BY Budgeteer

Don VanNispen, 74, the owner of Lake Superior Divers Supply and School has seen different shipwrecks, giant white fish and even some bags of money on the bottom of Lake Superior.

All of these items can also be seen by you.

Many Northlanders are just steps away from one of the most unique masses of water in the world, but the majority is only familiar with the surface.

“The people take Lake Superior for granted,” VanNispen said. “They only hear bad things about Lake Superior. They tell you sea stories of how bad the currents are, how bad the undertows are. ... Anything (said) about Lake Superior from people in Duluth, has nothing but negative (connotations).”

VanNispen feels differently about the lake.

“The world can be going to pot, go jump in Lake Superior ... and you feel like a new person,” VanNispen said.

Yan Saillard, the owner of Innerspace Scuba Center, looks for solitude on Superior’s bed.

“It’s a nice chance to get away from the crowds,” he said.

Some of the best places to dive are near shipwrecks.

The Madeira shipwreck is one of the most popular places to go diving. It’s located by the Split Rock Lighthouse, north of Two Harbors.

The Thomas Wilson is one of the more popular wrecks in Duluth. It’s located off the north pier on the Park Point side.

The USS Essex, formerly used for Navy training, is located about a mile west of Superior Harbor.

This is a good place for snorkeling, VanNispen said.

Saillard mentioned these places, plus the mine pits on the Iron Range such as Lake Orebegone, as good destinations.

When diving at these locations, or others, a diver is bound to run into some strange things.

One time, VanNispen found leather bags of money.

“At first we thought (the money) was from a robbery,” he said. “We figure somebody was thinking there was going to be another depression and they were stashing their money because they didn’t trust the bank.”

Participants in the diving classes usually take the class for recreational use, and not treasure hunting, VanNispen said.

He has also come across some very large white fish.

“I mean big, big,” VanNispen said with his arms stretched indicating about three feet.

These scenes can aren’t limited to summertime.

There is no off-season for an avid diver. In the wintertime, some punch a hole through the ice and jump in.

Saillard said this is one of the safer forms of diving because one is tethered to the surface before jumping in.

Classes offered by Lake Superior Divers Supply and School for beginners will start April 14 and 16. The classes will run for five weeks. Each class will begin in the classroom and move to the pool.

Innerspace Scuba Center is also offering introduction to scuba diving classes. Classes start April 5 (held for four Saturdays), April 14 and 16 (each goes for approximately six weeks.)

Diving may not be for everyone.

Some problems that may hinder a diver include heart trouble, epilepsy and asthma.

Anyone with these issues should consult with a doctor before signing up for a class.

For more on the Lake Superior Divers Supply and School classes, call 624-7285 or visit

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