What is the Width of Lake Michigan?
Lake Michigan is the second largest of the five Great Lakes of North America. Spanning a huge 419 miles, it has the unique distinction of being both the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States and the only one with both banks bordered by the same country. It is an incredible freshwater resource for both the US and Canada and provides many recreational and commercial advantages to the Great Lakes region. The utmost question on everyone’s mind is just how wide is this incredible body of water?
Lake Michigan is, on average, 75 miles wide from east to west. Its maximum width is 118 miles, and its minimum width is 48 miles, however, that minimum is still three times wider than the largest natural lake in the United States, Lake Superior. The southernmost point on the lake is in Wisconsin near the mouth of the Fox River, and its northernmost point is near the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
But how did such a large body of water come to be? Scientists and geologists believe that during the last Ice Age, a glacier carved the lake out of the soft sediment. As the glacier melted, it filled the basin that the glacier had created, forming Lake Michigan.
From its northernmost tip to its southernmost tip, the lake is 307 miles long, making it the third largest of all the Great Lakes by surface. In total, the lake covers an area of 58,000 square miles, with approximately 1,600 miles of shoreline. Scientists believe that the lake was once much larger when it was first formed, and that changes in the landforms of the area have contributed to its reduced size.
The lake stores an incredible amount of freshwater, with an average depth of 279 feet and a maximum depth of 923 feet. This means that Lake Michigan contains around five trillion gallons of water – enough to cover the entire Midwest region of the US under seven feet of water!
Lake Michigan is also one of the deepest lakes in the world, with a mean depth of over 180 feet. This deep basin captures cold bottom water and stores a significant amount of heat energy, leading to relatively stable lake temperatures, despite fluctuating air temperatures throughout the year.
Good Fishing in Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is renowned among anglers, with a wealth of sought-after fish species waiting in its depths. Salmon, steelhead, trout and many more species are found in Lake Michigan, making it a popular destination for recreational and professional fishermen alike.
The lake’s large capacity, relatively shallow depths and remote offshore islands offer an ideal habitat for many species. Salmon in particular are a popular fish, with record seven-pound chinooks being caught in 2019. The lake also offers some of the best trout and steelhead fishing in the Midwest.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of each state that borders Lake Michigan provides detailed reports about the lake level, water temperature and fishing spots for the public. With the DNR’s help, anglers can make informed decisions about where and when to fish, ensuring the safety and success of their fishing trips.
Water Quality of Lake Michigan
The quality of the water in Lake Michigan is greatly affected by the population of the cities and towns around it. Industrial and agricultural activities, along with natural sources such as rain and rivers, continuously deposit pollutants into the lake.
The most common pollutants that affect the water quality of Lake Michigan are phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment, though other pollutants such as mercury, lead, and pesticides are a problem as well. Pollutants such as these give rise to toxic algal blooms, which can be dangerous to humans and wildlife.
Fortunately, efforts are constantly being made to reduce pollution and maintain a healthy water quality in Lake Michigan. The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement requires that all records of pollution must be reported and steps taken to reduce it. States, provinces, and municipalities have enacted laws to improve and protect the lake, and citizens can help as well by taking action to reduce water pollution in their area.
Economic Impact of Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan has a significant impact on the economy of the eight states and two provinces that touch its shores. Its very size makes it a major mode of regional transportation, and it also provides an abundance of recreational opportunities that generate revenue through tourism.
Shipping is a major industry of the lake, and it plays a considerable role in the economic vitality of the region. Over 100 million tons of cargo travels through the lake every year, providing much-needed jobs for the transportation sector. The recreational opportunities of the lake, such as boating, fishing, and swimming, attract thousands of tourists each year. This contributes to the local economy through taxes, fees, and services such as lodging and dining.
The lake also provides a natural source of drinking water for nearby towns and cities, and is a critical source of freshwater for agricultural activities. All of these activities, coupled with the energy generated from power plants near its shores, make Lake Michigan an invaluable asset to the Midwest.
Environmental Value of Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is the home to many species of fish and wildlife. There are numerous waterfowl, mammals, reptiles and amphibians that depend on the lake for habitat and sustenance, and millions of shorebirds migrate through the lake on their annual journey.
In addition, the lake provides numerous benefits to the environment by serving as a buffer zone against floods and storm surges, helping to moderate the climate of the neighbouring states and provinces, and storing carbon and mitigating climate change.
Unfortunately, the lake is not immune to environmental damage. Human activities such as pollution and over-fishing can have dire consequences for the lake’s fragile ecosystem. It is therefore important that we protect and preserve the lake, both for its own sake and for the benefit of the communities who depend on it.
Conservation and Preservation Efforts of Lake Michigan
The individual states, provinces, and municipalities that surround Lake Michigan have taken various steps to conserve and preserve the ecosystem of the lake, including the Stop A Litterbug campaign, the Clean Boating Act, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
These projects aim to reduce and prevent human-caused pollution of the lake, protect species of fish and wildlife, reduce water runoff pollution, and implement green infrastructure to protect the environment. These efforts have been successful in reducing pollution levels, restoring fish and bird populations, and improving the overall water quality of the lake.
However, there is still much work to be done. The toxic algal blooms have yet to be solved, and thousands of tons of plastic pollution are still found in the lake each year. In order to protect the long-term health of the lake, we must continue to educate the public about the importance of protecting it, and to take actions to reduce our own personal pollution.
Recreational Opportunities at Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is an incredible recreational destination, offering countless activities to both locals and visitors alike. From water sports such as swimming, sailing, and fishing to land-based activities like hiking and wildlife spotting, there is something for everyone.
The lake offers unmatched views of stunning sunsets, crashing waves, and miles of beaches. There are a multitude of sightseeing opportunities around the lake, as well as a number of marinas, boat launches and safe harbours for visiting sailors. The lake also serves as a great resource for those interested in bird watching, as there are many species of migratory birds that stop to rest in the lake each year.
The surrounding states and provinces offer an abundance of parks, forests, trails and other recreational activities, making it easy to find something for everyone. There are many resorts on or near the lake that offer wonderful accommodations for travellers looking for a weekend getaway as well.
Conclusion
Lake Michigan is an incredible resource that provides a huge number of benefits to the Midwest region. Its size, water quality, fishing opportunities, and recreational activities attract visitors and local alike, and its economic and environmental impacts on the area make it an invaluable resource that must be protected. Numerous efforts are being made to reduce pollution in the lake, preserve its wildlife, and ensure its long-term health – but there is still much more to be done if we want to keep this beautiful body of water clean and healthy for generations to come.
