About Lake Michigan

The Fifth Largest Lake in the World

Measuring about 307 miles long and 118 miles wide, Lake Michigan boasts 1,640 miles of shoreline.

This enormous body of water covers a surface area of 22,400 square miles.

Lake Michigan is the largest freshwater lake, by surface area, in the world to be contained within one country.

Lake Michigan History

As the only Great Lake located entirely within the boundaries of the United States, the word Michigan originally referred to the lake itself.

It is believed the word comes from the Chippewa Indian word meaning "great water".

Some of the earliest inhabitants of Lake Michigan were believed to be the Hopewell Indians who resided in the area until 800-900 A.D.

The Third Coast of the U.S.

This area is often called the "Third Coast" of the United States, for its soft, white sands and sparkling, clear waters which rival the beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

The sand dunes located on the east shore of Lake Michigan are the largest freshwater dune system in the world.

Some of them rise several hundred feet above the lake's surface.

Natural Beauty Abounds

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore claims 25 miles of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, and offers a variety of sand dunes, swamps, rivers, wetland forests.

Grand Haven State Park, Hoffmaster State Park, Holland State Park, Ludington State Park and Silver Lake State Park all border Michigan shores.

Many of these state parks also serve as campgrounds and RV camp sites.

Miles of Trails

Another option for seeing breathtaking views is The Great Lakes Circle Tour.

This 6,500-mile tour winds around Lake Michigan, connecting all the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

Angler's Paradise

Lake Michigan supports both sport and commercial fishing, and several anglers claim this lake as one of their favorite spots.

Some of the best black bass, brown trout, chinook salmon and coho salmon, in the country can be found in this lake.

Other popular fish include lake trout, largemouth bass, perch, rainbow trout, salmon, smallmouth bass, steelhead, and walleye.

Lake Michigan hosts the Ludington Offshore Fishing Classic, which is a four-day fishing tournament held annually in mid-July.

This event includes a Ladies Pro/Am, Youth Classic and the Dreamweaver Lures Big Fish Contest.

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