The next time you're in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, make sure you check out the site of the Lottie Cooper Shipwreck, one of the most tragic boating tales in Wisconsin history.

Things to Do in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Living in Northern Illinois, I'm willing to bet you have been to Sheboygan, Wisconsin a time or two in your life.

The city is only about a 2 hours drive from Rockford, is located along the shores of Lake Michigan, and is most famously known for its bratwursts and cheese. Relaxing on Sheboygan's beaches is always a fabulous thing to do during the summer months, but the city is also full of great places to eat and drink, go sailing or boating, and they have some pretty cool museums to visit, including a children's museum.

Did You Know Sheboygan Is Home To A Famous Shipwreck Too?

Since Sheboygan is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, its history is full of sailing tales and tragedies, and one of the most famous tales is about the sinking of the Lottie Cooper.

Jenny Schink via Lottie Cooper Shipwreck on Facebook
Jenny Schink via Lottie Cooper Shipwreck on Facebook
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According to wisconsinshipwrecks.org, on the evening of April 8, 1894, the Lottie Cooper was traveling from Michigan to Sheboygan, Wisconsin carrying a load of elmwood when it hit extremely high wind gusts that made it impossible to get into port. By the next morning, water was flooding into the vessel. Rescue attempts were made, but still resulted in tragedy. Wisconsinshipwrecks.org says;

 Her captain signaled for the Life Savers to come out and take off the crew, but before they arrived, the Lottie Cooper capsized and sank. The cargo of wood planks was caught in the rigging hampering rescue attempts, but finally the Life Savers using their large surfboat along with the aid of the tug Sheboygan, succeeded in rescuing five of the six people on board. The sixth man who tried to make it to shore on a makeshift raft of planks, drowned.

 

The next day following the sinking, the hull of the Lottie Cooper began to wash ashore where it remained until Lake Michigan claimed her again. When Sheboygan began building a marina in 1992, the remains of the Lottie Cooper were discovered and brought to shore once again for people to visit.

SEE MORE: Did You Know Wisconsin is Home to a Crystal Clear 'Bottomless' Lake?

Jenny Schink via Lottie Cooper Shipwreck on Facebook
Jenny Schink via Lottie Cooper Shipwreck on Facebook
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