Fleetwing Maritime Trails Marker
Gallery
img
Fleetwing historic marker at Garrett Bay
img
Fleetwing Maritime Trails Marker
 
Details
Attraction
Description
This is a perfect site for snorkelers and kayakers! The schooner Fleetwing lies in 11-25' of water just to the right of the public boat landing and historic marker at Garret Bay in Hedgehog Harbor. The site can be either a shore or boat entry dive. On Sept. 26, 1888, the Fleetwing departed Menominee, Michigan with a load of lumber, bound for Chicago. Heading up Green Bay toward Death's Door Passage, the schooner sailed into a northwest gale. Captain James McGraw looked for Table Bluff, a landmark just before the passage. In the darkness and poor visibility, McGraw reportedly mistook another bluff to the south for Table Bluff and the lights of Garrett Bay for those of Death's Door Passage. Thinking he was entering the passage, he sailed instead into Garrett Bay. At 11 p.m., the Fleetwing struck the rocky beach of the bay with a grinding crash that sheared off a mast. The crew swam, waded, or rowed safely to shore. Several days later, during a salvage attempt, another fierce gale broke the vessel in two and pounded her to pieces. She was a total loss. Today, the easily accessible Fleetwing, located in shallow, protected water, is ideal for divers, snorkelers, and kayakers. Scattered along more than 540 feet, the six main pieces of wreckage provide visitors an excellent opportunities to explore the intricacies of Great Lakes schooner construction.
Attraction
Location
Body of Water: Green Bay
Trail Name: Green Bay/Door County
Nearest Address: Garrett Bay Public Boat Ramp
Nearest City: Gills Rock
County: Door
Zip Code: 54210
Latitude: N 45°17.14086'
Longitude: W -087°03.07566'
Attraction
Features
Open to public?: Yes
Mooring buoy?: No
Mooring buoy in place?: No
Snorkelable?: Yes
Dive guide?: Yes
Trails sign?: Yes
National Register?: Yes
 
Map
 
Nearby
Attractions (2)
Fleetwing Maritime Trails Marker
Pilot Island Maritime Trails Marker
Shipwrecks (10)
Agnes Behrman (1883)
Ardent (1857)
Denmark (1846)
Ella Doak (1868)
Fleetwing (1867)
Four Brothers (1870)
Japan (1853)
Maria (1866)
Peter W (1945)
Sardinia (1856)
View 0 more
Shipwrecks (10)
Agnes Behrman (1883)
Ardent (1857)
Denmark (1846)
Ella Doak (1868)
Fleetwing (1867)
Four Brothers (1870)
Japan (1853)
Maria (1866)
Peter W (1945)
Sardinia (1856)
View fewer
© 2025 - Wisconsin Sea Grant, Wisconsin Historical Society