Location & Size
Lake Superior is the largest and deepest of the five Great Lakes. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, and the largest by volume. The lake is located on the borders of the United States and Canada, with most of its surface area and half of its shoreline in Canada. It has an estimated surface area of 31,700 square miles, making it over a quarter larger than any other freshwater lake on Earth.
The lake is about 350 miles long, 160 miles wide, and 600 feet deep in some places. Large rivers flow into and out of the lake from the surrounding watershed, and many smaller rivers, streams, creeks, and waterfalls feed into the lake across its entire surface area. All of these rivers, streams, and creeks feed the lake from the east and south, and the outflow from the lake is primarily in the west, where the outflow is known as the St. Marys River.
Distance Around the Lake
The estimated circumference of Lake Superior is 2,174 miles. This distance is based on the lake’s total shoreline length, meaning the shoreline distance around the entire lake. It is estimated that the trip around the lake takes anywhere from eight to 10 days, depending on the route the traveler takes and the speed of the watercraft or land vehicle.
The goal of a journey around Lake Superior is typically to marvel at the natural beauty of the lake and its surrounding landscapes. Travelers usually make stops along the way to take in the culture and history of the lake’s many towns and cities, as well as to enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking. Many travelers also make stops at Lake Superior’s many provincial and national parks.
Travel Tips
When planning a trip around Lake Superior, the most important thing to consider is weather and the season. Be sure to plan your route based on the forecast and how much daylight you will have. In addition, the southern shore of Lake Superior is much warmer than the northern shore and that should be taken into consideration. It is also important to plan ahead as many places along the shore accommodate only a limited number of people.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of the terrain and plan your route accordingly. As the lake has many islands and miles of hidden coastline, navigation can be tricky. It is suggested to have the right vessel and equipment, such as a map and compass, to navigate around Lake Superior.
Major Cities and Points of Interest
As you traverse the lakeshore, there are many attractions to see along the way. Several major and minor cities are located along Lake Superior’s shore, including Duluth and Thunder Bay in the US and Sault Ste. Marie in Canada. Additionally, there are a variety of villages, towns, and attractions, such as the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the historic Fort William, and the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Visitors can tour many of the sites along the way, as well as hike, boat, and generally enjoy the shoreline scenery.
Another major attraction is the Lake Superior Coastal Trail, which is a 1300 km hiking trail that spans all around the lake, although parts of the trail can be inaccessible due to weather. Along the trail, travelers can experience views of the lake rarely seen, as well as historical sites and beautiful wilderness camping locations. This trail is considered one of the most scenic hikes in all of North America.
Weather Conditions
Since Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, and coldest of the five Great Lakes, the weather can vary greatly due to the lake’s changing temperature. In the summer, the lake can be comfortable and easy to navigate, with light winds and pleasantwater temperature. In the winter, however, the lake can become extremely dangerous, with winds often reaching over 30 miles per hour, and waves of up to 20 feet.
Because of this danger, it is stronglyrecommended not to navigate the lake during the winter. Furthermore, due to the added danger of the cold and wind, it is important to have the right equipment and clothing when navigating Lake Superior during the winter.
Popular Mode of Transportation
While the lake is navigable by boats and small sailboats, the most popular mode of transportation is by kayak. With its calm waters and plethora of islands, kayaking is the ideal way to experience Lake Superior. Furthermore, kayakingallows travelers to enjoy the lake up close and fully take in all its beauty and majesty.
Kayaking offers the convenience of traveling and camping for two weeks or more simply with a lightweight and portable vessel, and is perfect for those seeking adventure. With its significant shoreline and many coves, islands, bays, and waterways, Lake Superior is the perfect destination for kayaking.
Wildlife and Vegetation
The lake provides a variety of habitats for wildlife, with species such as lake trout, lake sturgeon, whitefish, and even lake herring and lake whitefish. Additionally, the lake is inhabited by many birds and mammals, such as bald eagles, ospreys, loons, otters, and beavers. There are also various species of trees and plants around the lake, including aspen, birch, white pine, and black ash.
Due to the lake’s size and abundance of wildlife, it is important to take precautions when exploring Lake Superior. Additionally, be sure to take all the necessary safety precautions and be prepared for any situation.
Indigenous People
The Ojibwe people lived in the Great Lakes area for thousands of years, and the Ojibwe people are the Indigenous people of Lake Superior. The Ojibwe people were nomadic and lived off the land, relying on the lake for sustenance and transport. Their presence is still felt today in many of the small towns, coves, and islands around Lake Superior, and their understanding of the lake and its wildlife is still valued today.
The Ojibwe people, as well as many other Indigenous groups of the Great Lakes region, such as the Anishinabek and Dakota, have a long and unfortunate history of mistreatment, displacement, and exploitation. It is important to educate oneself on the Indigenous peoples of the lake and to respect their culture, land, and traditions.
Tourism and Conservation
As Lake Superior is an international and important source of water, it is an environmentally sensitive location and must be managed responsibly. As much of the lake’s forested area is crown land, it is important to obtain permits and follow regulations when traveling and camping.
Additionally, the lake has a unique and valuable ecosystem that is home to numerous species of wildlife and vegetation, and it is important to protect and conserve the lake’s natural beauty. As such, Lake Superior is a popular tourist destination, and many organizations are dedicated to conservation and environmental stewardship of the lake.
Environmental Impact
Lake Superior has faced a number of environmental challenges throughout its history, primarily due to emerging industries such as mining, logging, and tourism. The development of these industries have had a significant impact on the lake, reducing both the quality and quantity of water, disrupting ecosystems, and damaging shorelines and rivers.
Fortunately, organizations such as the Great Lakes Commission and various state, provincial, and federal agencies are working to preserve and protect the lake, its wildlife, and its ecosystems. Nonetheless, it is still important to be aware of the lake’s environmental issues and to take steps to reduce our impact on the lake.
