Lake Superior HistoryLake Superior is definitely one of the superior lakes of the world, as it is not only the largest of the Great Lakes in Canada and the U.S., but is actually the biggest freshwater lake in the entire world (regarding surface area), and is also one of the largest by volume, fourth only to the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal in Russia, and Africa's Lake Tanganyika.Lake Superior, also known as "Gitche Gumee"-the name bestowed upon the lake by the late poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his famous epic poem of 1855, The Song of Hiawatha-was officially named Le Lac Supérieur (Upper Lake) by French explorers in the 17th century. This beautiful, deep, and vast great lake covers 31,829 square miles, holds close to 3,000 cubic miles, connects to more than 200 rivers, and drains into Lake Huron. There are also a number of islands in Lake Superior, most notably Michigan's Isle Royale. In addition, many cities and towns can be found around the edge of this amazing and stunning body of water, including Thunder Bay in Ontario, Superior in Wisconsin, Marquette in Michigan, and Duluth in Minnesota, which is found right on the great lake's most westerly point. Duluth is of particular mention because this amazing little city of close to 90,000 in population is not only the great Saint Lawrence Seaway's most inland seaport, but it is also the whole world's most inland seaport. In fact, much of Duluth's attraction and tourism stems from its proximity to and link with the gorgeous and massively impressive lake. If you're visiting or travelling to one of these areas, you may want to consider making Lake Superior and its many activities and attractions a part of your vacation or holiday. As a large, clean, and freshwater body of water, it allows you to partake and indulge in a number of water-based activities such as sunbathing, water wading, swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing, waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, and more. However, if you're going to brave a swim, make sure it's a nice warm day, because as the biggest of the five great lakes (the others being Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Lake Michigan), it is also the coldest. Lake Superior boasts a number of exciting and breathtaking attractions around its edges, including Lake Superior Provincial Park, Isle Royale National Park, Ontario's Sleeping Giant, Grand Island National Recreation Area, and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Another fantastic attraction found along the shores of this great lake is the Duluth's Glensheen Historic Estate, which can be viewed via tours throughout the year. Something else worth mentioning about Lake Superior is the drive around most of this spectacular natural wonder. Much of the highways and roadways practically "hug" the rugged shoreline, so not only do you get to enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake, but it's almost like you get to "experience" it in all its glory, just by driving beside it. Also interesting about this beautiful lake is that its surrounding land has been a resource chock of valuable minerals, including gold, silver, nickel, copper, and iron, all of which have been mined throughout the years. |
Contact us at Duluth Minnesota Real Estate for questions on residential real estate, properties, investment property, communities or any other questions. We offer real estate services in and around the Duluth area and the Lake Superior North Shore area.
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