Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the only Great Lake that is entirely within the United States. The lake borders four states: Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. It is the third largest of the Great Lakes.

A Huge Lake

Lake Michigan is about 307 miles long and 118 miles wide. It is so big that you cannot see the other side from the shore. The lake has sandy beaches and tall sand dunes along its edges. The water can get very rough with big waves, just like the ocean.

Life Around the Lake

The city of Chicago sits on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. Millions of people live along the lake's shores. The lake provides drinking water and is used for fishing and boating. In winter, parts of the lake can freeze over, creating beautiful ice formations.

Fun Facts

• Lake Michigan holds about 1,180 cubic miles of water.
• The Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan's shore rise over 400 feet above the water.
• Lake Michigan is connected to Lake Huron by the Straits of Mackinac.

Did You Know?

Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of shoreline, which is longer than the entire coast of California!