Lake Winnibigoshish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Winnibigoshish |
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 Lake Winnibigoshish
Location in Minnesota
Lake Winnibigoshish
Location in the United States
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| Location | Leech Lake Indian Reservation, Cass / Itasca counties, Minnesota, United States |
| Coordinates | 47°27′N 94°11′W / 47.45°N 94.18°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Mississippi River |
| Primary outflows | Mississippi River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 56,471.4 acres (22,853.2 ha) |
| Max. depth | 69.8 ft (21.3 m) |
Lake Winnibigoshish is a large lake located in north central Minnesota, within the beautiful Chippewa National Forest. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities and is an important part of the famous Mississippi River.
The lake's name comes from the Ojibwe language. The original word, Wiinibiigoonzhish, means something like "filthy water" or "brackish water." This old name might have described the water's color or taste long ago, but today, Lake Winnibigoshish is known for its clear waters and natural beauty.
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About Lake Winnibigoshish
Lake Winnibigoshish is one of the largest lakes in Minnesota. It covers a huge area of about 56,471 acres, which is like having over 42,000 football fields! The deepest part of the lake goes down almost 70 feet, which is as tall as a seven-story building.
Part of the Mississippi River
This lake is special because the mighty Mississippi River flows right through it. The Mississippi River enters Lake Winnibigoshish on one side and then flows out on the other side, continuing its long journey south. This makes the lake an important part of the river's upper system.
The lake is also a Reservoir. This means its water levels are controlled by a dam. This dam helps manage the flow of water into the Mississippi River, which is important for many communities downstream.
Location and Surroundings
Lake Winnibigoshish is located in both Cass and Itasca counties. It's also part of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. The land around the lake is mostly covered by the Chippewa National Forest, which is a large area of forests, lakes, and wetlands.
The former Winnibigoshish Township, which was a small community on the north shore of the lake, was named after this lake.
Fun Things to Do
Lake Winnibigoshish is a fantastic place for people who love the outdoors. Many visitors come here to enjoy the natural environment.
Fishing
The lake is very famous for fishing. It's known as one of Minnesota's best lakes for catching walleye, a popular type of fish. Anglers also come here to catch northern pike, muskellunge, and perch. In the winter, ice fishing is a popular activity, with many small ice shacks appearing on the frozen lake.
Boating and Water Sports
With its large size, Lake Winnibigoshish is perfect for boating. People enjoy sailing, motorboating, and kayaking. On a warm day, you might see people swimming or tubing on the lake.
Camping and Nature
Around the lake, there are many opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. The surrounding Chippewa National Forest is home to many animals, including deer, bears, and various birds. It's a great place to explore nature and enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness.
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