Michigan is a state located in the Great Lakes region of the United States. Michigan is commonly known as the “Great Lakes State” because it is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes. The state’s location and access to these massive bodies of water have played a significant role in shaping its history, economy, and culture.
What are the Great Lakes?
The Great Lakes are a group of five freshwater lakes located in the northeastern region of North America, straddling the border between the United States and Canada. The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area, covering an area of 94,250 square miles (244,106 square kilometers). The five Great Lakes are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario.
Which Great Lakes does Michigan border?
Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes – Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Erie. Lake Ontario is the only Great Lake that does not border Michigan. The Great Lakes provide Michigan with a unique location and access to the largest freshwater system in the world.
Lake Huron
Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes and is located in the northeastern region of North America. Lake Huron is the second-largest Great Lake by surface area and is shared by both the United States and Canada. Lake Huron is located to the east of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and is connected to Lake Michigan through the Straits of Mackinac.
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes by surface area and is located entirely within the United States. Lake Michigan is located to the west of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and is connected to Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac. Lake Michigan is a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes by surface area and is located to the north of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Lake Superior is shared by the United States and Canada and is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Lake Superior is a significant resource for Michigan, providing a source of drinking water, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities.
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the fourth-largest of the Great Lakes by surface area and is located to the east of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Lake Erie is shared by both the United States and Canada and is the shallowest of the Great Lakes. Lake Erie is a critical resource for Michigan, providing a source of drinking water, fishing, and recreational opportunities.
Importance of the Great Lakes to Michigan
The Great Lakes play a significant role in Michigan’s economy, culture, and history. The lakes provide a source of drinking water, support the state’s shipping industry, and provide recreational opportunities for residents and tourists. Michigan’s location and access to the Great Lakes have helped shape its history and economy, making it a vital resource for the state’s continued growth and development.
The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement is an agreement between the United States and Canada to protect the water quality of the Great Lakes. The agreement was first signed in 1972 and has been updated several times to address new threats to the Great Lakes’ water quality. The agreement is essential to Michigan’s economy and environment, as the lakes provide a source of drinking water and support the state’s shipping and fishing industries.
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a federal program that was established in 2010 to protect and restore the Great Lakes. The program provides funding for projects to address threats to the Great Lakes’ water quality, such as invasive species, pollution, and habitat loss. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is critical to Michigan, as it provides funding for projects that protect the state’s economy, environment, and culture.
Conclusion
Michigan is a state that is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes – Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Erie. The Great Lakes play a significant role in Michigan’s economy, culture, and history, and are a vital resource for the state’s continued growth and development. Michigan’s location and access to the Great Lakes have helped shape its history and economy, making it a unique and valuable state to live in.
References
- “Great Lakes,” Encyclopædia Britannica, accessed June 1, 2021, https://www.britannica.com/place/Great-Lakes.
- “Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement,” US Environmental Protection Agency, accessed June 1, 2021, .
- “Great Lakes Restoration Initiative,” US Environmental Protection Agency, accessed June 1, 2021, .