150-Year-Old Luxury Steamer Wreck Discovered in Lake Michigan

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After more than 150 years underwater, the wreck of the luxury steamer Lac La Belle has been discovered in Lake Michigan. The ship sank during a violent storm in 1872 while traveling from Milwaukee to Grand Haven, Michigan, resulting in the deaths of 8 people. Shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn has been searching for the Lac La Belle since 1965, and his team finally located the wreck in 2022 using side-scan sonar about 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Why it matters

The discovery of the Lac La Belle wreck sheds light on a long-forgotten maritime tragedy and provides a rare glimpse into 19th century Great Lakes shipping history. Lake Michigan is believed to hold thousands of undiscovered shipwrecks, making this a significant find for historians and underwater archaeologists.

The details

The Lac La Belle was a luxury steamer that sank during a violent gale in October 1872 while traveling from Milwaukee to Grand Haven, Michigan. Around 5 a.m., the captain ordered lifeboats lowered as the ship went down stern-first. Eight people died when one lifeboat capsized, while the rest made it to shore along the Wisconsin coast. The wreck remained undiscovered for over 150 years until shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn and his team located it in 2022 using side-scan sonar about 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha.

• The Lac La Belle sank in October 1872 during a violent storm.
• Shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn has been searching for the Lac La Belle since 1965.
• Ehorn's team located the wreck in 2022 using side-scan sonar.

What’s next

Researchers plan to further explore and document the Lac La Belle wreck to learn more about its history and the circumstances surrounding its sinking.