Marl Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marl Lake |
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View from the boating access point
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 Marl Lake
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Roscommon County, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 44°25′21″N 84°40′13″W / 44.42250°N 84.67028°W |
| Type | Fresh water |
| Primary inflows | Cut River from Higgins Lake |
| Primary outflows | Cut River to Houghton Lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 237 acres (95.9 ha) |
| Max. depth | around 4 feet (1.2 m) |
| Shore length1 | 2.43 miles (3.91 km) |
| Surface elevation | 1,152 feet (351 m) |
| Islands | none |
| Settlements | Markey Township Gerrish Township |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Marl Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake found in Roscommon County, Michigan. It's a special spot because it's completely inside South Higgins Lake State Park. This makes it a great place for nature lovers and outdoor adventures.
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Discovering Marl Lake
Marl Lake is much smaller than the famous Higgins Lake nearby. It covers about 237 acres (95.9 hectares). Even though it's smaller, it's a peaceful place that feels less busy than other lakes.
Where is Marl Lake Located?
Marl Lake is in the northern part of Michigan. It sits partly in Markey Township to the south and partly in Gerrish Township to the north. You can find it by looking for South Higgins Lake State Park, as the entire lake is within the park's boundaries.
How is Marl Lake Connected to Other Lakes?
Marl Lake is part of a cool water system. The Cut River flows into Marl Lake from Higgins Lake. After passing through Marl Lake, the Cut River continues its journey. It then flows into another large lake called Houghton Lake. This means water from Higgins Lake travels through Marl Lake on its way to Houghton Lake!
Getting to Marl Lake
You can easily reach Marl Lake through a special entrance in the state park. This entrance is located along East Higgins Lake Road, which is also known as County Road 100. It's a convenient way to start your adventure at the lake.
Boating and Water Fun
Marl Lake has a small public area where you can launch a boat. However, because the lake is quite shallow (only about 4 feet or 1.2 meters deep), there are rules about what kind of boats you can use. You can't use boats with big electric or gas motors. This helps keep the lake peaceful and safe for smaller boats like kayaks and canoes.
Fishing at Marl Lake
Fishing in Marl Lake can be a bit tricky! The bottom of the lake is very soft and muddy, made of something called marl. There's also a lot of grass in the water. But if you're patient, you might catch fish like smallmouth bass, rock bass, sunfish, and other small types of fish. It's a fun challenge for anglers!
Other Activities to Enjoy
Marl Lake and the surrounding park offer many ways to have fun outdoors:
- Hiking and Biking: There are about 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) of trails around the lake. You can walk, run, or bike through the beautiful forest.
- Cross-Country Skiing: In winter, these trails are perfect for cross-country skiing.
- Kayaking: With the motor restrictions, kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the calm waters.
- Bird Watching: Many different birds visit the lake, making it a great spot for bird watchers.
- Photography: The natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings is perfect for taking pictures.
- Shore Fishing: You can also fish from the shore.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a meal outdoors with family and friends in a scenic spot.
Marl Lake is a wonderful place to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities in Michigan.
