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Green Lake (Kandiyohi County, Minnesota) facts for kids

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Green Lake
Location of Green Lake in Minnesota
Location of Green Lake in Minnesota
Green Lake
Location in Minnesota
Location Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
Coordinates 45°14′50″N 94°54′30″W / 45.24722°N 94.90833°W / 45.24722; -94.90833
Basin countries United States
Surface area 5,560 acres (22.5 km2)
Surface elevation 353 m (1,158 ft)

Green Lake is a beautiful and large lake located in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, in the United States. It's a popular spot for many outdoor activities. The lake covers a huge area of about 5,560.65 acres (22.5032 km2), which is like having over 4,000 football fields!

Green Lake got its name in the 1850s. Early settlers noticed the water often had a greenish tint. This color comes from tiny plants called algae and other things in the water.

Discovering Green Lake's Location and Size

Green Lake is a very important natural feature in Kandiyohi County. It's one of the biggest lakes in the area. Its large size means it can support many different kinds of plants and animals.

Where is Green Lake Located?

Green Lake is found in the central part of Minnesota. It's easy to find on a map of Kandiyohi County. The lake is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and small towns.

How Big is Green Lake?

With an area of over 5,500 acres, Green Lake is truly massive. This makes it a great place for many activities. Its size also helps keep the water healthy for the creatures living there.

Measuring Lake Area

When we talk about a lake's area, we mean the total surface space it covers. For Green Lake, this is 5,560.65 acres (22.5032 km2). This measurement helps scientists understand the lake's ecosystem.

What Makes Green Lake Green?

The name "Green Lake" is very fitting! The greenish color of the water is a natural feature. It's often caused by microscopic plants.

The Role of Algae

Tiny plant-like organisms called algae live in lake water. When there are many algae, they can make the water look green. This is a normal part of a lake's ecosystem. Algae are like the grass of the lake.

Other Reasons for Green Water

Sometimes, the color can also come from tiny particles in the water. These might be from the lake bottom or nearby land. The depth of the lake and how much sunlight it gets can also affect its color.

Why Lakes are Important

Lakes like Green Lake are very important for many reasons. They provide homes for wildlife and are great places for people to visit.

Home for Wildlife

Lakes are like underwater cities for fish, insects, and other creatures. Many birds also depend on lakes for food and shelter. Green Lake supports a variety of local wildlife.

Fun for People

People love to visit lakes for many activities. You can go fishing, boating, or swimming. In the winter, some lakes are even used for ice skating or ice fishing.

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