Shore Dive Information
- Shore Access Location: North Bay, near the town of Liberty Grove, Door County, Wisconsin. Access is typically via private land or local launches—closest public entry from Europe Bay Road or North Bay Drive. No developed dive park infrastructure at the wreck site.
- Entry Type: Small boat launch or kayak entry from shoreline. Direct shore walk-in is limited and depends on landowner permission.
- Depth Range:
- Minimum: 3 m (10 ft)
- Maximum: 4.6 m (15 ft)
- Current & Conditions:
- Generally low current due to sheltered bay location
- Visibility varies from 1–6 m (3–20 ft) depending on wind and algae
- Seasonal thermoclines can occur, but shallow depth reduces effect
- Bottom is sandy and weedy with minor silt
- Points of Interest:
- Largely intact lower hull visible above bottom
- Two centerboard trunks and pump shafts
- Frames and keel structure well preserved
- Double centerboard layout is rare and educational
- Excellent location for underwater photography and structural mapping
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Ideal for novice divers due to shallow depth
- Navigation practice recommended due to weed cover
- Safety & Emergency Info:
- Nearest hyperbaric chamber: St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI (via emergency referral)
- U.S. Coast Guard: Sturgeon Bay Station (Emergency VHF Ch. 16 / Tel: +1 920-743-3366)
- 911 Address: Closest approximate public address: 11991 Europe Bay Road, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
- Canadian emergency (if required): 911 (via cell with roaming access)
- Local Regulations:
- Wreck is protected under Wisconsin Historical Society and is a listed historic site
- No artifact removal allowed; look but don’t touch protocol
- Check with Wisconsin DNR for latest dive access permissions
- Best Time to Dive:
- Late spring to early fall for best visibility and safe surface conditions
- Avoid during strong northerly winds which affect surface chop in North Bay
- Driving Directions:
- From WI-57 North, take County Road ZZ to Europe Bay Road, then follow signage to North Bay access
- Google Maps – North Bay, WI
- Apple Maps – North Bay
- Additional Resources:
- Wisconsin Shipwreck Dives – North Bay Wrecks
- Door County Maritime Museum
- Local charter and kayak dive guides in Sister Bay or Ellison Bay
Let me know if you’d like a printable dive briefing card or underwater site map.
45.2682 -87.0307