Lake Orion (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Orion |
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Lake Orion
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 Lake Orion
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Lake Orion, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 42°46′52″N 83°15′04″W / 42.781°N 83.251°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 470 acres (190 ha) |
| Max. depth | 58 ft (18 m) |
| Settlements | Village of Lake Orion, Michigan |
Lake Orion is a fun, "all-sports" lake in Orion Township, Michigan. It covers about 470 acres, which is like 350 football fields! The lake is pretty deep too, going down about 58 feet (that's like a five-story building!). It's one of the biggest lakes in Oakland County, Michigan, ranking as the eighth largest.
Long ago, Lake Orion wasn't one big lake. It was many smaller lakes. They joined together over time. This process started in the 1830s. People built a dam on Paint Creek. This helped the smaller lakes connect. Canals were also dug to make more areas along the lake's edge.
If you want to visit, there's a public boat launch on the north side of the lake. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages it. This means anyone can use it to put their boat in the water.
Contents
Islands of Lake Orion
Lake Orion has many islands. Some of these islands have homes on them. People live there all year or just during certain seasons.
Main Islands with Bridges
The two biggest islands are Bellevue and Park Island. They are connected to the mainland by bridges. People live on these islands all year. Most boats can go under the Bellevue Bridge. It has enough space for them. The Park Island bridge is lower. Only small boats like canoes, kayaks, and rowboats can pass under it.
Islands Only by Watercraft
Other islands can only be reached by boat. Victoria Island is the third largest. It also has homes, some for all year and some for seasons.
Squaw Island used to have a house on it. That was from the 1850s to the 1950s. Now, not much is left of the island. The water around it is shallow. This can be tricky for boaters.
Sweet's Island is home to the Lake Orion Boat Club. This club has a private boathouse. Members can use the docks there.
Other smaller islands include Romance Island, Preston Island, Dot Island, and Armada Island. These islands have seasonal cottages. To get to them, you need a boat.
Related Water Bodies
