It’s the only Great Lake entirely within US. 10 things to know about Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan, the only one of the five Great Lakes entirely within the United States, spans the western coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, providing state residents with fantastic beaches to explore, but the lake’s waters also are home to hundreds of shipwrecks, historic lighthouses and more.

Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of coastline, much of it taken up by sandy expanses of beach. While the beaches and dunes provide a soothing vacation destination, the more than 100 lighthouses highlight the dangers its waters created for the many ships resting on the lakebed.

Lake Michigan is one of five Great Lakes, joining with Lake Huron at the Straits of Mackinac, according to the Great Lakes Commission. Lake Superior, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario make up the rest of the quintet.

“(Lake Michigan’s) shoreline boasts a variety of coastal habitats, including unique coastal wetlands, drowned river mouths, hundreds of smaller tributaries and more than 700 islands. The magnificent dunes along the eastern shore of the lake are the largest system of freshwater dunes in the world,” the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy‘s website says.

Here’s what to know about Lake Michigan

Which states does Lake Michigan border?

Lake Michigan borders Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to the east, Indiana to the south, Illinois and Wisconsin to the west and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the north.

How deep is Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan has an average depth of about 279 feet, and a maximum depth of 925 feet, according to the Great Lakes Commission.

How wide is Lake Michigan? How long?

Lake Michigan is about 118 miles wide as its widest point, the Great Lakes Commission says. Lake Michigan’s maximum length is 307 miles, according to Michigan Sea Grant.

How warm does Lake Michigan get?

Temperatures climb in the spring and summer months, reaching peak temperatures in the late summer and early fall, according to GLISA, a collaborative between Michigan State University and University of Michigan supported by NOAA.

Seatemperature.org says the average temperature in the central area of Lake Michigan is 40.5 degrees Fahrenheit in May. It rises to 52 in June and 67 in July before topping out at about 70 degrees in August. In February and March, lake temperatures average in the upper 30s.

When is it warm enough to swim in Lake Michigan?

Swimming is typically comfortable in lake waters at about 70 degrees, Swimoutlet.com says.

Your body can enter “cold shock” in water between 50 and 60 degrees, the National Weather Service says. The dangerous condition brings a sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure, accompanied by involuntary gasping, rapid breathing or hyperventilating in the first two to three minutes, and immediate panic, fear or stress.

The weather service warns prolonged exposure to cold lake water can trigger hypothermia and loss of muscle control in your arms, legs, hands and feet. These dangers from cold water exposure can be fatal.

How many lighthouses are on Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan boasts more than 100 lighthouses, including dozens in Michigan, the West Michigan Tourist Association said.

How many shipwrecks are there in Lake Michigan?

The lake is the scene of hundreds of shipwrecks. The lake has five designated underwater preserves in Michigan waters.

The Straits of Mackinac Preserve is home to more than two dozen named wrecks. The West Michigan Preserve protects wrecks from Holland to north of Ludington. The Grand Traverse Preserve holds wrecks throughout Grand Traverse Bay. Manitou Passage Preserve has a high density of wrecks in its waters. The Southwest Michigan Preserve includes wrecks from Holland to the state line.

What is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a popular tourist destination, lies along 35 miles of the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan in west Michigan northwest of Traverse City. The national lakeshore offers sand dunes, beaches, islands, camping, forests, inland lakes, a lighthouse and more. The tallest dune is 450 feet.

“The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also contains many cultural features including an 1871 lighthouse, three former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations and an extensive historic farm district,” Pure Michigan says.

What is the origin of the name Lake Michigan?

The name Lake Michigan draws its roots from the Indigenous name, Michigami.

What is the lake’s Indigenous name?

The lake’s Ojibwe name Michigami means great water, per the National Park Service.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: It’s the only Great Lake entirely within US. 10 things to know about Lake Michigan

Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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