Sunken Structures Detected on the Bottom of Wisconsin Lakes

Wisconsin is known for its abundance of beautiful lakes. Perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, waterskiing and more, something less talked about is everything you can find under the water. Many of our lakes hold structures and formations that tell stories of Wisconsin throughout the years.

Shipwrecks

There are hundreds of shipwrecks all over Wisconsin, and they all tell a rich cultural story of how Wisconsin was settled by European immigrants and became a thriving port state. One of the best areas to explore these wrecks is the coast of Door County.

Door County, formerly known as Death’s Door, was famous for the channel passage that runs between the peninsula and Washington Island.  There are over 275 shipwrecks in Door County. Many wrecks are in areas where it reaches less than 60 feet deep, making it a fantastic place to explore.

One wreck that’s worth exploring is the Fleetwing. Located near Gills Rock, it’s in an area with minimal boat traffic and gorgeous views off the tip of the peninsula. The Fleetwing sank in 1888 after running aground in a storm. What remains of the vessel are only 100 yards offshore and in 15-30 feet of water.

Cars

Lake Geneva is a popular vacation destination for anyone looking to enjoy of Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes. The lake offers many recreational activities, including scuba diving. One of the most popular features for divers to explore is a Volkswagen Beetle. The bug can be found just off the shore by Black Point and is about 10 feet underwater. An old road sign can be seen on the lake floor along with the car.

If you’re planning on diving in Lake Geneva, be aware of all of the lake’s diving regulations. Given its popularity, the lake can also have a lot of boat traffic.

Rock Lake Pyramids

Perhaps Wisconsin’s most baffling underwater features are the pyramids of Rock Lake. First spotted by a fisherman in the early 1900’s, the “pyramids” were explored in the 1920’s by the famous Wisconsin Diver Max Nohl. Nohl reported seeing a structure that looked like an inverted ice cream cone.

The rock structures were explored more in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Sonar systems used in the area show structures as tall as 18ft with a 60 by 100ft base. Though nothing has been confirmed, pyramid lore has become an influential part of Rock Lake.

Interested in exploring the Wisconsin pyramids and wrecks, but also want to catch some fish? Check out Fishidy to see tips and techniques for catching fish in Wisconsin waterways.