Lake Michigan

Lake-Michigan

ISS067-E-7698 The Straits of Mackinac, Green Bay, and Grand Traverse Bay

Grand Traverse Bay from Elk Rapids

Gfp-indiana-dunes-national-lakeshore-lake-michigan-lakeshore

Lake Michigan Watershed

Milwaukee skyline

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the United States. It is the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third-largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron. To the east, its basin is conjoined with that of Lake Huron through the wide strait known as the Mackinac Bridge, but they are technically considered distinct lakes.

Lake Michigan is bounded by the U.S. states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The name "Michigan" originally referred to the lake itself, and is believed to come from the Ojibwe word mishigami, meaning "great water".

Geography

Lake Michigan has a surface area of 22,404 square miles (58,030 km²), making it the largest lake entirely within one country by surface area. It has a maximum length of 307 miles (494 km), a maximum width of 118 miles (190 km), and a shoreline that stretches 1,640 miles (2,640 km), including its islands. The lake's average depth is 279 feet (85 m), with a maximum depth of 923 feet (281 m).

Significant cities along Lake Michigan's shores include Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Gary. The lake is known for its clear, cold water, which has played a vital role in the region's shipping, transportation, and recreational activities.

Ecology

Lake Michigan's ecosystem is diverse, supporting a wide range of species. The lake is home to many types of fish, including salmon, trout, and perch, making it a popular destination for commercial and recreational fishing. However, the introduction of invasive species such as the zebra mussel and the quagga mussel has threatened native populations and the lake's ecological balance.

Efforts to protect and restore Lake Michigan's environment include managing fisheries, controlling invasive species, and reducing pollution from agricultural and urban runoff. The lake is also a critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

History

The region around Lake Michigan has been inhabited for thousands of years by various indigenous peoples. In the 17th century, European explorers and traders began to navigate its waters, leading to the establishment of trade routes and settlements. The lake played a significant role in the development of the American Midwest, particularly through the growth of the city of Chicago as a major port and industrial center.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Lake Michigan was a crucial link in the Great Lakes transportation network, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the region. Today, while still used for commercial shipping, the lake is primarily a recreational asset, attracting millions of visitors annually for boating, fishing, swimming, and beach activities.

Conservation

The health of Lake Michigan is monitored and managed by various state and federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Challenges facing the lake include pollution, habitat destruction, and the impacts of climate change. Conservation efforts focus on reducing nutrient runoff, combating invasive species, and restoring shoreline and wetland habitats.

See Also

• Great Lakes
• Lake Superior
• Lake Huron
• Lake Erie
• Lake Ontario