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Map of SS Appomattox Wreck
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SS Appomattox Wreck

Wisconsin, United StatesDirections
Open Water suggestedLake Michigan waves and surge in shallow water4–6 m depthBoth entry

SS Appomattox Wreck at a glance

SS Appomattox Wreck is a both dive site in Wisconsin, United States with depths of 4–6 m (13–20 ft). Typically most favorable Sep · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Smallmouth bass, Round goby, and Crayfish. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Wind model · graded 16h ago
—

Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Lake Michigan waves and surge in shallow water · Low visibility after onshore winds · Long surface swim (~150 yards) from the beach

All 4 hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Thu
Fri13:00–20:00
Sat19:00–20:00
Sun7:00–20:00
Mon7:00–17:00
Tue17:00–20:00
Wed11:00–19:00
Thu7:00–19:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:58 · Sunrise 6:27 · Sunset 19:08

Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 16h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Loading tide predictions

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Round goby, Crayfish
Best time: Calm summer days with west/offshore winds for best visibility (June-September).

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

  1. Jan83% 11 kn
  2. Feb71% 12 kn
  3. Mar66% 12 kn
  4. Apr63% 13 kn
  5. May80% 11 kn
  6. Jun79% 11 kn
  7. Jul91% 9 kn
  8. Aug91% 10 kn
  9. Sep93% 9 kn
  10. Oct81% 11 kn
  11. Nov81% 11 kn
  12. Dec83% 11 kn

September hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Fills & rentals nearby

Facts from OpenStreetMap, corrected by the community — listed by distance only. Details change; confirm with the shop.

Shop facts come from OpenStreetMap and community corrections, shown nearest first. PickADive lists facts and contacts only — no listing is sponsored or ranked.

Data updated July 2026

Site details

The 319-foot Appomattox, the largest wooden bulk steamer ever built on the Great Lakes, grounded in fog and smoke off present-day Atwater Beach in 1905 and broke up where she lay. A 250-foot section of her lower bilge and a large run of collapsed port hull rest in just 15-20 feet of water about 150 yards offshore, marked by a seasonal WHS mooring buoy. Easily reached from the beach, it is metro Milwaukee's signature shore-accessible wreck dive and a favorite of snorkelers and kayakers.

boatshorewreck

Lake Michigan waves and surge in shallow water

Low visibility after onshore winds

Long surface swim (~150 yards) from the beach

Boat and kayak traffic in summer

Reviews

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