Lake Michigan General Information
3rd largest Lake of the Great Lakes: (22,178 sq mi/57,441 sq km)

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
 

"To build may have to be the slow and laborious task of years. To destroy can be the thoughtless act of a single day."
-Winston Churchill

"We never know the worth of water 'til the well is dry."
-English proverb
 

Last updated 2/7/1999