List of lakes of Michigan facts for kids
Michigan is a state in the United States that touches four of the five amazing Great Lakes. But did you know Michigan also has thousands of smaller lakes inside its borders? These are called inland lakes.
The exact number of inland lakes in Michigan depends on how small a lake can be to count. Here's a quick look:
- There are over 62,000 lakes that are bigger than 0.1 acres (about the size of a small backyard).
- About 26,000 lakes are larger than 1 acre (like a small park).
- More than 6,500 lakes are bigger than 10 acres (a good size for a neighborhood park).
- There are over 1,100 lakes larger than 100 acres (big enough for some serious boating!).
- About 98 lakes are huge, over 1,000 acres.
- And 10 lakes are super big, more than 10,000 acres!
Many lakes in Michigan share the same names. Some of the most common lake names you'll find are Clear Lake, Indian Lake, Long Lake, Mud Lake, Round Lake, and Silver Lake. You can often go swimming, fishing, or boating in these lakes, but always check the rules first!
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Michigan's Biggest Inland Lakes
Michigan has some truly massive inland lakes. These large lakes are popular for many activities.
Lake Houghton: Michigan's Largest Inland Lake
Houghton Lake is the biggest inland lake in Michigan. It covers a huge area of over 20,075 acres! Even though it's so big, it's not very deep, only about 21 feet at its deepest point. This makes it a great spot for fishing and other water sports. It's located in Roscommon County.
Burt Lake: A Deep and Beautiful Lake
Burt Lake is another giant, covering 17,120 acres. It's also quite deep, reaching about 73 feet. This lake is found in Cheboygan County and is part of a chain of lakes, making it perfect for long boat trips.
Lake Charlevoix: A Scenic Gem
Lake Charlevoix is almost as big as Burt Lake, with 17,268 acres. It's also very deep, going down to 120 feet. This beautiful lake is in Charlevoix County and is known for its clear waters and lovely scenery.
Torch Lake: Michigan's Deepest Inland Lake
While not the largest by surface area, Torch Lake is famous for being Michigan's deepest inland lake. It plunges to an incredible 285 feet! It covers 18,722 acres and is known for its stunning turquoise waters, which look almost tropical. It's located in Antrim and Kalkaska counties.
Mullett Lake: Another Great Northern Lake
Mullett Lake is another large lake in Cheboygan County, covering 16,630 acres and reaching a depth of 148 feet. It's a popular spot for fishing, especially for lake trout and walleye.
Fun Facts About Michigan Lakes
- Michigan's lakes are home to many different kinds of fish, like bass, pike, and trout. Fishing is a very popular activity.
- Many lakes have public beaches where you can swim and enjoy the water.
- Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are common ways to explore these lakes.
- In winter, some lakes freeze over, allowing for ice fishing and ice skating.
Images for kids
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Michigan's 20 largest inland lakes.
See also
- List of lakes of Oakland County, Michigan
- List of lakes in the United States
- List of lakes of the United States by area
