Clear Lake (Galveston Bay) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clear Lake |
|
|---|---|
Sunset over the channel from Clear Lake to Galveston Bay
|
|
 Clear Lake
Location in Texas
Clear Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Between Houston and Galveston Bay |
| Coordinates | 29°34′20″N 95°2′37″W / 29.57222°N 95.04361°W |
| Primary inflows | Lake Nassau, Clear Creek |
| Primary outflows | Galveston Bay |
| Basin countries | United States |
Clear Lake is a special body of water near Houston, Texas, U.S.. It's a type of harbor where fresh water from rivers mixes with salty water from the ocean. This makes it "brackish," meaning it's a bit salty but not as salty as the sea. Clear Lake flows into Galveston Bay, which then connects to the Gulf of Mexico.
Many towns are located around Clear Lake. These include parts of Houston (like Clear Lake City), Pasadena, League City, Clear Lake Shores, Taylor Lake Village, Seabrook, and El Lago, Texas. A very famous place, NASA's Johnson Space Center, is also right by its shores.
Clear Lake is a popular spot for fun and games. It has one of the biggest collections of recreational boats and marinas (places where boats are kept) in the entire country! The towns around the lake are often called the Clear Lake Area. This area is known for its tourism and many high-tech businesses, especially those related to space and science.
Contents
What Makes Clear Lake Unique?
Clear Lake is not just any lake; it's a "tidal estuary." This means its water levels change with the ocean tides. It gets water from Clear Creek and Lake Nassau. Then, this water flows out into Galveston Bay. This constant flow helps keep the lake healthy.
A Hub for Boats and Water Sports
If you love boats, Clear Lake is the place to be! It has many marinas, which are like parking lots for boats. People enjoy all sorts of water activities here. You can go sailing, motorboating, kayaking, or even try paddleboarding. It's a great spot for families and friends to spend time outdoors.
Fishing and Wildlife
Clear Lake is also a good place for fishing. Because the water is brackish, you can find both freshwater and saltwater fish. Common fish caught here include red drum, speckled trout, and flounder. The lake and its surrounding areas are home to many types of wildlife. You might see different kinds of birds, like herons and pelicans, especially near the water.
Clear Lake and Space Exploration
One of the most exciting things about the Clear Lake Area is its connection to space. NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) is located right on the lake's edge. This is where astronauts train and where missions to space are controlled.
The Johnson Space Center's Role
The Johnson Space Center has been a key part of American space exploration for decades. It was the control center for the Apollo missions to the Moon. Today, it helps manage the International Space Station (ISS) and plans for future trips to the Moon and Mars. Many people who work at NASA live in the Clear Lake Area.
History of the Clear Lake Area
The Clear Lake area has grown a lot over the years. For a long time, it was mostly farmland and small fishing villages. Everything changed when NASA decided to build its Manned Spacecraft Center (now JSC) here in the early 1960s.
Growth and Development
When NASA arrived, the area quickly grew. New towns and communities were built to house the thousands of people who came to work on space projects. This led to the development of Clear Lake City and other nearby towns. The area became a center for high-tech industries, not just space.
Fun Places to Visit Nearby
Besides the lake itself, there are many other fun attractions in the Clear Lake Area.
Kemah Boardwalk
The Kemah Boardwalk is a popular entertainment complex right on the water. It has amusement park rides, restaurants, shops, and games. It's a great place for families to spend a day enjoying the views and activities.
Space Center Houston
Right next to the Johnson Space Center is Space Center Houston. This is a fantastic science museum where you can learn all about space travel. You can see real spacecraft, touch a moon rock, and even experience what it's like to be an astronaut. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in space!
Protecting Clear Lake
Clear Lake is an important natural resource. Efforts are made to protect its environment and keep its waters clean. Local groups and government agencies work together to monitor water quality and preserve the habitats for fish and wildlife. This helps ensure that Clear Lake remains a beautiful and fun place for everyone to enjoy for many years to come.
