Lake Michigan is the second largest great lake by volume (1,180mi
3, third largest by surface area), and it is located directly beside Lake Huron, the two are joined by the
Straits of Makinac. It is also the only great lake that is located entirely within U.S. borders, as all others extend at least partially, some mostly, into
Canada. The total surface area of the lake is about 57,756km
2 (22,300mi
2).
The lake is approximately 494km (307mi) long, and has a breadth of roughly 189km (118mi). The shoreline, which varies from not so developed at its most northern points, to heavily developed, so much as to support numerous
metropolitan areas. The northern areas rely heavily on tourism and natural resources, while the south is much more industrial.
The
drainage basin is nearly twice as large as the surface area and takes in part of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, as well as
Wisconsin. At it's deepest point it is 280 metres, but the
average depth of the lake is only 84 metres.
Lake Michigan's shore is lined with the world's largest fresh water
dunes, they are visited by millions of people every year.
The lake name was changed more than once, from "Grand Lac", to "Lake of the Stinking Water", "Lake of the Puants", "Lac Des Illinois", "Lac St. Joseph", and was eventually referred to by the Indians of the area as "
Michi Gami", or, Lake Michigan.
thanks to www.great-lakes.net for being so darn good and dreamy. lots more information there, if you care to pick through it.. it takes oh so long, though.