Geography of Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest and deepest of the five great lakes of North America. It is located at the border between the United States and Canada, and is the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. As the largest lake by surface area, it measures 32,700 square miles, so the countries that border the lake are vast.
In the United States, Lake Superior is bounded by the state of Minnesota to the west, Wisconsin to the south, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the east. In Canada, the lake is bounded by the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario to the north, and Quebec to the east. Each state and province has a unique relationship with the lake, and its size offers a variety of recreational opportunities and economic value.
Minnesota’s Connection to Lake Superior
Minnesota is the westernmost point of Lake Superior. Much of the shoreline is Rocky with wild cliffs, bays and beaches. The state boasts more than 80 public recreational areas, including Grand Portage National Monument; Gooseberry Falls State Park; and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Michigan’s south shore, which is home to some of the world’s oldest sea caves.
In addition to its recreational value, Lake Superior provides an economic benefit to the state of Minnesota. The lake drives tourism and supports commercial and passenger ships. Iron ore deposits are located at the bottom of the lake, and many of the mines are within the state’s border. Additionally, the lake has supported the logging and fishing industry in the state for centuries.
Welcome to Wisconsin
Wisconsin stretches from the eastern border of Minnesota to the south shore of Lake Superior. Even though it offers only 27 miles of shoreline, Wisconsin prides itself on having one of the best public fishing grounds and one of the longest beaches of any of the states that border the lake.
Wisconsin’s shore significantly varies from Minnesota’s in that much of it is sandy beaches and flat terrain, in contrast to the cliffs and cliffs of Minnesota’s shore. What the state lacks in beach landscape, it makes up for in recreational activities. Wisconsin is home to five state parks as well as many marinas and recreational sites.
Michigan’s Access to the Great Lake
Michigan shares the longest stretch of Lake Superior’s shoreline, with the Upper Peninsula’s west side facing the Lake. Along the coast, you’ll find Keweenaw Bay, Portage Lake and Grand Marais in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There’s also Isle Royale National Park, an isolated island in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with an untouched landscape of boreal forests and rocky outcroppings.
The lake’s economic benefits are also appreciated by the state of Michigan. There is an abundance of fishing that provides jobs for residents, as well as an abundance of minerals located at the bottom of the lake.
Ontario: North of Lake Superior
Ontario is one of the two Canadian provinces that border the lake; Manitoba is the other. Ontario’s terrain is much different from the other states and provinces that border Lake Superior. Most of the coastline is flat, with stony beaches and sandstone cliffs.
The lake brings a range of economic benefits to the province of Ontario. There is an abundance of fishing along the lake’s coastline, and there are also many mines located in the lake. In addition, the lake also supports tourism and shipping industries.
Manitoba: The Home of the Cree Nation
Manitoba, the third province of Canada, lies at the north of Lake Superior. Along the lake’s coast, you will find picturesque beach areas and coves. The Cree Nation is the indigenous group who lives along the Manitoba’s coast, and the province is home to their ancient fishing grounds.
The Cree Nation have a long history of harvesting the lake’s bounty, including fish and minerals located on the bottom of the lake. In addition to these resources, the province benefits from the shipping industry and recreational opportunities offered along the lake’s coast.
Quebec: At the Eastern Edge of Lake Superior
Quebec, the easternmost province of Canada, is the final state that borders Lake Superior. While it’s the smallest province to border the lake in terms of shoreline, it boasts 24 miles of rocky cliffs and picturesque beach areas.
In addition to its recreational offerings, the lake is an important economic resource for the Quebec Coast. Fishing remains a vital part of the province’s economy, and the province benefits from the abundance of minerals located at the bottom of the lake.
Environmental Impact of the Great Lake
The environmental impact of Lake Superior is both positive and negative. The lake provides a habitat for numerous species of fish and aquatic life, as well as a range of recreational activities. The lake also provides a drinking water supply to millions of people who live along its shoreline.
The downside of the lake is its impact on the environment. The decreases in water levels and pollution caused by humans have resulted in the decline of certain species of fish and wildlife. In addition, the warming of the lake’s water has led to the spread of invasive species, which have further damaged the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
National and International Trade Through Lake Superior
The lake provides a means of transportation for goods and shipping, as well as a shipping route for domestic and international trade. The major port cities that line the lake include Duluth and Superior, in Minnesota; Bayfield, in Wisconsin; and Thunder Bay, in Ontario. All of these ports serve as entry and exit points for international shipping.
National and international trade through the Great Lakes is a critical component of the economic and infrastructure of the5 states and provinces that border the lake. It supports thousands of jobs and contributes to billions of dollars in economic activity.
Tourism and Recreation on the Great Lake
Lake Superior is home to numerous recreational activities and an array of tourist attractions. The lake offers a wide range of scenic shorelines and beaches to explore, as well as some of the best fishing opportunities in North America. The state and provincial parks also offer camping opportunities and other activities.
Sites such as Madeline Island, which is fully protected by the Great Lakes National Park Service, serve as a special attraction for those who are looking for a bit of solitude in nature. The lake is also a popular destination for anglers, hikers, and other nature lovers.
Educational Opportunities Around Lake Superior
Lake Superior offers educational opportunities as well. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands offer many educational programs, ranging from biology to geology, so students can observe and learn about the lake’s unique ecosystem.
In addition, many of the universities that border the lake offer research and educational programs on topics such as lake ecology, lake resource management, and lake restoration. On the Canadian side, Lake Superior is an invaluable educational resource for the Cree Nation, who have a deep understanding of the lake and its many components.
Best Practices for Stewardship at Lake Superior
The stewardship of the lake is a responsibility of all the states and provinces that border it. To ensure the lake remains healthy, communities need to practice sustainable development, limit pollution, reduce water use, and create careful management policies.
In addition to the existing environmental plans, states and provinces need to develop approaches that take into account the socioeconomic aspects of the lake. This includes researching new technologies and addressing the impacts of climate change, both of which could impact the health of the lake.
Happy Sailing at Lake Superior
The lake is a great destination for sailboaters, with its 136-mile shoreline providing ample opportunities for exploration. Access to the lake is easy, with dozens of marinas, boat ramps, and campgrounds available all along the lake’s coastline.
In addition to the marinas, many of the states and provinces offer boating and sailboat lessons and certifications. With a bit of knowledge and skill, thrill-seekers can explore the lake on their own.
The People of Lake Superior
The communities that border the lake shape its culture and identity. The residents of these states and provinces enjoy a special relationship with the lake, and their collective respect for the lake and its environment is evident.
In addition to the conservationist efforts, there are also many organizations dedicated to strengthening the cultural and educational ties between the states and provinces that border the lake. By connecting people from all the lake’s borders, these organizations strive to promote the preservation and enjoyment of Lake Superior.
