Lake Huron is the third largest of the Great Lakes by size and the 8th largest by volume. But technically, it’s at the same elevation as Lake Michigan, and only separated from it by the straits of...
Lake Huron is the third largest of the Great Lakes by size and the 8th largest by volume. But technically, it’s at the same elevation as Lake Michigan, and only separated from it by the straits of Mackinac. The two carry the same body of water so, from that point of view, it’s part of one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.
Its total surface area is 59,600 km2 (~23,000 sq mi)...
Lake Huron is the third largest of the Great Lakes by size and the 8th largest by volume. But technically, it’s at the same elevation as Lake Michigan, and only separated from it by the straits of Mackinac. The two carry the same body of water so, from that point of view, it’s part of one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.
Its total surface area is 59,600 km2 (~23,000 sq mi) and elevation is 176 m (~577 ft) above sea level. The average depth is 59 m (195 ft), length and breadth at widest points are 332 km (~206 mi) and 295 km (~183 mi).
As it stands it does have the largest shoreline of any of the Great Lakes – when you include its 30,000 islands, its shoreline stretches for some 6,157 km (~3,827 mi). This alone gives you an idea of just how big it is.
Lake Huron’s coast has a rich biodiversity, including rare and endangered plant species and one of the largest populations of colonial water birds among the great lakes, as well as significant numbers of migrating visitors in fall and spring. These include a variety of warblers, thrushes and kinglets, vireos and flycatchers, and terns, gulls and cormorants. However, it faces serious threats from climate change, human activities and invasive non-native species.
Kayaking along its extensive shoreline provides many sightseeing opportunities, including sandy beaches, quiet rivers and wetlands, rock formations and historic lighthouses. A 196 km (~122 mi) water trail runs close to the shoreline between Lexington and Quanicasee, with 44 boat access points. Hiking, cycling and wildlife viewing are other popular activities in the area.