The Great Lakes
The Great Lakes
Formed around 14,000 years ago from glacier activity, the Great Lakes consists of five freshwater lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior, sometimes remembered by the acronym HOMES. They are spread throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Canada. Michigan is actually the only state that touches four out of the five, which is why Michigan’s name means “large lake” in Ojibwa. Together, the Great Lakes total 84% of North America’s surface freshwater and 21% of the world’s freshwater, covering a total of approximately 94,000 square miles.
The Great Lakes hold immense significance for Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Historically, they served as vital transportation routes for indigenous peoples, fur traders, and early settlers. The lakes facilitated the movement of goods and people, connecting the region to other parts of North America. This accessibility spurred the growth of settlements and industries along the shorelines, including logging, mining, and shipping. The Great Lakes also have a profound impact on the Upper Peninsula's natural environment. The lakes moderate the region's climate, influencing temperature and precipitation patterns. They support a diverse ecosystem, providing habitat for a wide range of fish, birds, and other wildlife. The lakeshore areas, with their unique blend of forests, wetlands, and beaches, offer significant ecological value and a wide range of recreational opportunities.
The Great Lakes also exert a profound influence on the economy and industry of the Upper Peninsula. Historically, the lakes served as vital transportation routes, facilitating the movement of timber, minerals and other goods, which drove the growth of logging and mining in the area. Today, the lakes continue to be a major economic driver, supporting a diverse range of industries. Tourism, fueled by the region's stunning lakeshore scenery, recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, and swimming, and vibrant waterfront communities, is a significant contributor to the local economy. Additionally, the presence of the Great Lakes has fostered the development of maritime industries, including shopping, boat building and commercial fishing.
