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Lake Superior FAQs

Learn everything you can about Lake Superior with our Lake Superior FAQs. Lake Superior is one of the five Great Lakes in North America. Lake Superior is the largest of the five great lakes by volume and surface area. Lake Superior is the largest fresh water lake in the world, in terms of surface area, and the third largest in volume. If you are looking for Lake Superior facts you have come to the right place. Check out these Lake Superior FAQs and you will be well on your way to widening your knowledge of Lake Superior!

If you are looking for FAQS on the Lake Superior Circle Tour visit our Lake Superior Circle Tour FAQs page. Want to learn even more about Lake Superior?

Here are some Lake Superior Facts that you will be sure to find interested!

  • 1. What is Lake Superior?

    Lake Superior is the largest of the 5 great lakes in North America. It is the largest fresh water lake in world by surface area and the third largest fresh water lake by volume.

    Lake Superior is also known as gichi-gami which is its Ojibwe name which means great sea.

  • 2. Is Lake Superior the largest fresh water lake in the world?

    Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third largest freshwater lake in the world by volume.

  • 3. Who Owns Lake Superior?

    Lake Superior is shared by Canada and the United States of America. It has shorelines in the Canadian province of Ontario (Superior Country and Algoma Country), and the American states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

  • 4. How was Lake Superior formed?

    The Lake Superior basin was sculpted by glaciers and formed by rifting.

  • 5. What are Lake Superior Agates?

    Lake Superior Agates are a type of agate stained by iron. Lake Superior Agates are well known for their colors: red, orange, and yellow.

    Fun Fact: The Lake Superior agate is the state gemstone of Minnesota.

  • 6. How are Lake Superior Agates formed?

    Lake Superior Agates were formed when water vapor and carbon dioxide became trapped within solidifying lava flows creating a vesicular texture. Ferric iron, silica, and other minerals were carried through these gas vesicles.

    Over a billion years erosion of the lava rocks caused the agates to become exposed and were freed by running water.

    During the Wisconsin glaciation, the most recent glacial period in North America, glacial ice moved into Minnesota where the agates lied in the Superior trough. The glacier carried with it much surface debris including agates. It also caused many agate to be freed from hardened lava flows. As the glacier moved the agates it polished them such as a rock tumbler. These events created the Lake Superior Agates that we know today.

  • 7. How deep is Lake Superior?

    The average depth of Lake Superior is 483 ft (147 m) with a maximum depth of 1,333 ft (406 m).

    Lake Superior contains 2,900 cubic miles of water.

  • 8. How big is Lake Superior?

    Lake Superior’s surface area is 31,700 square miles (82,103 square km), with a maximum length of 350 miles (560 km), and a maximum breadth of 160 miles (257 km). The shoreline of Lake Superior spans 1,729 miles (2,783 km) not including the shores of islands. It has a water volume of 2,900 cubic miles (12,0000 Km3) with an average depth of 483 ft (147 m) and a maximum depth of 1,333 ft (406 m).

    Lake Superior is the largest fresh water lake in the world by surface area and the third largest by volume.

    Fun Fact: Lake Superior Contains 10% of the world’s fresh surface water!

  • 9. How Does Lake Superior Connect to the Ocean?

    The Great Lakes waterway are a series of freshwater lakes that include Lake Superior. They connect to the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lawrence River.

  • 10. How many shipwrecks are in Lake Superior?

    There are 550 known shipwrecks in Lake Superior. Over 200 of these wrecks are near the shorelines of Whitefish Point, west of Munising Michigan.

  • 11. How wide is Lake Superior?

    Lake Superior has a maximum width of 160 miles (257 km) and a maximum length of 350 miles (563 km).

  • 12. Can Lake Superior Freeze?

    Lake Superior can freeze and is often 40 to 95 percent ice covered during most winters. It is rare for Lake Superior to completely freeze.

  • 13. When does Lake Superior Freeze?

