On November 10, 2025, the Great Lakes will mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a haunting event that remains one of the most gripping maritime mysteries in Wisconsin’s history. As this anniversary approaches, step back onto the stormy waters of Lake Superior and feel the chill of that fateful night as we revisit the final voyage of the Fitzgerald—a powerful story of courage and loss that still echoes deeply in Wisconsin’s heart and communities along the lakeshore and throughout the state.
Into the Storm: The Final Voyage
On November 9, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald, a 729-foot freighter, departed from Superior, Wisconsin, carrying about 26,000 tons of ore bound for Detroit. But as the freighter crossed Lake Superior, a fierce November storm enveloped the region. Winds howled over 70 miles per hour, and waves surged as high as 35 feet. Late in the evening of November 10, the Edmund Fitzgerald suddenly disappeared beneath the surface, taking all 29 crew members with her and leaving a mystery that still captivates today.
For decades, what exactly sank the Fitzgerald has been a source of speculation and study. Though its final moments remain unclear, the tragedy left a permanent mark on Wisconsin’s maritime history. It continues to symbolize the resilience and spirit of Wisconsin’s Great Lakes communities and their deep connection to the lake.
Wisconsin’s Deep Connection
The Fitzgerald wasn’t just any ship on the Great Lakes. It had strong ties to Wisconsin. Built in 1958 as a business venture of Milwaukee-based Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance, the vessel carried the name of Edmund Fitzgerald, the company’s chairman and a member of a family with generations of Great Lakes captains and shipbuilders rooted in Wisconsin. On that fateful night, eight of the 29 crew members called Wisconsin home, making the loss resonate deeply in the state.
The wreck rests beneath the surface near Whitefish Point, close to the Wisconsin shoreline. Though it sank in Canadian waters, Wisconsin’s maritime communities have kept the story alive, honoring the ship and her crew through memorials, artifacts, and shared stories.
Remembering the Crew and Community
Over the years, annual memorial ceremonies and remembrance events have brought together Wisconsinites and visitors alike to reflect on the bravery of those aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald. This year, on the 50th anniversary of the shipwreck—November 10, 2025—Discover Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Historical Society are proud to present a special tribute, featuring both a 30-minute episode and an hour-long documentary. It dives deep into the mystery, highlighting personal stories, expert insights, and rare footage.
This special presentation is underwritten by Enbridge and produced in partnership with the Wisconsin Counties Association and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Together, they invite everyone to remember, reflect, and connect with this important piece of Wisconsin history.
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The anniversary offers all Wisconsinites a chance to engage with a chapter of history that bridges past and present—sharing the struggles of those lost and keeping their memory alive on the shores of Lake Superior.
Watch the special-edition documentary below:
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Hailey Marien: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
