How much time do you need at Ohio?

Allow 1–2 hours to explore Ohio.

When was the Ohio lost?

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

What kind of ship was the Ohio?

The Ohio was a wooden freighter.

Shipwreck & maritime history · Lake Huron

Ohio

The grain-carrying freighter involved in the same collision that sank Ironton.

Photo: Michigan Technological University / NOAA · Public domain

SS Ohio sonar image by Michigan Technological University / NOAA · Public domain. Resized and converted to WebP; display crops vary.

Official website Plan a trip around it

On the coast

About Ohio

Ohio was carrying grain eastward through the Great Lakes when it encountered the tow that included Ironton. The collision ended the voyages of both vessels, linking their stories in the sanctuary's historical record. Read the NOAA interpretation alongside Ironton's account for context on the shipping system rather than viewing either wreck in isolation.

LakeLake Huron

RegionMichigan

LostSeptember 26, 1894

VesselWooden freighter

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

Live · Ohio

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

Any season at Alpena's heritage center; summer and early fall to add a drive up the shore toward Presque Isle.

Time needed

1–2 hours

Best months

Don't miss

Highlights of Ohio.

Learn how the wooden steamer, southbound from Duluth with about 1,000 tons of grain, was struck by the drifting barge Ironton in 1894.
Hear the night's one mercy: all 16 of the Ohio's crew survived, while five of the Ironton's seven were lost.
Follow the long search — the Ohio was located in 2017, two years before her collision partner.
Step aboard the heritage center's life-size schooner to picture working life on the lakes in that era.

Know before you go

Tips for visiting Ohio.

The wreck lies in about 300 feet of water and is protected; the heritage center and NOAA's online media are the way to see it.
Read the Ironton's story too — the collision is best understood from both decks.

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 Ohio

When is the best time to visit Ohio?: Any season at Alpena's heritage center; summer and early fall to add a drive up the shore toward Presque Isle.
How much time do you need at Ohio?: Allow 1–2 hours to explore Ohio.
When was the Ohio lost?: The Ohio was lost on Lake Huron in 1894. The recorded date of loss is September 26, 1894.
What kind of ship was the Ohio?: The Ohio was a wooden freighter.

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.