    Lake Superior begins to freeze in the winter months. However, the amount of ice coverage greatly varies throughout the lake. During most winter the 40 to 95 percent of the lake will be ice covered.

  • 14. When can you fish Lake Superior?

    Fishing regulations can vary between each of the three states and the one Canadian province that borders the lake. It is highly recommended to check the fishing regulations in the area you wish to fish.

  • 15. When can you visit Lake Superior?

    You can visit Lake Superior anytime of the year. Each season offers a unique experience of Lake Superior.

  • 16. Can Lake Superior have a hurricane?

    Lake Superior can, and has, had storms that can match the severity of a hurricane or tropical storm. However, such storms are very rare. The last storm to reach such a strength was in 1996 was was appropriately nicknamed Hurricane Huron.

  • 17. Can you drink Lake Superior water?

    Yes you can drink lake superior water. However, if drinking straight from the lake it always recommended to boil the water before consuming. Many cities and towns along the lake utilize its water.

  • 18. Can you surf Lake Superior?

    You can surf Lake Superior especially in the late fall and early winter months. However, doing so can be very dangerous due to the cold water temperatures. This type of surfing is in no way for beginners and if you do choose to surf during this time you should have all the proper equipment and other people with you.

    You can also surf Lake Superior in the summer months but having the proper gear such as wet/dry suit and a freshwater surf board is recommended. The winds and rough water can make surfing Lake Superior a challenge.

  • 19. Can you surf Lake Superior in the summer?

    Yes you can surf Lake Superior in the summer. If you plan on surfing Lake Superior you should have the proper gear which includes a wet-suit/dry-suit, and a thicker surf board that is more suited for freshwater surfing.

  • 20. How high can Lake Superior waves get?

    Lake Superior storms often cause waves to reach 20 feet (6 m) and can often reach over 30 feet (9 m) in height.

  • 21. Can you swim in Lake Superior?

    Yes you can swim in Lake Superior. The lake can often be very cold. Some areas are much more popular for swimming such as beach within secluded bays.

  • 22. What feeds Lake Superior?

    Over 200 rivers feed into Lake Superior. The largest rivers that feed into Lake Superior include the Nipigon River, the St. Louis River, Pigeon River, Pic River, White River, Michipicoten River, Bois Brule River, and the Kaministiquia River.

    The Nipigon River is the largest feed into Lake Superior and is at the most northern point of the lake.

    Lake Superior water drains into Lake Huron through the St. Mary’s River before flowing through the other great lakes and through the Saint Lawrence River into the Atlantic Ocean.

  • 23. What is Lake Superior Whitefish?

    Lake Superior Whitefish is a freshwater fish of the Coregoinae subfamily and ciscoes subfamily.

  • 24. What is Lake Superior water temperature?

    The surface temperature of Lake Superior changes seasonally. However, the temperature of the Lake at depths below 660 ft (200 m) is constantly 39 Fahrenheit (4 Celsius).

  • 25. What is Lake Superior's deepest point?

    Lake Superior’s deepest point is 1,333 ft. (406 m).

  • 26. Why is Lake Superior so cold?

    Lake Superior is so cold due to several factors. Because of the vast depth and volume of the water, it takes longer to warm up and retains cold temperatures longer. During winter Lake Superior has significant ice cover which also greatly contributes to the length of time it takes to warm in the summer months. Colder air temperatures, especially during the winter, will also chill the lake’s surface. Persistent winds can push warmer surface water away from the shore. This process is known as upwelling, and it causes colder water from the depths of the water to come to the surface, particularly along the North Shore.

  • 27. Why is Lake Superior an inland sea?

    Lake Superior has often been called an inland sea due to its large surface area of 31,700 sq mi (82,000 sq km).

  • 28. Why visit Lake Superior?

