Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes, but it often gets lost in the shadow of its larger brethren. But make no mistake-this body of water offers a unique set of experiences to adventurers who know where to look! Visitors can appreciate more about the lake by learning more interesting facts about Lake Michigan.
With its second-longest shoreline in America and no shortage of activities waiting to be explored, Lake Michigan has an incredible amount just waiting for travelers to discover, and Lake Michigan has plenty of interesting facts. This post is an opportunity for travel enthusiasts to uncover 14 fascinating facts about Lake Michigan that few people know. Come along, learn, and explore all this great lake has to offer!
More Interesting Facts About Lake Michigan
There are plenty of interesting facts about Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is one of the largest and most important lakes in the United States and there is much to know about it. This list was updated and expanded with even more interesting facts about Lake Michigan.
Sometimes referred to as "The Great Lakes Triangle," this area is located in the center of Lake Michigan and has been said to be home to unexplained disappearances. During the 19th century, ships and vessels often went missing without a trace in this area. This is one of the unusual and interesting facts to know about Lake Michigan.
Furthermore, some sailors claimed to have seen strange lights in the sky, eerie mists, and mysterious vanishing. The US Navy even sent aircraft to investigate the disappearances, but nothing was ever found. Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conducted a thorough search of the area in 2017, but they could not explain the phenomena either.
At 22,300 square miles, Lake Michigan is the fourth-largest lake in the world by surface area. It's more significant than the entire country of Switzerland and contains an estimated 1,180 miles of shoreline (ideal for a vacation). Nobody knows how deep Lake Michigan is, but the deepest point is measured at 925 feet.
Lake Michigan is also home to many fascinating creatures, including over 80 species of fish. Its surface provides a bird habitat, and its depths are home to many aquatic mammals like the endangered Lake Michigan River Otter. Anglers can find native species such as walleye, smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, and lake trout. Besides, this great lake also contains many submerged ships, some dating back centuries.
Lake Michigan has over 1,600 islands scattered throughout its coastline. Beaver Island is one of the most notable havens, home to some of the most beautiful and remote beaches. Other points of interest include Washington Island, North & South Manitou Island, Sand Point Beach, and South Haven.
The lake also provides many excellent coves and bays, such as Grand Traverse Bay and Little Traverse Bay, which provide stunning views of the lake and its islands. Travelers can also explore the lake's lighthouses, such as Point Betsie Lighthouse and Waugoshance Light. Remember to bring the camera and capture all these incredibly picturesque views!
Lake Michigan is home to over 500 known shipwrecks, many of which remain submerged in its depths to this day. The lake has claimed many vessels over its long history, from ships of the fur trade to barges and schooners.
Exploring these wrecks is a popular activity for scuba divers and marine archeologists. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society works to protect these wrecks and preserve their history. There are also several sunken aircraft in the lake, including a B-17 bomber from World War II.
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Beneath the waters of Lake Michigan, tourists can find a variety of fascinating wildlife. Not only does it contain numerous fish species, but it is also home to endangered species like the Lake Michigan River Otter. Other creatures, such as sea lampreys, mussels, and crustaceans, also inhabit the lake.
The shorelines of the lake are also home to various birds and mammals. Bald eagles, herons, cormorants, and ospreys are just a few of the species spotted around the lake. Lake Michigan is also a major stopover for migrating birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
The so-called 'tugboat graveyard' is one of the most mysterious and fascinating aspects of Lake Michigan. Located near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the remains of numerous tugboats can be found in shallow waters.
These vessels were active during the 20th century, transporting coal and iron ore from the Great Lakes. But many eventually ended up here after becoming too old and inefficient for commercial use. Moreover, some tugboats were used in World War II and still bear their original markings. Visiting this mysterious graveyard is an incredible experience, providing a glimpse into the history of Lake Michigan.
The Petoskey Stone is a unique and beautiful fossil of the Devonian era. It can only be found in Lake Michigan, specifically around the northern region of the lake and its islands. Petoskey Stones were originally coral colonies, but over millions of years, they fossilized and can now be found on the lake's beaches.
These stones have a distinct pattern that is perfect for creating jewelry, which makes them popular with rock collectors. Petoskey Stones are a symbol of Michigan and can be found in various parks and beaches around the lake, making them an excellent souvenir for the trip.
The Great Lakes Water Trail is a network of routes that provide access to the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It spans over 3,000 miles, making it the longest water trail in the United States. The trails are popular among kayakers and canoeists who want to explore the lake and its stunning scenery.
The trail also has several campsites along the way, educational programs, and an interpretive center that provide visitors with more information about the lake's history and wildlife. It is an incredible way to experience Lake Michigan's beauty and get close and personal with its many wonders.
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Lake Michigan is also famous for its delicious smoked fish and trout. Local fishermen have been catching fish from the lake for centuries, and now it is one of the most popular destinations for sport fishing. The lake is home to many fish species, including walleye, pike, bass, lake trout, and salmon.
Local restaurants serve the freshest fish caught from the lake, making them an ideal dining spot for seafood lovers. Whether looking for a delicious meal or simply wanting to enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Michigan, make sure to try some of its excellent smoked fish and trout.
From East to West, Lake Michigan is shared by the four states Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The Lake Michigan Interstate Compact is a joint agency established by these four states and manages the lake's resources and addresses issues such as water quality, shoreline erosion, and aquatic invasive species. All four states also work together to promote tourism and economic development in the region and to ensure that Lake Michigan remains a valuable resource for future generations.
Lake Michigan is the only one of the five Great Lakes to not have a border with Canada. Around half of the other Great Lakes are as much Canadian as they are American. But as American territory completely surrounds Lake Michigan, it is fully part of the United States. So here boaters need not worry about unwittingly crossing an international border.
The Michigan City Lighthouse is located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan in the state of Indiana. The lighthouse is located out on the lake connected to the mainland by a long and stunning catwalk. Go in the winter after a winter storm and the lighthouse and catwalk is a remarkable attraction covered in ice and icicles.
The two largest cities on the Great Lakes are Toronto and Chicago. The Greater Toronto area has a population of around 6.7 million inhabitants. Chicago city itself has a population of around 2.7 million, but the urban area of Chicago has a population of 8.6 million (the metro area rises to 9.6 million). Lake Huron and Lake Superior, by contrast, lack major population centers.
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While the popular is perception that Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are two separate lakes, they are, in fact, one body of water. They are joined by a 5-mile wide and 295-foot deep strait called the Straits of Mackinac (where visitors can find a strategic colonial fort). So form hydrologically the same lake and therefore the largest of the 'Four' Great Lakes.