The Great Lakes: A Region Rich in History and Mystery
The Great Lakes, a vast network of freshwater bodies, span over 94,000 square miles and hold approximately one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. For those who live near them, these lakes are more than just natural wonders—they are a source of pride, recreation, and storytelling. People swim, boat, and travel along their shores, while also sharing tales that have been passed down through generations.
These stories often include legends of ghost ships, haunted lighthouses, and even lake monsters. Some of these tales are rooted in real events, while others are simply the product of imagination and folklore. According to Corey Adkins, communications director and content director for the Sault Ste Marie-based Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, the region is filled with eerie stories that continue to captivate people.
Here are four notable pieces of lore that surround the Great Lakes.
The Western Reserve Ghost Sighting
One of the most famous stories involves the Western Reserve, a 300-foot steamer that was one of the first ships on the Great Lakes made entirely of steel. It sank on August 30, 1892, in Lake Superior. At the time, it was considered one of the safest ships afloat, according to a release from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
The ship belonged to Captain Peter Minch, a wealthy shipping magnate, who was aboard with his family and crew when a gale struck. The passengers managed to climb into two lifeboats before the ship sank, but neither reached shore. The final lifeboat was only a mile from land when it overturned. Only one person, Harry Stewart, survived.
More than a century later, the remains of the Western Reserve were discovered. However, there is a documented ghost sighting from the night of the tragedy. Surfman Trudell, who was keeping watch at the Deer Park Life-Saving Station, claimed he saw a man in a fine suit who appeared to have drowned. When the bodies of the passengers washed ashore, Trudell identified Minch’s body as the one he had seen.
The Great Lakes ‘Graveyard’
Lake Superior is home to over 500 known shipwrecks, many of which are scattered along what is known as the “shipwreck coast” or “graveyard of the Great Lakes.” This area stretches from Whitefish Point to Munising, and it has been the site of numerous maritime disasters.
Adkins explains that this stretch of water is particularly dangerous because it is open and offers no shelter once a ship passes Whitefish Point. In the past, without radios or radar, navigating this area was extremely challenging. Many ships disappeared without a trace, leading to countless stories of ghost ships still seen sailing the waters long after they vanished.
The Flying Dutchman of the Inland Seas
Among the most famous ghost ships of the Great Lakes is the SS Bannockburn. This Canadian freighter disappeared in November 1902 while carrying grain from Fort William, Ontario, to Midland. There were 20 crew members on board, but no one knows what happened to the ship or its crew.
The SS Bannockburn is often referred to as “the Flying Dutchman of Lake Superior,” a name given to ships that are doomed to sail endlessly without ever reaching their destination. Today, there are numerous accounts of people claiming to have spotted the ghostly vessel on the lake.
South Bay Bessie
Stories about Lake Erie’s mysterious creature, known as “South Bay Bessie,” date back to 1793. A local reported seeing a snake-like, 30- to 40-foot-long creature in the water north of Sandusky, Ohio. Over the years, there have been various newspaper accounts and sightings, including reports in the 1980s and early 1990s. However, no conclusive evidence has ever been found to prove the existence of such a creature.
These stories, whether based on fact or fiction, add to the rich tapestry of history and mystery surrounding the Great Lakes. They remind us that while the lakes may be vast and beautiful, they also hold secrets that continue to capture the imagination of those who live near them.
