Finger Lakes facts for kids
The Finger Lakes are a group of long, thin lakes located in the central part of Upstate New York. Imagine a hand with fingers pointing south – that's how these lakes look on a map! They are a very popular spot for visitors because of their beautiful scenery and fun activities. These lakes are also quite deep. For example, Lake Seneca, the deepest one, goes down about 618 feet (188 m).
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How the Finger Lakes Were Formed
Glaciers Carved the Land
Long, long ago, during the last Ice Age, huge sheets of ice called glaciers covered much of North America. These glaciers were incredibly powerful. As they slowly moved across the land, they acted like giant bulldozers. They scraped away soil and rock, carving out deep valleys in the landscape.
A Look Back in Time
When the climate warmed up, these massive glaciers began to melt. The meltwater filled the long, narrow valleys that the ice had carved. This is how the Finger Lakes were created! Their unique shape is a direct result of this ancient glacial activity. The deep valleys and the north-to-south direction of the lakes show the path the glaciers took.
The Finger Lakes: A List from West to East
From the westernmost to the easternmost, here are the main Finger Lakes:
- Otisco Lake
- Skaneateles Lake
- Owasco Lake
- Cayuga Lake
- Seneca Lake
- Keuka Lake
- Canandaigua Lake
- Honeoye Lake
- Canadice Lake
- Hemlock Lake
- Conesus Lake
Fun Facts About the Finger Lakes
Popular Activities
The Finger Lakes region is a favorite place for many outdoor activities. People love to go boating, fishing, and swimming in the clear waters. Hiking and biking trails wind through the beautiful hills and forests surrounding the lakes. In winter, some areas offer skiing and snowboarding.
Unique Features
The area around the Finger Lakes is also famous for its many vineyards and wineries. The climate near the lakes is perfect for growing grapes. This makes the region a popular destination for those interested in local foods and drinks. Many small towns and villages around the lakes offer charming shops, restaurants, and historical sites to explore.
Images for kids
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Map of the Finger Lakes
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The Finger Lakes are in the center bottom of this west facing image; Lake Erie (upper left), Lake Huron (upper right), and Lake Ontario (lower right) are three of the Great Lakes
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Seneca Lake, from South Main Street in Geneva, New York.
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Bluff Point on Keuka Lake
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Granger Homestead, Canandaigua
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Canadice Lake is surrounded by the Hemlock–Canadice State Forest.
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Hemlock Lake, one of the western Finger Lakes
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Sunrise overlooking a vineyard on Canandaigua Lake
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Wells College, Aurora
See also
In Spanish: Lagos Finger para niños
