Lake Michigan: More Than Just Chicago's Bathtub (But Seriously, It Is a Great Bathtub)
Let's face it, most of us know Lake Michigan as the giant body of water that separates Chicago from, well, not being an island. But there's way more to this Great Lake than meets the eye (or the shoreline). So, grab your floaties (or a giant inflatable pizza, no judgement here) and dive into some fascinating facts about this freshwater giant.
Big, Bigger, Biggest (Except for Those Other Two)
Lake Michigan boasts the title of the second-largest Great Lake by volume (that's a fancy way of saying how much water it holds), and the third-largest by surface area. We're talking about enough water to fill 1.18 million bathtubs (though, seriously, don't try that at home). It's the biggest of the Great Lakes that falls entirely within the US borders, making it the ultimate American-made swimming pool (don't tell the Canadians about Lake Huron).
More Than Just a Pretty Face (Well, It Is Pretty)
Lake Michigan isn't just a scenic backdrop for epic beach volleyball tournaments (though it excels at that too). This lake is a teeming ecosystem, home to over 80 species of fish just begging to be caught (and then hopefully released, unless you're hungry). But that's not all! If you're feeling adventurous, you might just bump into a playful otter, or for the history buffs, one of the over 500 shipwrecks lurking beneath the waves.
Fun Facts That Will Make You Sound Smart at Cocktail Parties (or at Least Around the Water Cooler)
- Did you know that Lake Michigan is technically connected to Lake Huron? They're like BFFs who share a bathtub (or a giant lake, in this case). Thanks to the Straits of Mackinac, they act as one giant freshwater sea.
- The name "Michigan" comes from a Native American word meaning "big water." Shocking, right?
- Speaking of big, Lake Michigan has seen some whopper waves. In 1967, a storm whipped up waves over 20 feet tall! That's taller than a two-story house!
So You Want to Explore Lake Michigan? How To...
How to Get There: Lake Michigan is surrounded by some pretty awesome cities, like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay. Fly in, take a train, or just road trip it - the possibilities are endless!
How to Enjoy the Beach: Pack your sunscreen, swimsuit, and beach blanket. Most towns along the shore have public beaches with lifeguards, making it a perfect family outing.
How to See the Shipwrecks: While you might not be able to grab a snorkel and explore yourself (unless you're a certified scuba diver), there are plenty of glass-bottom boat tours that will take you on an underwater adventure.
How to Catch a Fish: Grab your fishing rod, a valid license, and some bait (consult local regulations for specifics). Whether you're a seasoned angler or a newbie, there's a fish out there waiting to be caught (and hopefully released).
How to Not Get Eaten by a Giant Lake Monster (Because Let's Be Honest, That's What We're All Really Worried About): Relax, there aren't any giant lake monsters in Lake Michigan (at least, none that we know of). The biggest thing you might encounter is a grumpy fisherman who doesn't like you using his favorite spot.
So there you have it! Lake Michigan: it's not just a giant lake, it's a historical landmark, a fisherman's paradise, and a summer vacation destination all rolled into one. Now get out there and explore!
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