    There are no shortages of reasons to visit Lake Superior. It is the largest lake in North America, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, and the third largest lake in the world by volume. Driving along the lake has often been compared to driving along Oceanic coasts. Lake Superior is surrounded by several cities and towns with excellent tourist attractions and experience. Each shoreline of the Lake has unique aspects. A trip to Lake Superior, and even better AROUND Lake Superior, will be an unforgettable journey that you will cherish forever.

    You will find endless reasons to visit Lake Superior in our Lake Superior Circle Tour Adventure Guide!

  • 29. Where's Lake Superior?

    Lake Superior is located in North America and is shared by Canada and the United States of America. Three US states, and one Canadian province, connect to the shores of Lake Superior including Ontario (Superior Country and Algoma Country), in Canada, and Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the US.

    To see where Lake Superior is located visit our Digital Map.

  • 30. Where is Lake Superior located?

    Lake Superior is located in North America and is shared by Canada and the United States of America. Thee US states, and one Canadian province, connect to the shores of Lake Superior including Ontario (Superior Country and Algoma Country), in Canada, and Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the US., in Canada, and Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the US.

    To view a map of Lake Superior and its surround area check out our Map Page.

  • 31. Where is Lake Superior on a map?

    Lake Superior can be found on a US map north of Wisconsin and Michigan, as well as east of Northern Minnesota.

    On a Canadian map Lake Superior can be found in Northwestern Ontario’s Superior Country and Algoma Country.

    One a world map Lake Superior can be found in North America surrounded by Ontario in Canada and Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota,  in the US.

    To see Lake Superior on a map visit our digital Map Page.

  • 32. Where is Lake Superior located in Canada?

    In Canada Lake Superior can is Northwest Ontario.

    To see a map of Lake Superior and its surrounding area visit our Map Page.

  • 33. Where is Lake Superior in the USA?

    In the USA Lake Superior is located in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin as well as east of Northern Minnesota.

    A map of Lake Superior can be explored on our Map Page.

  • 34. Where in Lake Superior is the Edmund Fitzgerald?

    The Edmund Fitzgerald lies at the bottom of the southeastern portion of Lake Superior in 530 feet (162 metres) of water on the Canadian side of the Canada/US border.

    The bow and the stern rest in two different sections with the bow mostly buried sitting upright and the stern which is upside down beside the bow.

  • 35. Which state is Lake Superior in?

    Lake Superior is in three states including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. It is also shared with the Canadian province of Ontario and the regions of Superior Country and Algoma Country.

  • 36. Which states border Lake Superior?

    The US states which border lake Superior include Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Lake Superior is also bordered by the province of Ontario in Canada and the regions of Superior Country and Algoma Country

  • 37. Which provinces border Lake Superior?

    Lake Superior is bordered by the province of Ontario (Superior Country and Algoma Country). It is also bordered by the US states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

  • 38. Which country is Lake Superior in?

    Lake Superior is in both Canada and the United States of America. The lake is bordered by the US states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and the Canadian province of Ontario and the regions of Superior Country and Algoma Country

  • 39. Are Lake Superior fish safe to eat?

    Yes it is safe to eat fish from Lake Superior. However, each US state that borders the Lake, and the Canadian province of Ontario, may have different recommendations when it comes to species and amount of consumption. Each state and province may also have different fishing regulations. You must ensure that you comply with these regulations prior to fishing Lake Superior.

  • 40. Are Lake Superior and Lake Michigan connected?

    Yes Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are connected but not directly. They are connected through water draining from Lake Superior into the St. Marys River which flows into Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

  • 41. Is Lake Superior salt water?

    No, Lake Superior does not contain salt water.

  • 42. Is Lake Superior freshwater?

    Yes, Lake Superior is made up of freshwater. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third largest freshwater lake in the world by volume.

  • 43. Is Lake Superior in Canada?

    Lake Superior is shared by both Canada and US and is bordered by the province of Ontario (Superior Country and Algoma Country) in Canada the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, in the US.

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