Scuba Center has been selling quality scuba diving and snorkeling equipment since 1973. You will find a wide selection of scuba and snorkeling equipment at both our Eagan, Minnesota and Minneapolis, Minnesota locations. Scuba Center Eagan
1571 Century Point
Eagan, Minnesota 55121
(651) 681-8434		 Scuba Center Minneapolis
5015 Penn Ave South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419
(612) 925-4818

Madeira Shipwreck Information

 
Madeira | Location: Gold Rock just north of Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, Minnesota | 436 ft steel hull ship that ran into Gold Rock during the storm on November 4, 1905. It now lies in 20 to 110 ft. of water. The Madeira is probably the most popular wreck dive in Minnesota. | Photo: Institute for Great Lakes Research, Bowling Green State UniveristyThe Madeira was a 436 ft steel hull ship that ran into Gold Rock just north of Split Rock Lighthouse. On November 4, 1905, a punishing November gale (the kind Lake Superior is famous for), claimed the Edenborn and the Madiera (a barge the Edenborn was towing) as well as five other ships, within a dozen miles of the Split Rock River. The tragic sinking of these ships fueled the demand for a lighthouse. The fog signal building and lighthouse were completed in 1909 and commissioned one year later. For 59 years, the keepers at Split Rock warned ships away from the rock and treacherous North Shore with its 370,000-candlepower beacon. In 1971, the federal government deeded the lighthouse station to the State of Minnesota to be operated as a historic site. In 1976, the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) assumed operation of the site which included one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.during the storm on November 4, 1905.
 
The Madeira now lies in 20 to 110 ft. of water and is probably the most popular wreck dive in Minnesota.  This shipwreck can be accessed from boat or shore.  A special diver parking lot has been provided for shore diving.  The Madeira shore access is located just North of the main entrance to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (Minn. Hwy. 61, 20 miles northeast of Two Harbors).
 

Minnesota's Historic Shipwrecks | The cold fresh water of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers have preserved an important part of our history - in shipwrecks! Each one is a unique and integral part of the fabric of America's maritime heritage. Together, they provide physical contact with and offer an exciting opportunity to explore the past. Because they represent a valuable but finite and nonrenewable resource, we must provide for their protection and preservation. If we don't, the first generation to have ready access to shipwrecks will be the last to enjoy them. In the interest of preserving Minnesota's Lake Superior shipwrecks and other underwater archaeological sites in Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, the State Historic Preservation Office of the Minnesota Historical Society has initiated a program of submerged cultural resource management. The Society hopes you will join its effort to preserve our maritime heritage. | Madeira Shipwreck Diving

  The Minnesota Historical Society
can provide detailed Madeira
history and reference information.
 

Madeira Shipwreck Diver Access

Gold Rock Point Parking - - Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Parking in the Gold Rock lot is available to divers only and was developed to provide divers with a safe access point for transporting gear to the beach. Parking is not allowed on the approach to the gate, on the Gitchi Gami biking trail or on highway shoulders. Vehicle permits are required to park in the diver lot.  A Diving Certification Card is also required to be authorized to use the lot.  A combination will be provided to access the lot.  This combination will change regularly. You may purchase a daily or annual park permit at any Minnesota State Park office.  If you arrive when the office is closed, you may purchase a vehicle permit using self registration.  Envelopes are located outside the main park office.
Madeira Wreck Diver Parking Lot - - Entrance sign - - Located just North of the main entrance to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (Minn. Hwy. 61, 20 miles northeast of Two Harbors). - - Photo: Scuba Center Madeira Wreck Diver Parking Lot - - Entrance gate - - Viewed from Minnesota Hwy. 61 - - Photo: Scuba Center Madeira Wreck Diver Parking Lot - - Viewed from entrance - - Photo: Scuba Center 
Emergency signage and interpretive information is posted at Gold Rock Point to enhance your experience.  Questions concerning access to Gold Rock Point or other issues concerning the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park may be directed to the park office at: (218) 226-6377 or email.
 
Minnesota DNR | Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road
Two Harbors, MN 55616		   Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society | Dedicated to Preserving our Shipwrecks and Maritime History
     
Madeira Wreck Diver Access Stairs - - Viewed from the beach just north of Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, Minnesota - - Photo: Scuba Center Thanks to the efforts of the GLSPS, buoys have been established to mark the Bow and Stern sections of the Madeira.  In the photo below (from the beach) the Bow buoy is located to the left and the Stern is to the right.
Madeira Shipwreck Bow and Stearn buoys. Thanks to the efforts of the GLSPS, buoys have been established to mark the Bow and Stearn sections of the Madeira. - - Viewed from the beach just north of Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, Minnesota. Bow buoy is in left of photo - - Photo: Scuba Center
     

While these are excellent reference materials, in no way should this information be considered a replacement for proper training for the specific type of diving in which you plan to participate.