Big Spirit Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spirit Lake |
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 Spirit Lake
Location in Iowa
Spirit Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Dickinson County, Iowa |
| Coordinates | 43°28′26″N 95°06′06″W / 43.4739°N 95.1018°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 5,684 acres (2,300 ha) |
| Average depth | 17 ft (5.2 m) |
| Max. depth | 24 ft (7.3 m) |
Big Spirit Lake is a large natural lake in northwest Iowa, in Dickinson County. It covers about 5,684 acres, which is roughly 8.9 square miles. This makes it the biggest natural lake in all of Iowa!
The northern edge of the lake touches the border with Minnesota. Big Spirit Lake is part of a group of lakes called the Iowa Great Lakes.
The lake has a maximum depth of 24 feet (about 7.3 meters). Its average depth is 17 feet (about 5 meters). The lake's name comes from the Dakotah Indian word "Minnewaukon." This means "Spirit Lake." Early French traders also called it "Lac D' Esprit," which means "Lake of the Spirit."
Contents
How Spirit Lake Was Formed
A Glacial Pothole from the Ice Age
Spirit Lake was formed a very long time ago. About 13,000 years ago, the last ice age ended. As the huge glaciers melted, they left behind deep holes in the ground. These holes filled with water and became lakes. Spirit Lake is one of these "glacial potholes." It is a natural reminder of the powerful ice sheets that once covered the land.
Fun Things to Do at Spirit Lake
Fishing Adventures
Spirit Lake is a very popular spot for fishing. You can find over 40 different kinds of fish here! People often catch 13 of these types.
Some popular fish to catch include walleye and yellow perch. You can fish for them from a boat or even through the ice in winter. If you like fishing from the shore, bullhead are common in the spring.
The state also runs a fish hatchery nearby. This hatchery helps add many fish to the lake. These include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskie, crappie, and bluegill.
Spirit Lake holds some impressive fishing records too. The biggest freshwater drum and muskellunge ever caught in Iowa came from this lake!
Kiteboarding Fun
Besides fishing, kiteboarding is another exciting activity at Big Spirit Lake. People use a large kite to pull them across the water on a board. It's a thrilling way to enjoy the lake's open spaces and winds.
Images for kids
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A postcard from the Spirit Lake region, mailed in 1907.
