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Forget Chicago's Magnificent Mile And Dive Into Lake Michigan

May 12, 2009 at 9:36 AM | by | Comments (0)

With the economy in the toilet, you might not have the funds to head out on a once in a lifetime diving trip, and with that Swine Flu constantly lurking around every corner the only safe place is under the sea. That’s why we’ve compiled some strange SCUBA spots right here at home. If you’ve got a better one (or a worse one), please let us know!

Good old Chicago has a plethora of exciting activities during warm weather, but when it gets too hot why not go for a dive in Lake Michigan? There’s plenty of historical wreckage to see, preserved by the cold temperatures of the lake's depths, as long as you get close enough to see it. Although the conditions here aren’t the clearest, with a map and flashlight and one of those cool underwater compass boards you'll be able to make some of your own discoveries.

Deep under the surface of the lake sit many shipwrecks, just waiting for you to explore them. We recommend a dive on the wreck Material Service, a 240-foot steel-hulled motor barge that decided to spend the rest of its life at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Its open cargo holds will tempt you to bring back some underwater souvenirs, but please leave any rusty treasures for the viewing pleasure of the next dive group.

If historical is more your dive bag, look for The David Dows. This five-masted schooner has been hanging out in an accessible 40 feet of water since 1889.

The folks at N’Pursuit Charters will be happy to take you out from the East Chicago Marina to one of nine different dive zones. Expect one-tank dives in either the morning or afternoon to start at $75, and rest assured that you'll be heading out in a group of no more than six other divers. While watery Chicago is amazing, just don't forget to visit the sites on dry land during your surface intervals.

Related Stories:
·N'Pursuit Adventure Charters [Official Site]
·Hiking The Kelp Forests of Santa Barbara [Jaunted]
·SCUBA coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of a Lake Michigan find: Fellowship of the Rich]

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