Platte Lake (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Platte Lake |
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 Platte Lake
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Benzie County, Michigan (Northwest Michigan) |
| Coordinates | 44°41.48′N 86°05.63′W / 44.69133°N 86.09383°W |
| Primary inflows | Platte River |
| Primary outflows | Platte River (eventually Lake Michigan) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 3.3 miles (5.3 km) |
| Max. width | 1.6 miles (2.6 km) |
| Surface area | 2,550 acres (10.3 km2) |
| Average depth | 24 feet (7.3 m) |
| Max. depth | 95 feet (29 m) |
| Surface elevation | 584 feet (178 m) |
Platte Lake, also called Big Platte Lake, is a beautiful lake in northwest Michigan. It's one of two lakes named Platte in Benzie County, Michigan, the other being Little Platte Lake.
Platte Lake is quite large, covering about 2,516 acres (10.18 km²). It stretches 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long and 1.6 miles (2.6 km) wide. The lake's average depth is 24 feet (7.3 meters), but its deepest point reaches 95 feet (29 meters).
The Platte River flows through the lake. Water moves through Platte Lake quickly, with 3.3 million gallons (12.5 million liters) passing every hour. This means the lake's water completely changes every six months! After leaving Platte Lake, the Platte River continues through Loon Lake and eventually reaches Lake Michigan.
Contents
Lake Location and Formation
Platte Lake is found in Benzie County, Michigan. This area was shaped by ancient glaciers, which left behind many sand dunes and lakes. Platte Lake sits 584 feet (178 meters) above sea level. It is one of the biggest lakes in Benzie County.
The land around Platte Lake is surrounded by sand dunes. These dunes were also created by glaciers. It's believed that these same glaciers formed many other lakes in the Benzie area, including Platte Lake. Since 1970, these sand dunes and glacial features have been protected by state law. The bottom of Platte Lake is sandy, much like the huge dunes that overlook Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Lake Wildlife
Platte Lake is home to many different animals. You'll often see seagulls, various types of ducks, and loons. Hawks and wild turkeys are also common around the lake. Sometimes, you might even spot a majestic bald eagle!
In the water, there are many kinds of fish and water turtles. On land around the lake, you can find white-tailed deer, bears, and red foxes.
Fish Species
Platte Lake is a great place for fishing because it has many different kinds of fish. Some of the fish you can find here include:
- Smallmouth and largemouth bass
- Rock bass
- Northern pike
- Walleye
- Brown bullhead
- Chinook salmon
- Sticklebacks
- Bluegill
- Perch
Invasive Species
Over the past 20 years, a foreign mussel called the zebra mussel has moved into Platte Lake. These mussels are not native to Michigan. They were brought to North America by large ships from Asia. While they can make the water clearer, they cause serious problems. They have almost completely wiped out the native clam population in Platte Lake and many other lakes in the Great Lakes area.
Climate Around the Lake
The weather around Platte Lake is fairly steady. Winters are very cold with lots of snow. Summers are warm but usually not too hot. In winter, the average low temperature is 17°F (-8°C), and the average high is 31°F (-0.5°C). In summer, the average low is 55°F (13°C), and the average high is 78°F (25.5°C). It can often be very windy on and around the lake.
Fun Things to Do at Platte Lake
Platte Lake is famous for its vacation homes, which you can see from anywhere on the water. Benzie County is a popular tourist spot with lots to do. There are many shops and restaurants near the lake.
You can go canoeing down the Platte River. The city of Frankfort, Michigan is just minutes away. It has cool shops, amazing restaurants, and is right on the shores of Lake Michigan. There's also a pier where you can walk out to see a spectacular lighthouse. Platte Lake is also close to Point Betsie Light, which is one of Michigan's most photographed lighthouses.
The lake is also near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This amazing area has huge sand dunes that overlook Lake Michigan on one side and Glen Lake on the other. There are also more than a dozen golf courses in the area. There are endless things to do in Benzie County!
Summer Activities
Many people rent homes on Platte Lake for their summer vacations. During the summer, tourists love to:
- Boat
- Water ski
- Wakeboard
- Tube
- Sailboat
Because Platte Lake has so many different kinds of fish, fishing is also very popular here.
Fishing Rules
To legally fish on Platte Lake, you must have a fishing license.
