In the early 1900s, the Illinois was the largest hydraulic dredge on Lake Michigan. She was tragically lost in a 1907 storm while working as a tug and sand dredge. Nearly a century later, in 2000, a barge named the Holly was intentionally scuttled nearby as part of an artificial reef program organized by the City of Chicago.
Because the Holly was sunk completely intact, properly trained and equipped divers have the exciting opportunity to penetrate the wreck and explore her interior. The surrounding site is also scattered with general wreckage that is fun to explore and simply “poke around” in. Often described as having an eerie atmosphere, especially during night dives, the area is oddly devoid of seaweed and typical marine life.
Resting in just 35 feet of water, the Illinois and Holly barges make for a perfect, highly accessible site for new divers and training dives. We visit this unique two-for-one location out of Hammond Marina.
