Lac La Belle, Michigan facts for kids
Lac La Belle (pronounced LACK luh-BELL) is a small community in Keweenaw County, Michigan. It's called an "unincorporated community" because it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's part of a larger area called Grant Township.
This area was once very important for copper mining. Long ago, Lac La Belle had a special factory called a "stamping plant." Here, rocks dug from copper mines like Mendota and Delaware were crushed. The crushed copper was then loaded onto large ships called "freighters" to be taken away.
Quick facts for kids
Lac La Belle, Michigan
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![]() Signage for Lac La Belle
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Country | United States |
State | Michigan |
County | Keweenaw |
Township | Grant |
Elevation | 610 ft (190 m) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
ZIP code(s) |
49950 (Mohawk)
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Area code(s) | 906 |
GNIS feature ID | 629926 |
Contents
The Lake and Its Wildlife
Lac La Belle is named after a beautiful lake. In French, "Lac La Belle" means "Lake The Beautiful." This lake is about 30 feet deep on average. It connects to Lake Superior at a place called Bete Gris. Water flows out through a natural channel and a man-made canal.
The canal was dug in the 1860s. Copper mining companies paid for it. This allowed large freighters to carry copper ore from the mines.
Fish in the Lake
The lake is home to many kinds of fish. You can find northern pike and walleye. There are also smallmouth bass, perch, and bluegill. Other fish include sunfish, rock bass, and carp. Sometimes, a large muskie can be spotted.
Rivers and Waterfalls
Several smaller waterways flow into Lac La Belle. The Little Gratiot River is one of them. Many creeks also feed into the lake. A small park in the community has a pretty waterfall called Haven Falls. It's on Haven Creek, which also flows into the lake.
Fun Things to Do
Lac La Belle is a popular spot for visitors. Many people come here in the summer. They stay in summer cottages or at resorts. The area has thick forests and small mountains.
Outdoor Adventures
If you love hiking, there are guides who can take you through the wild areas. In winter, the nearby Mount Bohemia is a big draw. It's a great place for skiing and snowboarding.