Discover and Protect Wisconsin´s Great Lakes

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan, the second largest of the Great Lakes, is the only Great Lake entirely within the borders of the United States. Its name is derived from the Indian words "Michi-gama" meaning "large lake". And it is large. It has a surface area of 22,300 square miles, making it the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. and the 5th largest lake in the world.

Lake Michigan was formed during the last Great Ice Age as glaciers advanced across what is now called the Great Lakes Region, scouring the land. As they receded, large glacial lakes were formed. Lake Michigan has diminished from its original size over time yet its significance to both human and natural ecosystems remains strong.

About 10,000 to 14,000 years ago, at the end of the Great Ice Age, ancient peoples traveled over extinct land bridges to the Great Lakes region. These Woodland Indians depended on the vast forests of the region for their survival and engaged in various forms of agriculture. European settlers were also drawn to the shores of Lake Michigan because of its natural resources. Today Lake Michigan is home to the nation´s third-largest population center and provides drinking water for over 10 million people. Lake Michigan has been inpacted by many human activities. Significant efforts are needed to restore this magnificent resource.

Lake Superior

Only the biggest and the best can be called "Superior" and there is no mistaking that Lake Superior deserves its name. The largest expanse of fresh water on earth, Lake Superior covers 31,700 square miles and holds as much water as Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario combined, with room left over for three extra Lake Eries. It also holds many national treasures like the Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan´s Upper Peninsula, as well as many state treasured parks and recreational areas. The pristine waters and picturesque landscapes draw tourist from all over to enjoy the many outdoor recreation and scenic opportunities.

Unlike the other Great Lakes, Lake Superior has not experienced the same level of development, urbanization and pollution. Although Lake Superior is the cleanest and most healthy of all the Great Lakes, it is still threatened by toxic pollutants that bioaccumulate in the food chain and persist in the environment. Because of Lake Superior´s relative high quality our management focus is to preserve this special resource. The approach to preserving Lake Superior is one of protection through elimination/reduction of sources of pollution by making this lake a Zero Discharge demonstration project.

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Last Revised: Wednesday October 21 2009