Bantam Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bantam Lake |
|
---|---|
![]() Bantam Lake
|
|
Location | Border of Morris, Connecticut and Litchfield, Connecticut |
Coordinates | 41°42′16″N 73°13′17″W / 41.7045073°N 73.2215068°W |
Type | Lake |
Primary inflows | Bantam River |
Primary outflows | Bantam River |
Max. length | 2.32 miles (3.73 km) |
Max. width | 1.47 miles (2.37 km) |
Surface area | 947 acres (383 ha) |
Average depth | 14.3 feet (4.4 m) |
Max. depth | 25 feet (7.6 m) |
Residence time | 108 days |
Surface elevation | 892 feet (272 m) |
Islands | Deer Island |
Bantam Lake is the biggest natural lake in Connecticut, a state in the northeastern United States. It covers about 947 acres, which is like 717 football fields! This cool lake is located where the towns of Morris and Litchfield meet.
Much of the land at the northern end of the lake is protected. This includes a special area called Marsh Point. This protected land is managed by the White Memorial Foundation. It's a fantastic place for many different kinds of birds to live.
The lake is also a popular spot for fun activities. You'll find campgrounds and camps for kids along its shores. It's a great place for all sorts of water sports. There are also two public beaches, Morris Town Beach and Sandy Beach, where you can swim and relax.
Bantam Lake is home to the Bantam Lake Ski Club. This club is the oldest water ski club in the entire United States that has been running without stopping! The Litchfield Hills Rowing Club is also here. They offer programs for high school students in the summer and fall, and also for adults.
Contents
Exploring Bantam Lake
Bantam Lake is a really important natural spot in Connecticut. It's not just big, but it's also a hub for nature and outdoor fun.
Location and Size
Bantam Lake is found in Litchfield County, Connecticut. It stretches across two towns, Morris and Litchfield. The lake is about 2.32 miles long and 1.47 miles wide. Its deepest point goes down to about 25 feet. The water in the lake completely changes every 108 days. This means it's always fresh!
Nature and Wildlife
The northern part of Bantam Lake is a special place for nature lovers. The White Memorial Foundation helps protect this area. It's a large nature preserve with forests, fields, and wetlands. This makes it a perfect home for many different animals. You can often spot a wide variety of bird species here. It's a great spot for birdwatching!
Fun Activities on the Water
Bantam Lake is a super popular place for outdoor activities. If you love being on the water, this is the spot for you!
Water Sports and Clubs
The lake is famous for its water sports. The Bantam Lake Ski Club is a big part of the lake's history. They've been teaching people to water ski and perform amazing tricks for a very long time. If you're interested in rowing, the Litchfield Hills Rowing Club is also active here. They help people of all ages learn and enjoy rowing.
Beaches and Camping
If you just want to relax, there are two public beaches: Morris Town Beach and Sandy Beach. These are perfect for swimming on a hot day. Many families also enjoy camping around the lake. It's a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beautiful scenery.