Lake Washington (Meeker County, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Washington |
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| Location | Meeker County, Minnesota |
| Type | Natural freshwater lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 3.21 mi (5.17 km) |
| Max. width | 1.67 mi (2.69 km) |
| Surface area | 2,639 acres (1,068 ha) |
| Max. depth | 17 ft (5.2 m) |
| Surface elevation | 1,066 ft (325 m) |
Lake Washington is a beautiful freshwater lake located in Meeker County, Minnesota. You can find it nestled between the towns of Dassel and Darwin in the U.S. state of Minnesota. This lake is a popular spot for fishing and enjoying nature.
Contents
What's in a Name?
Honoring a President
Lake Washington got its name from a very important person in American history. It was named after George Washington, who was the very first President of the United States. This shows how much people respected him.
Exploring Lake Washington
Size and Depth
Lake Washington is a good-sized lake, covering about 2,639 acres. While it's wide, it's not super deep. The deepest part of the lake is about 17 feet. That's like the height of a two-story building!
Fish and Fishing
This lake is well-known for its great fishing. Many people come here to catch different kinds of fish.
- Walleye: These are popular fish known for their tasty meat.
- Bass: Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found here, offering a fun challenge for anglers.
Connected Waters
Lake Washington isn't all by itself. It's connected to another lake called Lake Stella. A special channel on the west side of Lake Washington allows boats to travel between the two lakes. This makes it easy for people to explore both bodies of water.
Protecting the Lake
Invasive Species
Sometimes, plants and animals that aren't native to a lake can cause problems. These are called invasive species. They can grow very quickly and harm the natural environment. Lake Washington has faced challenges with two such species:
- Eurasian Watermilfoil: This plant was first found in the lake in 1999. It can form thick mats on the water's surface, making it hard for boats to pass and for native plants to grow.
- Zebra Mussels: These small mussels were discovered in 2015. They attach to surfaces and can filter out tiny food particles, which affects the lake's food web. Their numbers have been increasing, so efforts are made to control them.
Learning about these species helps people understand why it's important to clean boats and gear before moving them between lakes. This helps protect Lake Washington and other natural areas.
