Which State has Borders with All Five Great Lakes?
The Great Lakes region is one of the most geographically significant areas in the United States and Canada. These massive bodies of freshwater supply the surrounding areas with drinking water, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities. However, did you know that only one state in the US has borders with all five great lakes? This state has a unique geography and is home to many natural wonders, making it a popular destination for tourists.
The Great Lakes: An Overview
The Great Lakes are a collection of five freshwater lakes located in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. They are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. These massive lakes cover a combined area of 94,250 square miles and hold about 84% of North America’s surface freshwater. The lakes contain a diverse range of plant and animal life and support a variety of economic activities.
Boundaries of the Five Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are located in the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, and New York, as well as the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Lake Superior is bordered by Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Lake Michigan is bordered by Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. Lake Huron is bordered by Michigan and Ontario. Lake Erie is bordered by Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario. Lastly, Lake Ontario is bordered by Ontario and New York.
A State with Unique Geography
The state that borders all five Great Lakes has a unique geography that is defined by its large peninsulas and extensive shoreline. This state’s geography has been shaped by the ice sheets that advanced and retreated during the last ice age, leaving behind glacial landforms such as lakes, eskers, and moraines. The state’s geography makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, camping, and hiking.
The Quest to Find the State
Many people assume that the state with borders with all five Great Lakes is Minnesota or Wisconsin, but these states only border one or two of the lakes. Some people think that New York borders all five lakes because it has access to Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, but this is not the case. Therefore, the quest to find the state with borders with all five Great Lakes continues.
Michigan: The State that Borders All Five Great Lakes
The state that borders all five Great Lakes is Michigan. Located in the upper Midwest, Michigan is the only state in the US that is divided into two peninsulas, the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula. The state has a total coastline of 3,288 miles, which is longer than the entire east coast of the US. Michigan is also home to more than 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams.
Exploring Michigan’s Great Lakes Coastline
Michigan’s Great Lakes coastline is a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy the beaches, dunes, and clear blue water. The state’s shoreline is dotted with lighthouses, historic ports, and quaint coastal towns. Some of the popular tourist destinations along the coast include Mackinac Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Michigan’s Economy and the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes have played a significant role in Michigan’s economy, providing the state with access to freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and manufacturing. The lakes have also supported the state’s shipping industry, which transports goods such as iron ore, coal, and agricultural products. Michigan’s tourism industry is also heavily dependent on the Great Lakes, with millions of tourists visiting the state’s beaches, islands, and coastal towns each year.
Michigan’s Environmental Challenges
Despite the Great Lakes’ importance to Michigan’s economy and culture, the lakes face numerous environmental challenges. These challenges include invasive species such as zebra mussels, which can clog water intake pipes and harm native species, and harmful algal blooms caused by nutrient pollution. The state is working to address these issues through initiatives such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Tourism in Michigan’s Great Lakes Region
Tourism is a vital industry in Michigan’s Great Lakes region, contributing billions of dollars to the state’s economy each year. The region’s natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities attract millions of visitors annually. Some of the popular tourist attractions in the region include Mackinac Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
Conclusion: Michigan and the Great Lakes
In conclusion, Michigan is the only state in the US that borders all five Great Lakes. The state’s unique geography and extensive coastline make it a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities. The Great Lakes have played a significant role in Michigan’s economy and culture, but they also face numerous environmental challenges that require ongoing efforts to address. Despite these challenges, the Great Lakes region remains a vital part of Michigan’s identity and a treasured natural resource for the entire country.
References and Further Reading
- Great Lakes Information Network. (2021). The Great Lakes. Retrieved from https://www.great-lakes.net
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources. (2021). Michigan’s Great Lakes. Retrieved from
- Pure Michigan. (2021). Great Lakes Bay Region. Retrieved from https://www.michigan.org/great-lakes-bay-region
- US Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Retrieved from
