Glen Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glen Lake |
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 Glen Lake
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Michigan |
| Coordinates | 44°52′N 85°57′W / 44.867°N 85.950°W |
| Primary outflows | Crystal River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 4,871 acres (19.71 km2) Big 1,415 acres (5.73 km2) Little |
| Max. depth | 130 ft (40 m) Big 13 ft (4 m) Little |
| Surface elevation | 594 feet (181 m) |
Glen Lake is a beautiful lake in Michigan, a state in the United States. You can find it in Leelanau County, not far from the much larger Lake Michigan.
Several small towns and villages are located around Glen Lake. These include Burdickville, Glen Arbor, and Glen Haven.
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Discovering Glen Lake: Two Lakes in One!
Glen Lake is actually made up of two main parts. These parts are connected by a narrow channel. A bridge for State Route 22 crosses over this channel.
The larger part of the lake is to the east. It is called "Big Glen Lake." The smaller part is to the west and is known as "Little Glen Lake." Even though they have different names, both parts of Glen Lake are at the same water level. They also share similar water conditions.
How Big and Deep Are They?
Together, Big Glen Lake and Little Glen Lake cover a large area. Big Glen Lake is about 4,871 acres (20 km2) in size. It is also quite deep, reaching a maximum depth of 130 feet (40 m).
Little Glen Lake is smaller, covering about 1,415 acres (6 km2). It is much shallower, with a maximum depth of only 13 ft (4 m). Big Glen Lake is almost perfectly round. Little Glen Lake, however, is longer and narrower.
Where Does the Water Go?
The water from both parts of Glen Lake flows into Lake Michigan. It does this through a shallow river called the Crystal River. This river winds its way through the town of Glen Arbor.
Why Glen Lake is So Special
Glen Lake is located in a truly amazing area. It is surrounded by wooded, rolling sand hills. Just to the east, you'll find the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Many people think Glen Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire Great Lakes region.
Crystal Clear Water
The water in Glen Lake is incredibly clear and pure. This is because it is filtered by the sand underneath and around the lake. The water often glows with a beautiful, deep indigo blue color.
Its beauty, purity, and calm waters make it a very popular spot for people on vacation. It's a great place for many fun activities.
Fun Activities at Glen Lake
Glen Lake offers many ways to have fun outdoors.
Boating and Swimming
Because the water is so clear and there aren't many big waves, it's perfect for boating. You can also enjoy swimming in its pure, inviting waters.
Fishing Adventures
If you like fishing, Glen Lake has plenty of sportfish. You might catch yellow perch, smallmouth bass, northern pike, brown trout, or lake trout.
A Great Place for Running
The area around Glen Lake has many trails, roads, and hills. This makes it a popular spot for running training. Towards the end of August, many college and high school athletic teams come here to train. Teams from places like the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia have trained here.
A "National Geographic" Honor
Many lakes in northwestern Michigan have local stories about being named one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. However, it is Glen Lake that truly received this honor from National Geographic Magazine.
