Big Moose Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Moose Lake |
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Big Moose Lake, as seen from its outlet
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 Big Moose Lake
Location in New York
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| Location | Webb and Long Lake Townships, Herkimer and Hamilton Counties, New York, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 43°49′01″N 74°51′17″W / 43.81694°N 74.85472°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | North Branch Moose River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 3 mi (4.8 km) |
| Max. width | 1 mi (1.6 km) |
| Surface area | 1,242 acres (5.03 km2) |
| Average depth | 23 ft (7.0 m) |
| Max. depth | 85 ft (26 m) |
| Surface elevation | 1,824 ft (556 m) |
| Islands | 2 Echo Island |
| Settlements | Big Moose |
Big Moose Lake is a large and beautiful lake in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. It is about five miles (8.0 km) north of Fourth Lake. The lake is found in both Herkimer and Hamilton counties. It also touches parts of the towns of Webb and Long Lake. The small community of Big Moose is located southwest of the lake. People love Big Moose Lake for its quiet location, cool weather, and amazing views.
Contents
About Big Moose Lake: Size and Weather
Big Moose Lake is in the central-western part of the Adirondack region. It covers an area of 1,242 acres (5.03 km2). The lake is about three miles (4.8 km) long and almost one mile (1.6 km) wide. It stretches mainly from east to west. The deepest parts of the lake are between 30 to 70 feet (9 to 21 m) deep. On average, the lake is 23 feet (7 m) deep.
Summer and Winter at the Lake
In the summer, temperatures usually range from 45 °F (7 °C) at night to 75 °F (24 °C) during the day. This makes it a great spot for summer fun. In winter, the entire lake freezes over. Daytime temperatures average around 20 °F (−7 °C). At night, it can get as cold as 5 °F (−15 °C).
Fun Things to Do at Big Moose Lake
The small community of Big Moose is southwest of the lake. Other nearby places include Eagle Bay, Inlet, Old Forge, and Thendara. Not many roads lead to the lake's shore, so it's not too crowded. The busiest time is summer, when families come to their vacation homes or stay at local resorts.
Activities All Year Round
Big Moose Lake is a popular place for visitors throughout the year. In summer, you can enjoy boating, water-skiing, and hiking. When winter arrives, the area is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The lake is also home to the Big Moose Water Ski Club, made up of people who live in the area. Just east of the lake is the large 50,100-acre (203 km2) Pigeon Lake Wilderness Area. This is a protected natural space.
History of Big Moose Lake Area
People started settling in the Big Moose Lake region in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They arrived by the first railroad that went through the wild Adirondack area. Early hunters and trappers became guides. They eventually built permanent camps and hotels. Wealthy business people, like the Vanderbilts and Morgans, built large private summer homes. Some of these old lodges still exist today. The Big Moose Lake area is known for its special architecture. Many lodges and cabins use a unique style with vertical half-logs.
Big Moose Lake in Books and Movies
Big Moose Lake was the setting for the famous novel An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. He called it "Big Bittern Lake" in the book, but he used Big Moose Lake as his inspiration. An Academy Award-winning movie, A Place in the Sun, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Shelley Winters and Montgomery Clift, was based on this book.
The lake and its community also appear in other stories. A Northern Light (2003) by Jennifer Donnelly is a historical novel. It tells the story from the viewpoint of a young girl working at a lodge called The Glenmore on the lake. The area is also important in Robert Tucker's 2013 novel, Sasquatch Camp.
Historic Places to Visit
Buildings built in the unique palisade architectural style (using vertically placed half-logs) can be seen in the area. Some places near Big Moose Lake are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include:
- Covewood Lodge (added in 2004)
- Big Moose Community Chapel (added in 2012)
Images for kids
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Big Moose Lake viewed from Covewood Lodge
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Postcard from 1930-1945 of Big Moose Lake
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Lake View Lodge, the first luxury hotel, built 1898 (1911 photo)
