Douglas Lake (Cheboygan County, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Douglas Lake (Cheboygan County, Michigan USA) |
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Douglas Lake (Cheboygan County, Michigan)
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 Douglas Lake (Cheboygan County, Michigan USA)
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Cheboygan County, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 45°34′N 84°42′W / 45.567°N 84.700°W |
| Type | Lake |
| Primary inflows | Bessey Creek |
| Primary outflows | East Branch Maple River |
| Catchment area | 12,800 acres (5,200 ha) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 3.9 mi (6.3 km) |
| Max. width | 1.9 mi (3.1 km) |
| Surface area | 3,395 acres (1,374 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 713 ft (217 m) |
Douglas Lake is a beautiful inland lake located in Cheboygan County, Michigan. You can find it at the northern tip of Michigan's lower peninsula. It's a special place, known for its natural beauty and its importance for scientific research.
Exploring Douglas Lake
Douglas Lake is quite large! It covers about 3,395 acres (which is 1,373 hectares). This makes it the 28th largest lake in all of Michigan. At its deepest point, the lake goes down 79 feet (or 24 meters).
Water Flow and Connections
Water flows into Douglas Lake from two main streams: Bessey Creek and Beavertail Creek. The water then flows out of the lake through the East Branch Maple River. Douglas Lake is actually the starting point, or "headwaters," for the Maple River. This river is special because it's known as a "Blue Ribbon trout stream," meaning it's a great place for trout fishing and has very healthy fish populations.
A Natural Classroom for Science
A big part of Douglas Lake's southern shoreline is kept natural and undeveloped. This land is owned by the University of Michigan Biological Station. This station uses the lake and its surroundings for important research and educational programs. Scientists and students study the plants, animals, and water quality of the lake.
Both the University of Michigan Biological Station and the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council keep detailed records about Douglas Lake. They study everything from the living things (like fish and plants) to the non-living parts (like water temperature and clarity). This helps us understand how the lake changes over time and how to protect it.
