10 Interesting and Fun Facts About Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is an excellent place to visit whenever you want to relax and have fun with your family and friends. Enjoy various activities at the lake, from swimming and fishing to hiking and camping.
Learn more about the area before your trip with these fun facts about Lake Michigan.
1. Lake Michigan Has Its Own Bermuda Triangle
Like the legend of the Bermuda Triangle, Lake Michigan seemingly has its own phenomenon, the “Michigan Triangle”. The area goes from Ludington to Benton Harbor and is said to be responsible for countless mysterious boat disappearances and occurrences.
2. Results of the Ice Age Created Lake Michigan
Evidence shows that The Great Lakes were actually formed by glaciers that melted after the last Ice Age. Increasing global temperatures during this time caused glaciers to drift and scrape the earth, resulting in the formation of the lake basins. As temperatures continued to increase, the glaciers then fully melted, creating The Great Lakes we know and love today.
3. Home to the Largest Freshwater Sand Dunes in the World
Lake Michigan has the world's largest protected freshwater sand dunes, housing the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The tallest dune at the Sleeping Bear Dunes is about 450 feet tall.
4. The Name “Michigan” Comes From Native American Tribes
The term “Michigan” originated from indigenous words like “mishigamaw” in Algonquin, “mishigami” in Ojibwa and "meicigama" in Chippewa. The indigenous words translate to “great water” or “big lake.”
5. Some People Consider Lake Michigan and Lake Huron to Be One Lake
Some people think Lake Huron and Lake Michigan are one lake because the Straits of Mackinac connect them. If they were to become one lake, it would be the largest in the world!
6. The Only Great Lake Within U.S. Territory Is Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake fully surrounded by U.S. land. It borders four states — Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. The other four lakes share borders with Canada.
7. Lake Michigan Is the Third-Largest Great Lake
Of all the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is the third largest. It ranks within the top 10 largest lakes in the world.
8. Lake Michigan Has Petoskey Stones
One of the only places you can find Petoskey stones is along Lake Michigan's shores. Look around the northern area of the lake and its islands for the rocks.
9. There Is a Historic Tugboat Graveyard on the Lake's Shores
Numerous abandoned tugboats line the shallow waters near the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.
10. Lake Michigan Is Home to Hundreds of Shipwrecks
There are many preserved wrecked ships and vessels in Lake Michigan, including a B-17 bomber aircraft from World War II.
Visit Lake Michigan While Staying at Muskegon KOA
Ensure your trip to the unforgettable Lake Michigan is comfortable and full of fun by staying at Muskegon KOA. We're a short drive from Lake Michigan, so you can have fun at the lake, then quickly return to the campground to kick back and relax.
Start preparing for your trip to Pure Michigan by reserving your campsite at Muskegon KOA today!