How much time do you need at Ironton?

Allow 1–2 hours to explore Ironton.

When was the Ironton lost?

The Ironton was lost on Lake Huron in 1894. The recorded date of loss is September 26, 1894.

What kind of ship was the Ironton?

The Ironton was a schooner barge built in 1873.

Shipwreck & maritime history · Lake Huron

Ironton

A schooner barge lost in a Lake Huron collision and later documented by sanctuary researchers.

Photo: NOAA · Public domain

Ironton wreck.jpg by NOAA · Public domain. Resized and converted to WebP; display crops vary.

Official website Plan a trip around it

On the coast

About Ironton

Ironton was traveling under tow when its towline parted and it collided with the freighter Ohio. The losses illustrate the complexity of operating groups of vessels on the lakes. NOAA's modern archaeological work documents the wreck as heritage; this guide provides history, not access instructions.

LakeLake Huron

RegionMichigan

LostSeptember 26, 1894

VesselSchooner barge

Historical overview only. Conditions, access and site safety can change; consult qualified local sources before any water activity.

Live · Ironton

What's going on right now.

Weather, alerts, the water, the sky and local headlines, gathered from official sources as you read.

Gathering the latest conditions…

National Weather Service Environment Canada NOAA buoy observations Aurora forecast

Wreck sites are not published, so conditions are for the nearest forecast point on this shore. Live data from the U.S. National Weather Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, NOAA's National Data Buoy Center and Space Weather Prediction Center; headlines link to the publishers. Sun and moon times are calculated. Conditions change quickly—check official forecasts before going on the water. Not for navigation.

Best time

Late spring to fall to pair Alpena's heritage center with a drive north along the Lake Huron shore to Presque Isle.

Time needed

1–2 hours

Best months

Don't miss

Highlights of Ironton.

Learn about the consort system, in which steamers towed schooner barges — the Ironton was cut loose when her steamer's engine failed.
Trace the night of September 26, 1894, when the drifting barge struck the grain-laden steamer Ohio and both ships sank.
Hear how five of her seven crew were lost when their lifeboat, still tied to the sinking barge, was dragged down with her.
See images from her 2019 discovery by NOAA, Michigan and Ocean Exploration Trust: upright, with three masts standing.

Know before you go

Tips for visiting Ironton.

The Ironton lies in deep water and is protected; experience it through sanctuary exhibits and published footage, not on site.
Read her story alongside the Ohio's — the two ships were lost in the same collision.

Great for Shipwrecks & maritime history Harbor towns & villages

Loading the map. The links and itinerary below are always available.

No verified point location is available. This is a lake overview, not this place's exact position. Precise shipwreck sites are not plotted.

Black-and-white basemap by OpenStreetMap. Great Lakes highlighted in color. Hold Ctrl (or Command) while scrolling to zoom. Use two fingers on touch screens.

Lake outlines: Natural Earth (public domain). Town centers: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Not for navigation.

Good to know

Questions about Ironton

When is the best time to visit Ironton?: Late spring to fall to pair Alpena's heritage center with a drive north along the Lake Huron shore to Presque Isle.
How much time do you need at Ironton?: Allow 1–2 hours to explore Ironton.
When was the Ironton lost?: The Ironton was lost on Lake Huron in 1894. The recorded date of loss is September 26, 1894.
What kind of ship was the Ironton?: The Ironton was a schooner barge built in 1873.

Travel well

Make it a good visit.

Check access before leaving.

Opening hours, parking, permits and step-free access change by season. Confirm your needs with the official destination; a map pin is not an entrance.

Give the shoreline time.

Leave room for weather delays and a quieter side trail. Stay on marked paths, respect closures and support the local communities that make the coast special.

Travel thoughtfully

Look beyond the air forecast.

Waves and water temperatures can tell a very different story. Use marine forecasts and local beach advisories before any water activity.

Official weather resources

Events

Seasonal traditions on this coast.

These events share the region and lake—not necessarily this destination. Confirm current dates with organizers.

June (annual dates vary)

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

A springtime island celebration surrounded by Lake Huron.

Organizer & event guide

July (confirm race schedule)

Port Huron to Mackinac Race

A longstanding sailing race linking the southern Lake Huron outlet with Mackinac Island.