BADGER STATE in Algonac, MI. This is an easy dive and it's easy to get to. It's located in the outside of the bend of the North Channel of the St. Clair River in Algonac, across the channel from the North Channel DNR launch ramp. This wreck is well known to the local boating, fishing, and diving communities. GPS: N42°36.380' W82°32.907' . It may be possible to take the ferry to Harsens Island and shore dive this, but I haven't tried.
The BADGER STATE was built in 1862 as a passenger steamer. It was converted to a floating pool hall, and later converted to a lumber boat. It caught fire at the dock in Marine City and was cut loose to drift down the St. Clair River in 1909. Its sister ship, the EMPIRE STATE, is sunk in shallow water at Bullhead Point in Wisconsin.
The wreck sits in 16 feet of water, bow pointing east, listing to port, with the starboard side almost touching the surface. The bow is more or less intact, and has a sharply-pointed shape that is this wrecks most distinctive feature. I didn't see any machinery, but there were some pipes. Photos are on my webpage: http://67.149.142.111/maps/m514443.php#badger
-Ray
The BADGER STATE was built in 1862 as a passenger steamer. It was converted to a floating pool hall, and later converted to a lumber boat. It caught fire at the dock in Marine City and was cut loose to drift down the St. Clair River in 1909. Its sister ship, the EMPIRE STATE, is sunk in shallow water at Bullhead Point in Wisconsin.
The wreck sits in 16 feet of water, bow pointing east, listing to port, with the starboard side almost touching the surface. The bow is more or less intact, and has a sharply-pointed shape that is this wrecks most distinctive feature. I didn't see any machinery, but there were some pipes. Photos are on my webpage: http://67.149.142.111/maps/m514443.php#badger
-Ray
