This November 10, 2025, marks 50 years since the tragic sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. It was a Monday in 1975 when a fierce Lake Superior storm claimed the 729-foot freighter and all 29 crew members aboard. The tragedy was not only felt on the lake but across the state, as communities mourned the ship and her crew. Today, two Wisconsin towns—Superior and Washburn—continue to carry the memory of the Fitzgerald through storytelling, memorials, and maritime traditions.
Superior
Superior, Wisconsin, long a cornerstone of Great Lakes shipping, holds a direct connection to the Edmund Fitzgerald. On her final voyage, the Fitzgerald departed from Superior’s harbor, carrying nearly 26,000 tons of taconite ore bound for Detroit. When the ship was lost on November 10, 1975, the tragedy hit especially close to home for the people of Superior and the surrounding communities.
In the years that followed, locals sought a way to honor the 29 men who perished and all who had braved the Great Lakes. Their efforts led to the creation of The Seamen’s Memorial Statue, a 10-foot-tall cast-brass figure of a mariner gripping a heavy cable, set atop a six-foot stone marker. Dedicated in 1979, the statue stands as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Great Lakes sailors.
This year, on November 9, 2025, the city will mark another milestone with the dedication of a Wisconsin Historical Society marker commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Fitzgerald’s loss. The ceremony will be held at the SS Meteor Maritime Museum, home to the last surviving above-water whaleback ship. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the museum’s extensive Edmund Fitzgerald exhibits and artifacts, connecting firsthand with this defining story of Wisconsin’s maritime past. You can visit here to learn more about this event.
Washburn
Several of the crewmen lost aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald called northern Wisconsin and the Chequamegon Bay area home. To honor their memory, the Washburn Heritage Association has created a new Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial along the Washburn waterfront, overlooking the same waters that connect these communities to Lake Superior’s maritime history.
Dedicated on November 1, 2025, the memorial features a working weathervane mounted atop a section of the historic Ashland ore dock tower. Designed by two local artists, the installation invites visitors to pause, reflect, and pay tribute to the 29 sailors lost on that stormy November night.
The memorial is free and open to the public, offering a space where both residents and travelers can connect with this lasting chapter of Great Lakes history. You can learn more here.
Honoring the Fitzgerald’s Legacy
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, as we mark the 50th anniversary of the shipwreck on November 10, 2025, Discover Wisconsin and Discover Mediaworks will present a special tribute: a 30-minute episode and a one-hour documentary that dives deep into the mystery, shares personal stories, and showcases rare archival footage.
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This special presentation—produced in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the Wisconsin Counties Association, and Enbridge—invites everyone to remember, reflect, and connect with this enduring chapter of maritime history.
Watch the special-edition documentary below:
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Josie Bartol: Marketer and creator for Discover Mediaworks. Proud Wisconsinite with a love for great ideas, great people, and anything that gets us exploring.
