Bonfires, Big Fish, and The Best Times at the Greatest Lake
Move over tiny inland lakes—Lake Superior is here, and it’s absolutely superior in every way! Not only is it the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third-largest freshwater lake by volume, but it’s also a playground for adventurers, families, and anyone who loves a good view. From bonfires on the beach to reeling in monster fish, there’s no end to the fun you can have.
An AI generated photo of an average sized picnic blanket – only to give perspective to the silly fact below …
Lake Superior Is That Big
So…just how big is Lake Superior? Big enough to fit 35.4 billion 5’x5′ picnic blankets on its surface! That’s right—this lake isn’t just a lake; it’s an aquatic empire. Covering over 31,700 square miles, is roughly the size of the entire state of Maine! It holds 10% of the world’s fresh water, and if you tried to drain it (please don’t), it would cover both North and South America with one foot of water. Mother Nature really went all out on this one.
All Signs Point to Wisconsin Point
If you’re looking for a less crowded beach in the Northland that actually allows beach fires and carefree fun, Wisconsin Point is your go-to. This three mile stretch of sandy shoreline is the perfect spot for picnics, bonfires, and family adventures. This hidden gem provides a sense of privacy and seclusion, with stunning views of Lake Superior and the serene Allouez Bay.
As part of one of the longest freshwater bay-mouth bars in the world, Wisconsin Point is a geological marvel and a haven for nature lovers. Imagine relaxing on a picnic blanket, the scent of toasted marshmallows in the air, and the soothing sound of waves—like your own private lakeside retreat.
Go Fish!
Got a competitive streak? Grab your fishing rod and head to the water, because Lake Superior is home to more than 80 species of fish! Whether you’re after lake trout, salmon, or the elusive whitefish, there’s no shortage of underwater action. Even if you’re a fishing newbie, don’t worry—guided fishing charters can help you reel in the big one. Plus, you’ll hear plenty of local lore about fishing legends and “the one that got away.”
Fun Facts About lake Superior that you gotta know!
- It’s deep. At its deepest point, it’s 1,332 feet down — Basically submerging the Empire State Building under water.
- It’s ancient. Lake Superior was created over a billion years ago during the Ice Age when huge glaciers moved across the land. These glaciers scraped out deep holes in the ground, and when the ice melted, the holes filled with water to form the lake.
- It’s super clear. On a calm day, you can see 100 feet below the surface. Good luck spotting fish before they spot you!
- It’s fresh. This great lake is perfect for a refreshing dip! Pack your goggles for some underwater treasure hunting.
- It has islands. Lake Superior is home to over 400 islands, the largest being Isle Royale—a stunning national park spanning 207 square miles.
- It creates huge waves. During storms, Lake Superior’s waves can grow into towering giants, sometimes reaching heights of 40 feet—a true display of the lake’s raw power.
- Ships sink. Lake Superior holds over 350 shipwrecks, preserved by its cold waters. The most famous, the Edmund Fitzgerald, sank in a storm on November 9, 1975, after departing from the Superior Entry, claiming all 29 crew members.
- It has its own climate. Lake Superior’s vast size creates its own microclimate, moderating temperatures along its shores and often generating dense fog, lake-effect snow, and cooler summers in surrounding areas.
- It’s home to giant fish. The largest sturgeon ever caught in Lake Superior weighed 240 pounds and stretched over 7 feet long. These ancient fish can live for more than 100 years, growing up to 8 feet and weighing as much as 300 pounds.
- Ice. Lake Superior rarely freezes over completely due to its immense size and depth. On average, the lake only experiences full ice cover about once every 20 years, with the last recorded instance occurring in 2014.
- Shoreline length: If stretched out the Lake Superior shoreline into a straight line, it would extend about 2,726 miles – about the distance from Duluth, Minnesota to the Bahamas.
- It’s the largest of the Great Lakes. Lake Superior contains half of all the fresh water in the Great Lakes. It is also so large that it could fit all of the other four Great Lakes—Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario—inside it, plus three more Lake Eries.
- It has mountains. The Sawtooth Mountains along Lake Superior’s North Shore are ancient volcanic formations, estimated to be over a billion years old. Originally towering at heights comparable to the Rocky Mountains, millions of years of erosion have worn them down to a maximum height of 900 feet with rugged, tooth-like ridges.
Why Lake Superior Is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time)
Lake Superior isn’t just a lake; it’s an adventure waiting to happen. From the quiet beauty of Wisconsin Point to the adrenaline rush of reeling in a trophy fish, it’s got something for everyone.
So pack your snacks, grab your fishing rod, and head to Lake Superior—it’s big, it’s beautiful, and it’s ready to be explored.
