Crystal Lake (Benzie County, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crystal Lake |
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 Crystal Lake
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Benzie County, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 44°39′N 86°09′W / 44.650°N 86.150°W |
| Primary outflows | Outlet Creek |
| Catchment area | 22.5 sq mi (58 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 8.11 miles (13 km) |
| Max. width | 2.5 miles (4 km) |
| Surface area | 9,854 acres (40 km2) |
| Average depth | 70 ft (21 m) |
| Max. depth | 165 ft (50 m) |
| Surface elevation | 600 ft (183 m) |
| Islands | none |
| Settlements | Beulah, Benzonia, Frankfort, Elberta |
Crystal Lake is the biggest lake with this name in Michigan. It is found in Benzie County, not far from Lake Michigan. This beautiful lake is about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Traverse City. It is also about 2 miles (3 km) northeast of Frankfort.
Crystal Lake is quite large, measuring about 2.5 miles (4 km) wide and 8 miles (13 km) long. Its deepest point goes down to 165 feet (50 m). With a surface area of 9,854 acres (40 km²), it is the ninth largest inland lake in Michigan. Crystal Lake is also right next to the southern part of the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
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Discover Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is a popular spot for many activities. People enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing here. The lake's clear water makes it a favorite for visitors. It is a great place to spend time outdoors.
A Lake with Two Names
For many years, up to and during the American Civil War, Crystal Lake was known by a different name. It was called "Cap Lake." This name came from the frequent whitecaps that could be seen on its surface. Whitecaps are small waves with foamy white crests, often caused by wind. Later, the lake became known as Crystal Lake because of its exceptionally clear water.
The Big Channel Project
In 1873, people tried to connect Crystal Lake to Lake Michigan. They wanted to dig a channel between the two lakes. At that time, the water level of Crystal Lake was higher than Lake Michigan. When the channel was opened, a lot of water flowed out.
This caused the water level in Crystal Lake to drop by about 20 feet (6 m). The project did not work as planned for connecting the lakes. However, the lower water level uncovered many sandy beaches. One of these is the public beach you can visit today in Beulah.
Why is Crystal Lake So Clear?
Crystal Lake is known for its incredibly clear and beautiful water. This is why it got its current name. The land area that drains water into Crystal Lake is quite small. This means there is not much land for things like fertilizer or sewage to wash into the lake.
Because of this, very little pollution enters the water. The lake's surface area makes up 35% of its total drainage basin. This natural protection helps keep the water clean and sparkling.
