Otsego Lake (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Otsego Lake |
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View from Otsego Lake State Park
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| Location | Otsego County, Michigan |
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| Surface elevation | 1,270 feet (390 m) |
Otsego Lake is a beautiful lake located in northwest Michigan. You can find it south of the city of Gaylord in Otsego County.
The lake sits between Otsego Lake Township to the south and Bagley Township to the north. On its southeast side, you'll find Otsego Lake State Park. There's also Otsego County Park on the northwest shore. Many private cottages and homes are built right on the lake, giving people easy access to the water and parks.
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History of Otsego Lake
Otsego Lake was once the favorite summer spot for a very important scientist named Arthur Compton. He was a physicist who won the Nobel Prize in 1927. He earned this award for his amazing work with X-rays and a discovery known as the "Compton effect."
During World War II, Arthur Compton played a key role in the Manhattan Project. This was a huge science project that helped develop new types of energy. Later, in the 1950s, a well-known American architect named William Bernoudy designed Compton's retirement home right on the lake. Bernoudy had learned from the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Size and Depth of Otsego Lake
Otsego Lake is quite large, covering about 1,972 acres (8 square kilometers). It stretches about 5 miles (8 km) long and is 1 mile (1.6 km) wide at its widest point.
It's mostly a shallow lake, usually 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) deep in most places. But in some spots, it can be as deep as 25 feet (7.6 meters). The bottom of the lake is made of sand and small gravel. This creates many "drop-offs" and deeper holes. The lake has a lot of plants growing underwater, but very few floating on top.
Fun Activities on Otsego Lake
During busy times of the year, many boats can be seen on Otsego Lake. People love to go water skiing and wakeboarding here. Tubing behind boats is also a very popular activity.
You'll often see fishermen scattered across the lake, trying to catch some fish. Sometimes, you might even spot a seaplane landing or taking off from the water!
Fish Found in Otsego Lake
Otsego Lake is home to many different kinds of fish, including:
