Lake Superior, Freshwater lake between Ontario, Canada and Michigan, United States
Lake Superior is a body of water in Ontario, Canada, and in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, United States, covering roughly 32000 square miles and reaching depths of around 1300 feet (400 meters). The water stays cold even in summer, and the shoreline alternates between rocky cliffs, sandy beaches and forested shores that stretch for thousands of miles.
French travelers reached these waters in the 1600s and called them le lac supérieur because they sat higher than Lake Huron. Later, the region became a key route for fur trade and then for moving iron ore down from the north.
Anglers and kayakers explore the many bays and islands, while small harbors along the coast reflect the daily life of fishermen and sailors. In the shoreline towns, locals gather in workshops where they repair boats and trade stories about storms and shipwrecks.
The water stays cold throughout the year, so warm clothing is advisable even in summer when walking along the shore or riding on a boat. Many stretches of the coast are remote and undeveloped, so visitors should carry supplies and be ready for changing weather conditions.
More than 200 rivers flow into this body of water, including the Nipigon River and the Saint Louis River, together feeding its volume. Dozens of shipwrecks rest on the bottom, often well preserved because the cold, oxygen-poor water slows decay.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
