Lake Charlevoix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Charlevoix |
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Lake Charlevoix (top-most body of water)
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 Lake Charlevoix
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Charlevoix County, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 45°16′38″N 85°10′25″W / 45.2773°N 85.1736°W |
| Type | Natural freshwater lake |
| Primary inflows | Jordan River, Boyne River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 13 mi (21 km) |
| Max. width | 2.4 mi (3.9 km) |
| Surface area | 17,200 acres (7,000 ha) |
| Max. depth | 122 ft (37 m) |
| Surface elevation | 581 feet (177 m) |
| Islands | Holy Island (in the south arm) |
Lake Charlevoix (say "SHARL-uh-voy") is a beautiful lake located in Charlevoix County, in the U.S. state of Michigan. It's a really big lake, actually the third largest inland lake in Michigan! It covers more than 17,200 acres (about 70 square kilometers) and has 56 miles (90 kilometers) of shoreline, which is like a lot of beach to explore! The deepest part of the main lake is 122 feet (37 meters) deep.
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About Lake Charlevoix
Lake Charlevoix is a natural freshwater lake. It's a popular spot for many activities like boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake is known for its clear water and pretty surroundings.
Where is Lake Charlevoix?
This large lake is found in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It stretches across several areas, including parts of Charlevoix, Marion, Hayes, Eveline, Bay, and Evangeline Townships. The lake is a central feature of the region.
Rivers and Water Flow
Rivers that flow into a lake are called tributaries. Lake Charlevoix has two main rivers that feed into it. The Jordan River flows into the southern part of the lake near East Jordan. The Boyne River flows into the main part of the lake from the east, near Boyne City. Other smaller streams also add water to the lake.
The water from Lake Charlevoix eventually flows out into Lake Michigan. It goes through a short path called the Round Lake/Pine River complex. This complex empties into Lake Michigan at the city of Charlevoix. The area of land that drains water into Lake Charlevoix is quite large, covering about 335 square miles (868 square kilometers) across Charlevoix, Antrim, and Otsego Counties.
Fun Places to Visit
There are some cool places to check out around Lake Charlevoix.
Young State Park
Young State Park is a great place to visit right on the lake's shore. It's located northwest of Boyne City. Here, you can enjoy camping, swimming, and hiking. It's a perfect spot to spend time outdoors and enjoy the lake.
Ironton Ferry
The Ironton Ferry is a special part of the lake's history. It's a small ferry that crosses the south arm of the lake at Ironton. This ferry has been running since 1876! It's a designated Michigan Historical Site. Taking the ferry saves you about 20 minutes of driving time if you're trying to get around the south arm of the lake. It's a fun and historic way to travel.
How Lake Charlevoix Got Its Name
Before it was called Lake Charlevoix, the lake had other names. People used to call it "Pine Lake" or "Long Lake." In 1926, the name was officially changed from "Pine Lake" to "Lake Charlevoix." This new name honors the county it's in.
