As one of the Great Lakes of North America, Lake Superior lies almost entirely in the United States. It borders Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota in the north and Ontario in the east. From its western end on the border with Ontario, it stretches over 2,726 square miles to roughly Midwestern U.S. territories. To understand what this means for the states around it, let’s dive a bit deeper into the history and geography surrounding Lake Superior and the three bordering states.
Michigan became a U.S. state in 1837, and its border with Lake Superior includes more than 400 miles of shoreline. By contrast, Wisconsin has over 1,000 miles, while Minnesota has nearly 700. Michigan is the only state that lies upstream of the lake. The waters of the lake fill and flow southward through the other states. Perhaps the best place to appreciate this geography is at the Portage Canal Ship Canal in Houghton, Michigan. From the top of the Portage Canal Lift Bridge, which spans the river, you can look out and get a panoramic view of the waters of Lake Superior flowing between the two countries before meeting up with the waters of the St. Marys River.
The importance of Lake Superior to these three U.S. states goes beyond geography, though. It has been a source of economic activity for centuries, from trade to fishing and from tourism to shipping. Communities around the lake rely heavily on its resources, and the tourism industry in particular benefits from the Lake Superior’s spectacular beauty. The lake has the deepest depth of any lake in the world and is known for being one of the cleanest and clearest of the Great Lakes. Its waters are filled with a variety of fish, including lake trout, whitefish, and sturgeon. It also provides a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, from birds and mammals to a variety of reptiles and amphibians.
The unique features of Lake Superior are the result of a complex interaction of hydrology, geography, and geology. The lake is part of a larger basin known as the Laurentian Great Lakes, which includes Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Erie as well. The lake resides in a geologic ditch, or “rift”, cut between two fault lines that are estimated to be nearly a billion years old. For comparison, the San Andreas Fault, perhaps the most famous fault line in the U.S., is only about 200 million years old. The sheer size of Lake Superior makes it the largest of the Great Lakes and the largest of all freshwater lakes in the world.
The rugged terrain surrounding Lake Superior gives it a unique feel compared to its counterparts. It’s surrounded by cliffs, rocky outcroppings, and patches of dense forest. This landscape provides amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and boating. The states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota have worked hard to preserve this unique and beautiful ecosystem, leading to the creation of numerous national and state parks around the lake.
The region around Lake Superior is a living testament to the interconnectedness of the natural world and its inhabitants. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, the six states that border this magnificent lake have something to offer for everyone.
Economic Activity
Since it was first explored in 1678, the lake has been an important source of economic activity and trade. It has been used to transport goods to and from the continent, with ships carrying a variety of goods including grain, lumber, and paper. The ports of Duluth and Superior, located at the western end of the lake, have long been important stopovers in a system of trade routes. The city of Sault Ste. Marie, at the eastern end of the lake, served as a gateway to the interior of the continent and to the fur trade. The iron ore industry, first developed in the 1840s, was crucial to the economic development of the region. The ore was extracted from the Mesabi range, located on the border between Minnesota and Ontario. Eventually, the region became one of America’s main producers of steel.
The economies of the three states around Lake Superior have since diversified and went through considerable development, with manufacturing and agriculture being the most important economic activities. Tourism has also become an important source of income for local residents. The region’s culture and history draws travelers from around the world. The annual Thunder Bay International Film Festival, for example, showcases the work of local and international filmmakers. The three states also work together to promote the Great Lakes region as a unique destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Environmental Impacts
Despite its importance, Lake Superior is facing environmental threats. The most pressing challenge is the increased levels of pollution in the lake, which are mostly the result of runoff from large agricultural areas, urban areas, and industry. Climate change is also having an impact, with increasing temperatures leading to more extreme weather and a decline in the lake’s water level. The lake is also a source of renewable energy as well, and a number of wind farms have been developed on the lake’s shoreline in recent years.
The states around Lake Superior are working together to protect the lake and its wildlife. This includes efforts to improve water quality, reduce runoff pollution and contaminants, and control invasive species. In annexes to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the states have committed to taking actions that will help maintain the lake’s biological balance and regulate its ecosystem. The agreement also aims to restore wetlands, improve recreational and tourist areas, and protect the lake’s shoreline.
The states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota have long placed great importance on preserving their shared lake and the unique ecosystem it provides. Through careful management and innovative initiatives, they are helping to ensure that Lake Superior remains a valuable resource, both now and in the future.
Risks & Solutions
While the states are working hard to protect the lake, it continues to face a variety of environmental risks. Pollution, climate change, and invasive species all pose a threat. In addition, the increasing demand for energy is placing additional pressures on the lake’s resources. These issues require close attention and ongoing management in order to ensure the health of Lake Superior.
One solution to these issues is prevention, which involve measures such as reducing and banning pollutants, controlling runoff, and restoring wetlands. Recent efforts in the region include initiatives from the Great Lakes Commission, which is working to strengthen the pollution control systems of the Great Lakes states. Canada also has initiatives in place to help protect the lake, such as the Lake Superior Shoreline Protection Program. This program works to protect and restore the lake’s shoreline, thereby protecting the species that call the lake home.
However, prevention is only part of the solution. To truly restore and protect the lake, active management and restoration efforts are needed. As such, efforts are underway to restore damaged habitats, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. The Lake Superior Binational Forum was established in 1995 to coordinate restoration efforts between the U.S. and Canada. The forum has created a number of work groups and task forces to help identify and solve specific problems in the lake.
Cultural Significance
Lake Superior has played an important role in the history and culture of the region. Numerous Native American tribes have long relied on the lake for subsistence and trade. The lake was at the heart of the fur trade industry and its shores were used as a critical transportation route for goods and people. This history has left its mark on the region, with many of the towns and cities that line its shores retaining a strong connection to their history and identity.
It is this connection to history and identity that has made the lake a source of pride for the local communities. The lake is featured in literature, film, and music. Its beauty and ruggedness have captivated locals and visitors alike, with its breathtaking beauty serving as a source of untold inspiration. This connection has also translated into tangible actions, with the local communities coming together to help protect the lake and its resources.
Lake Superior is one of the most beautiful and precious resources in the world and a vital source for the region’s communities. Through responsible management, the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are working to ensure that the lake and its citizens continue to thrive for generations to come.
Legacy & Future
The legacy of Lake Superior will live on long after its citizens are gone. Its waters have served as a major source of inspiration and recreation, while its boundaries have provided a context for trade and friendship. Its environmental importance has made it a cherished part of the Great Lakes region, and its future will be determined by the current and future efforts to protect it.
The states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota will continue to have an important role to play in protecting the lake. At the same time, though, the people who call the lake home can be the most powerful advocates for its future. Citizens can join local conservation efforts, support organizations that are working to protect Lake Superior, and spread the word about its importance. Their actions can make a difference in the future of the lake and the region it supports.
Lake Superior has provided a valuable resource to the people who call its shores home for centuries. It is a source of pride, beauty, and inspiration, and its future will be determined by the actions of its citizens. With their help, the lake will continue to thrive and live on as a reminder of the importance of responsible stewardship.
