Chain Lake (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chain Lake |
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 Chain Lake
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Mackinac County, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 45°52′41″N 84°45′25″W / 45.878°N 84.757°W |
| Type | Lake |
| Primary outflows | Moran River |
| Surface elevation | 600 feet (180 m) |
Chain Lake is a small lake or large pond located in Mackinac County, in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is found near the town of St. Ignace. The lake sits at an elevation of about 600 feet (183 meters) above sea level.
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About Chain Lake
Chain Lake is a peaceful body of water in Michigan. It's a great spot for nature lovers and those looking for outdoor activities. The lake is easy to reach and offers a lot to explore.
Location and Access
Chain Lake is located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. You can easily get to it using Interstate 75. There's even a special rest area at mile 346 for southbound drivers. From this spot, you can enjoy a nice view of the lake.
The lake is also connected to the North Country Trail. This long hiking trail runs alongside the St. Ignace-Trout Lake Trail. These trails follow the path of an old railway line. This railway, called the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway, was once used to transport timber. It helped clear much of the original forest around the lake.
Nature and Surroundings
Today, the area around Chain Lake is covered in "second-growth" woodland. This means new trees have grown back after the original forests were cut down. Parts of this woodland are privately owned. Other parts belong to the Hiawatha National Forest, which helps protect the natural environment.
Fish and Fun Activities
Chain Lake is known for its many types of fish. If you enjoy fishing, you might find:
- Rock bass
- Bullhead
- Sunfish
- Sucker
- Largemouth bass
- Perch
- Northern pike
In the winter, when the weather is cold enough, the frozen surface of Chain Lake can be used for playing pond hockey. It's a fun way to enjoy the ice!
How Chain Lake Got Its Name
The name "Chain Lake" might come from its history. It could have been part of a "chain" of streams and lakes. This chain would have offered an alternative route for canoes traveling west from St. Ignace.
Even though the eastern edge of Chain Lake is less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Lake Huron, it doesn't flow into Lake Huron. Instead, its water drains into the Moran River. The Moran River then flows through another small lake called Freschette Lake. Finally, the water from Chain Lake reaches West Moran Bay, which is part of Lake Michigan.
