Is Lake Michigan Frozen Solid? BRB, Putting on My Ice Skates...Just Kidding!
Hold on to your ice skates... but only for a dramatic effect, because it's June! Let's be honest, unless you're prepping for a time capsule or something, nobody's checking for frozen lakes in the summer.
Actually, Lake Michigan never completely freezes over, but parts of the shallower areas can get icy during the coldest winter months. But this ain't exactly Narnia we're talking about here.
So, if you're looking for a winter wonderland, you might want to set your sights on somewhere a bit more...permanently frozen. Antarctica? Sure! Iceland? Absolutely! Those places are the real deal when it comes to year-round ice.
But hey, if you're ever curious about Lake Michigan in the winter, here are some tips:
How to Find Out How Much of Lake Michigan is Frozen
The best way to find out about ice cover on Lake Michigan is to check with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL). They track ice cover throughout the year, and you can find their data online [NOAA Great Lakes Ice Cover].
How to Ice Skate on Lake Michigan
WARNING! This is not recommended unless you're an experienced ice skater with the proper safety gear. Lake Michigan can be dangerous, even in the winter. If you're looking for a place to ice skate, there are plenty of rinks and ponds that are much safer.
How to Fish on the Ice on Lake Michigan
Again, safety first! Make sure the ice is thick enough before heading out. You can also check with local fishing regulations to see if ice fishing is even allowed in your area.
How to Boat on Lake Michigan in the Winter
Not a good idea! Lake Michigan is pretty much frozen solid in the winter, which means boating is out of the question. But you can always wait for summer and enjoy the beautiful open water!
How to Enjoy Winter in Michigan
There are plenty of ways to enjoy winter in Michigan without stepping onto a frozen lake. Go skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. Bundle up and have a snowball fight. Or just cozy up by a fireplace with a hot mug of cocoa.
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