5th largest Lake in the world
Largest freshwater Lake entirely within the U.S: 307 mi (494 km) long and 30-120 mi
(48-193 km) wide
Surface elevation of 581 ft (177 m)
Maximum depth of 923 ft (281 m)
Discovered in 1634 by the French explorer Jean Nicolet
The Lake passed to England’s control in 1763
The Lake passed to U.S. control as part of the Northwest
Territory in 1796
"We never know the worth of water 'til the well is
dry."
-English proverb
Last updated 2/7/1999