Muskegon Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Muskegon Lake |
|
|---|---|
 Muskegon Lake
Location in Michigan
|
|
| Location | Muskegon County, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 43°13′57″N 86°17′40″W / 43.2324°N 86.2945°W |
| Primary inflows | Muskegon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 5.5 miles (8.9 km) |
| Max. width | 2.5 miles (4.0 km) |
| Surface area | 4,150 acres (16.8 km2) |
| Max. depth | 79 feet (24.1 m) |
| Surface elevation | 581 feet (177 m) |
Muskegon Lake is a large freshwater lake in Muskegon County, Michigan, USA. It covers about 4,150 acres (16.8 square kilometers). This lake is located on the lower part of Michigan's peninsula. It forms a wide harbor along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Muskegon Lake is about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) wide and 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long. It sits right where the Muskegon River flows into Lake Michigan.
Contents
About Muskegon Lake
Where the Water Comes From
The Muskegon River is Michigan's second-longest river. It starts at Houghton Lake and flows southwest for 227 miles (365 km). This river empties into the eastern end of Muskegon Lake. From there, the water then flows into Lake Michigan. Other smaller streams also feed into Muskegon Lake. Bear Creek/Lake flows in from the north through the Bear Lake Channel. Ryerson Creek and Ruddiman Creek flow into the lake from the south.
A Look Back in Time
Muskegon Lake was very important in the early days of the city of Muskegon. It also played a big role in Michigan's logging industry. Loggers would cut down trees, especially white pine, from central Michigan. They would float these logs down the Muskegon River to the lake. At one time, there were more than 47 sawmills built along the lake's shores. These mills would cut the logs into lumber.
Cities and Parks Nearby
Two cities are located right on Muskegon Lake. These are Muskegon, Michigan and North Muskegon, Michigan. Several major parks can also be found along the lake's edges. These include Muskegon State Park, which is on the north side near Lake Michigan. Heritage Landing is in downtown Muskegon. Pere Marquette Park is on the south side, also near Lake Michigan.
Getting Around the Lake
You can find docks for the Lake Express Cross-Lake Ferry on the southern shore of Muskegon Lake. This ferry offers trips across Lake Michigan between Muskegon, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can also take sightseeing trips on Muskegon Lake aboard a boat called the AquaStar. It used to be known as the Port City Princess.
Fun Things to Do
Muskegon Lake is a great place for outdoor activities. There are many public and private marinas and boat launch areas along its shores. Sailing and boating are very popular activities here. Fishing is also a favorite pastime on Muskegon Lake. You can find different types of fish, including King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Perch. Other fun things to do include camping, hiking, picnicking, and even ice boating in winter. The lake also hosts concerts and festivals.
