Lake Superior is known for its immense size and beautiful scenery, but did you know it is also one of the most powerful and significant lakes on Earth? While it’s the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, it is also the northernmost, and lies on the US/Canada border. What states does Lake Superior border? Read on to find out!
Geographically, Lake Superior lies at the very northern end of the United States, and borders the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. It also forms part of the border between the two countries, with a small portion in Ontario, Canada. Beyond these borders, Lake Superior reaches the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. These states and provinces are surrounded by Lake Superior, providing ample shoreline for recreational activities.
The lake plays a particularly important role in the cities and towns along its shores, providing industry, as well as a means of transportation for maritime vessels and pleasure boats. Commerce is alive along the banks of the lake, with ports in the cities and towns devoted to ore, coal, grain, and other exports. The lake itself is also rich in resources, hosting numerous fishery grounds, and home to some of the largest commercial fisheries in the world.
Not surprisingly, Lake Superior also provides a rich source of tourism, with every corner of its shores a treasure of sites and activities. Camping, boating, fishing, and swimming are just a few of the activities available to enjoy this great lake. For hikers and adventurers, the Lake Superior Circle Tour provides hundreds of miles of scenic enjoyment and exploration. Visitors can take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the north woods, the magnificent boreal rainforest, and more.
The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior is home to over 3,000 islands, many of which are situated in the US-Canadian border waters. Visitors from around the world flock to this region to explore the rugged beauty, to climb the high cliffs, and discover the hidden gems of Lake Superior. Additionally, the lakeside villages, small towns, and remote wilderness areas provide a perfect spot for rest and relaxation.
Lake Superior is an incredible asset for the states and provinces it touches, supplying clean water and numerous recreational, commercial, and educational opportunities. Its broad expanse of clean, freshwater is among the largest on the planet and an irreplaceable source of abundance, beauty, and life.
Other Uses
In addition to its many uses, Lake Superior has also been used for hydroelectric production and oil transport. The Grand Rapids Plants in Wisconsin and Michigan are two of the hydroelectric generating plants built on the lake and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The lake is also the destination of numerous tours and special charters. These tours are very popular and offer breathtaking views of the lake, as well as glimpses into the rich history of the area.
In 2007, Lake Superior was included in the Great Lakes Gene Pool, an effort to collect and catalogue genetic information from fish and other organisms living in the lake. Scientists also hope to use Lake Superior to study the impacts of climate change in the Great Lakes region. Climate change has already had huge impacts on the lake’s water and weather, including an overall increase in temperature, reduced winter ice cover, and changes in fish species.
The state of Minnesota is one of the most active in terms of conservation, with major efforts underway to protect Lake Superior’s beaches, forests, and wetlands. The state’s Stormwater Management System and collaborative efforts with local organizations are ongoing, as well as a number of initiatives aimed at restoring aquatic habitat. The lake is also home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
The states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan are also committed to protecting Lake Superior, with numerous conservation efforts and initiatives underway. These include minimizing human impacts, such as shoreline development, limiting pollutants, and monitoring the lake’s health through water quality testing. The states together manage the Lake Superior Basin Program, which develops strategies and programs to ensure that Lake Superior remains healthy and vibrant.
The governments of the United States and Canada have also taken action to protect Lake Superior. In 2012, Canada and the US signed the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the lake. This agreement is continuously monitored and revised to ensure that the lake remains a healthy and productive waterway.
Environmental Protection
Environmental protection is essential to preserving the health of Lake Superior and its surrounding communities. To protect Lake Superior, a number of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and citizens are involved in actions such as habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, and creating sustainable recreational opportunities.
The state of Minnesota’s Lake Superior Binational Forum works to promote management practices that will protect and preserve the lake. This organization is specialized in the monitoring and restoration of Lake Superior, focusing on key areas such as controlling pollutants, restoring fish and wildlife habitats, and protecting aquatic plants.
The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve is another government-funded organization working to protect Lake Superior. This organization was created to support ecological research and promote conservation efforts. Since its establishment in 1992 it has been conducting a wide range of protection projects, such as preventing erosion, restoring wetlands, and controlling exotic species.
The Great Lakes Fisheries Commission is a binational organization that focuses on conserving and restoring fish stocks and habitat in Lake Superior, while also working to enhance recreational fisheries. The commission works to research, manage, and restore fisheries in Lake Superior, and is also involved in programs to protect and restore shoreline on the lake.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has also stepped in to protect Lake Superior, by implementing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This program works to restore and protect the waters of the Great Lakes, including Lake Superior. The EPA is also developing strategies and policies to reduce the amount of and the impact of pollutants entering the lake.
Conclusion
Lake Superior is a vast and beautiful body of water, bordered by three US states and several Canadian provinces. Its size, history and importance make it an invaluable resource, and one that deserves to be protected and valued. Fortunately, a number of organizations and governments are involved in preserving Lake Superior and its surrounding ecosystems, helping to protect this hugely significant lake.
