Ford Lake (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ford Lake |
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Looking south from North Bay Park
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 Ford Lake
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Washtenaw County, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 42°13′02″N 83°35′06″W / 42.21722°N 83.58500°W |
| Type | Fresh water |
| River sources | Huron River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| First flooded | 1931 |
| Surface area | 975 acres (395 ha) |
| Max. depth | 30 feet (9.1 m) |
| Surface elevation | 682 feet (208 m) |
| Islands | Big Island Park and several unnamed islands |
| Settlements | Ypsilanti Ypsilanti Township |
Ford Lake is a large, man-made lake in Washtenaw County, Michigan. It is a fresh water reservoir (which is like a lake created by a dam). The lake was formed in the early 1930s when the Ford Lake Dam was built on the Huron River. It is named after the famous businessman, Henry Ford.
The lake covers an area of about 975 acres (395 hectares). Its deepest point is about 30 feet (9 meters) near its eastern end. The Huron River flows into Ford Lake near the Interstate 94 bridge in Ypsilanti. The river then flows out of the lake at the Ford Lake Dam in Ypsilanti Township. After leaving Ford Lake, the Huron River continues into Belleville Lake, which is another man-made lake.
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Fun Activities at Ford Lake
Ford Lake is a great place for outdoor fun. You can enjoy many activities on and around the water.
Boating and Water Sports
The lake is popular for different kinds of boating. You can go boating, use personal watercraft like jet skis, or enjoy canoeing and kayaking. The only place to launch motorized boats is at Ford Lake Park.
Biking and Trails
Parts of the Border-to-Border Trail run along Ford Lake. This trail is a favorite spot for people who love to ride bicycles. It offers nice views of the lake.
Parks Around the Lake
There are four public parks located along the shores of Ford Lake in Ypsilanti Township. These parks are Ford Lake Park, Huron River Park, Loonfeather Point Park, and North Bay Park. They offer places to relax and enjoy the lake.
Fishing at Ford Lake
Ford Lake is a good spot for fishing. Many types of fish live in the lake.
- Bullhead catfish
- Channel catfish
- Common carp
- Crappies
- Northern pike
- Smallmouth bass
- Suckers
- Sunfish
- Bluegill
- Walleye
- White bass
- Yellow perch
The biggest fish ever caught in Ford Lake and recorded in Michigan's Master Angler Entries was a common carp. It was over 36 inches (97 cm) long!
Keeping Ford Lake Healthy
Sometimes, Ford Lake has issues with water quality. It's important to know about these so everyone can stay safe.
Algae Blooms
In late summer, Ford Lake often gets algal blooms. These are like thick growths of green stuff in the water. Experts regularly test the water to see if these blooms are harmful. Most of the time, they are just green algae and are not dangerous.
Harmful Bacteria
Sometimes, certain types of bacteria, like cyanobacteria and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonate), can grow in the water. These can cause harmful algal blooms. If these bacteria are present, it's best to avoid long contact with the water. However, brief contact with PFOS is usually not a health concern. Even when the water quality is good, swimming is not a common activity in Ford Lake.
Fish Advisories
If the levels of harmful algae or bacteria get too high, health officials will put up signs. These signs, called "Do Not Eat" fish advisories, are posted at all places where people can access Ford Lake. This means that if you catch a fish, you should practice catch and release and not eat it. Boating and fishing are still allowed during these times.
Images for kids
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"Do not eat the fish" advisory posting along North Bay Park
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See also
In Spanish: Ford Lake (Michigan) para niños
