The Great Lakes By: Tanya Rothe
The Great Lakes consist of 5 lakes bordering the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. The lakes are also bordered by Canada on the Northern Side of The Great Lakes. People come from all around to enjoy the sights and attracts that the Great Lakes has to offer.
Lake Michigan is known for its many surrounding dunes and national parks in the area. People come from all over the country to take part in the many recreational activities that there are around the lake. Did you know that Lake Michigan is the 6th largest freshwater lake in the entire world? It covers about 307 miles in length. Lake Michigan is roughly 925 feet deep which is one of its many great attractions for travelers. You will find many varieties of fish to catch including steelhead, salmon, trout, bass and walleye. If you are looking for a great fishing spot to catch the Saturday night dinner, then this is the place to be.
Lake Superior is known as the largest freshwater lake in the entire world. People come from all around to take advantage of the great fishing opportunities. Lake Superior is filled with more than 60 breeds of fish including: bloater, trout, burbot, carp, salmon, drum, herring, and many more. One interesting fact about Lake Superior is that it holds about 10 percent of the Earth's fresh water. Did you know that there are over 300 rivers and streams that flow into Lake Superior? One benefit that comes with the lake's many attractions is that it is so clear that you can see down as far as 27 feet.
Lake Huron is considered the 3rd largest of the 5 Great Lakes when looking at its total volume. It is connected to Lake Michigan. When visiting Lake Huron, you will surround yourself in sandy beaches and rocky shores along with breathtaking scenery. Lake Huron contains 30,000 islands which is one of is main attractions for travelers all around. The lake receives its water intake from both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. One interesting fact about Lake Huron is that out of all 5 of the Great Lakes, it was the first one that was settled by the Europeans.
Lake Erie is known as the 11th largest lake in the entire world when looking at its total surface area. It is also the smallest of the 5 lakes when looking at its volume. Vacationers and full-time residents are attracted by its warmer temperature which aids in water species production and swimming for recreation. Lake Erie even has a fishery that is known all over the world as one of the best. Most of the lake's water intake comes from Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan combined. This helps to keep the lake full of various species of plant and animal life.
Lake Ontario is known as the 14th largest lake in the entire world! Out of the 5 Great Lakes, it is the smallest. People enjoy the fishing and scenery when visiting the area. The nearby neighborhoods hold friendly people who welcome vacationers year round. The lake is located right at the base of Niagra Falls. In the year 1632, Lake Ontario was given its original name, "Lake St. Louis." The Lake Ontario holds a lot of natural history which is one of the area's main attractions.
Interesting Facts about The Great Lakes
- Consists of 5 Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario & Lake Erie
- Volume: 6 quadrillion gallons of freshwater
- 1/5 of World's surface fresh water
- 95% of United State's Water Supply
- 84% of North America's Surface Water
- Area: 94,000 square miles
- Shoreline: 10,900 miles