Medicine Lake (Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Medicine Lake |
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Aerial view of Medicine Lake. The municipality of Medicine Lake lies on the peninsula in the south of the lake. In the foreground is West Medicine Lake Park and in the upper left corner is French Regional Park.
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 Medicine Lake
Location in Minnesota
Medicine Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States |
| Coordinates | 45°00′30″N 93°25′15″W / 45.00833°N 93.42083°W |
| Primary outflows | Bassett Creek |
| Surface area | 902 acres (365 ha) |
| Average depth | 17.5 feet (5.3 m) |
| Max. depth | 49 feet (15 m) |
| Surface elevation | Ordinary high water level: 889.1 feet (271.0 m) Normal water level: 887.1 feet (270.4 m) |
| Settlements | Medicine Lake, Plymouth |
Medicine Lake is a beautiful lake located about 8 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It's in Hennepin County and is surrounded by two towns. At 902 acres, it's the second largest lake in Hennepin County, right after Lake Minnetonka. Many people enjoy boating, sailing, and fishing here.
The main stream that flows into Medicine Lake is Plymouth Creek. It enters the lake at West Medicine Lake Park. The lake also gets water from rain and drainage from nearby cities. These cities include Medicine Lake, Plymouth, New Hope, Golden Valley, and Minnetonka.
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Fun Things to Do at Medicine Lake
Medicine Lake is a great place for outdoor activities. There are three public parks along its shores. These are French Regional Park, West Medicine Lake Park, and East Medicine Lake Park. They offer lots of space to play and relax.
Fishing in Medicine Lake
Fishing is a very popular activity at Medicine Lake. The Minnesota DNR (Department of Natural Resources) says you can find many types of fish here. Some common fish include black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. You might also catch yellow perch and different kinds of sunfish.
About the Lake's Health
Scientists study lakes to understand their health. This field is called limnology. They look at things like water quality and what lives in the lake.
How Medicine Lake Freezes
Medicine Lake usually freezes over during the cold winter months. The City of Medicine Lake and the Minnesota DNR keep track of when the ice melts each spring. This is called the "ice-out" date.
Keeping the Water Clean
The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission has been checking Medicine Lake's water quality since 1972. In 2016, they shared some important findings. They looked at things like water chemistry, clarity, and tiny plants and animals.
Their study showed that Medicine Lake's water quality isn't as good as it should be. The amount of chlorophyll a (a green pigment from algae) has increased a lot. This means there's more algae growing, which can be a sign of pollution.
Invasive Species in the Lake
Medicine Lake is home to several invasive species. These are plants or animals that are not native to the area. They can harm the lake's natural environment.
- Curly-leaf Pondweed and Eurasian Milfoil: These are two types of invasive water plants.
- Zebra Mussels: In 2017, tiny zebra mussels were found in the lake. A resident found one on a dock, and the DNR confirmed more. Zebra mussels can attach to surfaces and harm native species.
- Starry Stonewort: In 2018, another invasive plant called starry stonewort was discovered. This was only the twelfth time this plant had been found in Minnesota. It was first seen on a boat propeller pulled from the lake.
Community Efforts and Events
Many people care about Medicine Lake and work to protect it.
Groups Helping the Lake
The Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens (AMLAC) is a group of volunteers. They work on projects and stay informed about issues affecting the lake. Anyone who lives near or uses Medicine Lake can join. For example, in 2017, AMLAC members walked the entire shoreline. They checked docks for zebra mussels to help stop their spread. In 2018, after starry stonewort was found, AMLAC asked the City of Plymouth to close the boat launch at West Medicine Lake Park. This was to help prevent the spread of the invasive plant.
Fun Events on the Lake
Medicine Lake has hosted some cool events in the past.
- Art Shanty Project: This unique event used to take place on the frozen lake. Artists would build creative shacks (shanties) on the ice. People could visit these art installations. The project later moved to other lakes.
- Holes 4 Heroes: This popular ice-fishing tournament has been held on Medicine Lake for many years. It's a special event that honors military members. It even has a "Hole of Honor" where families can ice fish for free. They can even video chat with a deployed soldier during the event!
