Platte Lake (Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Platte Lake |
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Location | Minnesota |
Coordinates | 46°10′N 93°56′W / 46.167°N 93.933°W |
Type | lake |
Platte Lake is a beautiful lake located in the state of Minnesota, in the United States. It's known for being the starting point of the Platte River. This means the river actually begins its journey right from the lake!
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Discovering Platte Lake's Location
Platte Lake is found in a special part of Minnesota. It stretches across two different counties. These are Crow Wing County and Morrison County. Knowing its location helps us understand its environment.
Where is Platte Lake Exactly?
The lake's exact spot can be described using special numbers called coordinates. These are like a unique address on a map. Platte Lake is located at about 46 degrees North latitude and 93 degrees West longitude. This places it in the central part of Minnesota.
Why is Minnesota Called the "Land of 10,000 Lakes"?
Minnesota is famous for having many lakes. It's often called the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." In reality, it has even more than that! There are over 11,000 lakes that are at least 10 acres in size. Platte Lake is one of these many natural treasures.
The Platte River: A Lake's Outflow
Every lake needs a way for water to leave it. For Platte Lake, this is the Platte River. The river flows out of the lake and continues its journey. This connection between the lake and the river is very important.
How Rivers and Lakes Connect
Lakes and rivers are often linked together in a system. Water flows into a lake from smaller streams or rainfall. Then, it flows out through a river. This movement of water helps keep the lake healthy. It also provides water for plants and animals downstream.
The Importance of Healthy Lakes
Lakes like Platte Lake are vital for many reasons. They provide homes for fish and other wildlife. People also enjoy lakes for fun activities. These include fishing, boating, and swimming. Keeping lakes clean and healthy is important for everyone.
Fun Facts About Lakes
Lakes are fascinating natural features. They can be very deep or quite shallow. Some lakes are huge, like the Great Lakes. Others are small, like many of Minnesota's lakes. Each lake has its own unique story and ecosystem.
- Lakes are large bodies of water surrounded by land.
- They can be formed in many ways, like by glaciers or volcanoes.
- The water in lakes can be fresh or salty. Platte Lake has fresh water.
- Lakes are important for the environment and for people.