Lake Onota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Onota |
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 Lake Onota
Location in Massachusetts
Lake Onota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Berkshire County, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 42°28′36″N 73°15′58″W / 42.47667°N 73.26611°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary outflows | Onota Brook, Housatonic River |
| Catchment area | 6,345 acres (25.68 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 617 acres (250 ha) |
| Average depth | 21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Max. depth | 72 ft (22 m) |
| Surface elevation | 1,076 ft (328 m) |
| Dam | Onota Lake Dam |
| Settlements | Pittsfield |
Lake Onota is a beautiful lake located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. It covers about 617 acres, which is like 467 football fields! The city of Pittsfield owns this lake. It's a great spot for outdoor fun and has a cool history.
Discover Lake Onota!
Lake Onota is split into two main parts. These are called the north and south basins. An old road used to separate them. This means not much water flows between the two sides. The lake's water eventually flows out through Onota Brook. This brook then joins the West Branch of the Housatonic River.
Fun Things to Do
Lake Onota is a very popular place for many activities. You can enjoy fishing here. It's also a fantastic spot for swimming on a hot day. If you like speed, you can try water skiing or jet skiing. Many people also love sailing their boats on the lake.
The lake is also home to a famous summer event. It's called "Live on the Lake." This event is a concert series. Local bands play music for everyone to enjoy. A summer camp called Camp Winadu is also located right on the lake's shores. Plus, college rowing teams use the lake. The men's and women's Williams Ephs crew teams practice their rowing here.
A Bit of History
Long ago, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, wealthy families loved Lake Onota. They built huge summer homes along its edges. These homes were like giant mansions. They were used for summer vacations. These families were often called "cottagers."
