Lake Aurora facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Aurora |
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Location | Polk County, Florida |
Coordinates | 27°52′50.98″N 81°27′59.70″W / 27.8808278°N 81.4665833°W |
Primary outflows | Kissimmee River/Below Lake Hatchineha |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface area | 117 acres (0.47 km2) |
Average depth | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
Max. depth | 45 ft (14 m) |
Water volume | 797,087,472 US gal (3.02×10 6 m3) |
Settlements | Lake Wales, Florida |
Lake Aurora is a beautiful freshwater lake found in eastern Polk County, Florida. It's about 9 miles (14 km) east of Lake Wales along State Road 60. Even though it's not the biggest lake, Lake Aurora is quite deep for a central Florida lake. It has an average depth of 12 ft (3.7 m) and can reach a maximum depth of 45 ft (14 m). Its depth and clear blue water suggest it might have started as a sinkhole that filled up with water a long time ago. The area around the lake has many scrub oaks and open sandy spots. Lake Aurora is also well-known as the home of the Lake Aurora Christian Camp and Retreat Center, a popular summer camp for Christian churches in central Florida.
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Discovering Lake Aurora
Lake Aurora is a special natural spot in Florida. It is located in the eastern part of Polk County. You can find it about 9 miles (14 km) east of the city of Lake Wales. The lake is right off State Road 60, making it easy to visit.
A Deep Dive into Lake Aurora
What makes Lake Aurora stand out is its depth. Many lakes in central Florida are quite shallow. But Lake Aurora goes down much deeper. Its average depth is 12 ft (3.7 m). At its deepest point, it reaches 45 ft (14 m)! This makes it one of the deeper lakes in the region.
The lake's clear, blue water is another clue about its past. Scientists believe Lake Aurora might have formed from a sinkhole. A sinkhole is a hole in the ground that opens up when underground rock dissolves. Over time, this sinkhole likely filled with water, creating the lake we see today.
Nature Around the Lake
The land around Lake Aurora is unique. It's part of an area east of the Lake Wales Ridge. This region is mostly covered by scrub oaks. Scrub oaks are small, tough trees that grow well in sandy soil. You might also see open areas with sandspur plants. This type of environment is common in parts of Florida.
Fun at Lake Aurora Christian Camp
Lake Aurora is perhaps most famous for being home to the Lake Aurora Christian Camp and Retreat Center. This camp is a popular place for kids and families. It offers many activities, especially during the summer.
The camp is owned and operated by Christian churches in the central Florida area. It provides a fun and safe environment for young people. Campers can enjoy the lake, outdoor activities, and learn new things. It's a great spot for summer adventures and retreats.