Chicago Harbor facts for kids
The Chicago Harbor is a very important part of Chicago, a big city in Illinois, USA. It includes all the public rivers, canals, and parts of Lake Michigan that are within Chicago's city limits. Think of it as a huge network of waterways that connect everything! This harbor connects all the docks, piers, and other structures along the shore, reaching about three miles out into Lake Michigan.
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What Makes Up the Chicago Harbor?
The greater Chicago Harbor is made up of several key waterways. These include parts of the famous Chicago River, the Calumet River, the Ogden Canal, and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. It also includes Lake Calumet and a large part of Lake Michigan itself. These waterways are like the city's watery highways, allowing boats and ships to move around.
Why is the Chicago Harbor Important?
Harbors like Chicago's are super important for many reasons. They help move goods, which means products like food, building materials, and other items can travel by boat. This is often a cheaper way to transport things than by truck or train. Harbors also support fishing industries and provide places for people to enjoy boating and other water sports. For Chicago, the harbor has always been key to its growth and success as a major city.
How Does a Harbor Work?
A harbor provides a safe place for ships and boats to dock and load or unload cargo and passengers. It's usually protected from strong winds and waves, often by natural landforms or by man-made structures called breakwaters. The Chicago Harbor uses both natural protection from the lakefront and large breakwaters to keep its waters calm. This allows many different kinds of boats, from small sailboats to large cargo ships, to use the harbor safely.
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Monroe harbor.
