Lake Superior: Why the north loves its lake
Lake Superior is the largest Great Lake in North America. From its pristine waters to its breathtaking sunsets, Lake Superior is an incredible natural wonder that is sure to leave visitors in awe.
Surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains, Lake Superior offers visitors a wide range of activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and sight-seeing.
The area is also home to several parks and natural areas such as the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, which offer breathtaking views of the lake and its surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a peaceful escape, Lake Superior is the perfect destination.
What is Lake Superior?
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes of North America. It spans over 31,700 square miles and is located between the U.S. states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and the Canadian province of Ontario.
It is the deepest of the Great Lakes, with a maximum depth of 1,332 feet. It is also the cleanest and coldest of the Great Lakes, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to upper 70s in the summer.
It is home to a variety of fish, including lake trout, walleye, northern pike, and lake sturgeon. The lake is also known for its beautiful sunsets, abundant wildlife, and incredible views.
How Big is Lake Superior?
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes of North America, stretching over 31,700 square miles. It is surrounded by three states and a Canadian province. It is the deepest of the Great Lakes, with a maximum depth of 1,332 feet.
What States Surround Lake Superior?
Lake Superior is surrounded by the U.S. states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and the Canadian province of Ontario.
What type of activities can you do while you visit?
Visitors to Lake Superior can enjoy a variety of activities including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and sight-seeing.
The area is home to several parks and natural areas such as the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, which offer breathtaking views of the lake and its surrounding landscape.
There are also many activities available in the towns and cities that line the shores of the lake, such as shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Visitors can also enjoy the lake’s many beaches and explore the incredible wildlife that calls the lake home.
Why is Lake Superior so famous?
Lake Superior is so famous because it is the largest of the Great Lakes of North America and the largest freshwater lake in the world. It is also the cleanest and coldest of the Great Lakes, with temperatures ranging from below-freezing in the winter to upper 70s in the summer.
Why do they say Lake Superior never gives up her dead?
The phrase “Lake Superior Never Gives Up Its Dead” is often used to refer to the lake’s cold, deep waters, which make it difficult for bodies to rise to the surface. The phrase is also believed to have originated from an old Native American legend about the lake’s spirits that never allow the dead to resurface.
Can you swim in Lake Superior?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Superior. The lake’s temperatures range from below-freezing in the winter to upper 70s in the summer, making it an ideal place to cool off on hot summer days.
However, due to the lake’s size and the presence of large waves and undertows, it is important to always use caution while swimming. It is also advised to always swim with a partner and to wear a life jacket or other flotation device.
What is the biggest predator in Lake Superior?
The biggest predator in Lake Superior is the lake sturgeon, which can reach up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 200 pounds. The sturgeon is an ancient species that has been around for over 150 million years.
It is a bottom-feeding fish that feeds on small fish, insect larvae, and mollusks. The lake sturgeon is a protected species in the United States, and it is illegal to hunt or fish for them in Lake Superior.
Can you drink straight from Lake Superior?
No, it is not advisable to drink water straight from Lake Superior. The lake contains harmful bacteria and other pollutants that could have serious health consequences if ingested. It is always best to use a water filter or boiling water to make sure the water is safe to drink.
Why is Lake Superior So Blue?
Lake Superior is so blue because of the particles suspended in the water. These particles, known as “optical brighteners”, are tiny particles that reflect light and make the lake appear blue. The particles are created by a variety of living organisms in the lake, such as algae, zooplankton, and bacteria. The lake also has a high mineral content, which helps give it its distinctive blue hue.
Do Breweries Use Lake Superior Water?
Yes, breweries often use water from Lake Superior as part of their brewing process. The lake’s cold, clean water is ideal for brewing beer and other beverages, as it helps create a consistent flavor and quality.
Breweries in the area also use the lake’s minerals to give their beers a unique flavor. The lake’s water also helps the breweries maintain a consistent amount of water in the process, making it easier to control the flavor and quality of the beer.
What are some great Lake Superior Towns to visit?
What is amazing about Lake Superior is all of the great towns that surrounds it. They have so much respect for the lake and its water, all the while providing great experiences.
Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth, Minnesota is a great place to see Lake Superior due to its stunning views and access to many outdoor activities. Located on the shore of the lake, Duluth offers visitors breathtaking views of the lake and its surrounding landscape.
Visitors can explore the area’s many beaches and parks, as well as the Duluth Harbor and Aerial Lift Bridge. The area is also home to a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.
Visitors can also enjoy the lake’s many beaches and explore the incredible wildlife that calls the lake home. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a peaceful escape, Duluth is the perfect destination.
Duluth is an amazing destination to explore. I highly recommend checking out the 28 Amazing Family Friendly Things to do in Duluth MN or the 21 FUN Things to do in Duluth in the Winter
Two Harbors, Minnesota
Two Harbors Minnesota is a great place to see Lake Superior due to its stunning views and access to many outdoor activities. Located on the shore of the lake, Two Harbors has great views from this small town.
Visitors can explore the area’s many beaches that line the Lake Superior shoreline, as well as the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. The area is also home to a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a peaceful escape, Two Harbors is the perfect destination.
For more great things to do in Two Harbors, Check out: 30 Best Things To Do in Two Harbors Minnesota
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Grand Marais, MN is a great place to see Lake Superior for several reasons. First, it’s located right on the shore of the lake, providing visitors with unparalleled access to the water and stunning views of the lake and its surroundings.
The town offers numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and boating, that allow visitors to fully experience and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Grand Marais is also home to several attractions, like Devil’s Kettle Falls, and events that celebrate the unique culture and history of the North Shore region, adding to the town’s charm and appeal.
Grand Marais is a popular location for trips to Isle Royale with shuttles leaving all the time.
The combination of scenic vistas, outdoor recreation, and local culture make Grand Marais an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Lake Superior.
One of my favorite towns to visit is Grand Marais. Find out why: 12 Exciting Things To Do in Grand Marais MN
Bayfield, Wisconsin;
Bayfield, Wisconsin is a great place to see Lake Superior due to its picturesque setting on the southern shore of the lake. Plus it’s home to the Apostle Islands and the famous Sea Caves.
The historic downtown is beautiful with its charming bed and breakfasts, and a vibrant arts community.
The town offers access to a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, sailing, fishing, hiking, camping, and ferry rides to nearby islands.
Bayfield hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the famous Apple Festival, held every October, which celebrates the region’s apple harvest.
Bayfield is a must-stop location for anyone wanted to fully take in Lake Superior.
I highly recommend a stop in Bayfield to see the Apostle Islands. The best things to do in Bayfield WI and the Apostle Islands
Munising, Michigan
Munising, Michigan is a great place to visit Lake Superior and the National Pictured Rocks Lakeshore for several reasons.
Firstly, Munising is located on the southern shore of Lake Superior and serves as a gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The lakeshore features breathtaking sandstone cliffs, colorful rock formations, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear water, providing visitors with a unique and unforgettable natural landscape.
Secondly, Munising offers access to a range of outdoor activities that allow visitors to experience the beauty of the region, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, boating, and camping.
Visitors can also take a scenic boat tour of the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, providing stunning views of the rock formations and a chance to spot wildlife, such as bald eagles and black bears.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario is a great destination for seeing Lake Superior due to its unique combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions.
Located on the northwestern shore of the lake, Thunder Bay provides visitors with stunning views of the vast expanse of Lake Superior and its surrounding wilderness.
The town offers access to a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking, as well as winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Thunder Bay is also home to several cultural attractions, such as the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, the Magnus Theater, and the Fort William Historical Park, providing visitors.
Overall, Thunder Bay, Ontario is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty, adventure, and culture of Lake Superior.
Would I Go Back?
Yes, Yes, and Yes again. The lake is one of Minnesotan’s favorite destinations. Lake Superior is an incredible natural wonder that offers visitors a wide range of activities, stunning views, and abundant wildlife.
From its breathtaking sunsets to its pristine waters, Lake Superior is sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a peaceful escape, Lake Superior is the perfect destination for a unique and memorable experience.
