A day at our New Buffalo and St. Joseph beach camps isn’t just about swimming, paddleboarding, and sandcastles — it’s also a chance for kids to learn amazing things about Lake Michigan!
Whether they’re spotting fish along the shore or feeling the waves during paddleboarding, there’s plenty to discover. Here are 10 fun facts about Lake Michigan that will make any camper feel like a lake expert.
1. It’s Huge!
Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake located entirely in the United States. It covers about 22,400 square miles — bigger than West Virginia and Vermont combined!
2. Really Deep in Some Spots
The deepest part is 923 feet (281 meters) — almost three times as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
3. Sandy Beaches Everywhere
Lake Michigan has hundreds of sandy beaches, perfect for building sandcastles, beach games, and fun water play.
4. Freshwater Treasure
It holds over 1,180 cubic miles of fresh water — enough to fill more than 1.1 trillion bathtubs!
5. Wind and Waves
The lake can have big waves and strong winds, which makes it ideal for sailing, paddleboarding, and surfing — but safety always comes first!
6. Wildlife Abounds
In and around the lake, there are animals like painted turtles, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, white-tailed deer, and, of course, fish (trout, whitefish, and perch, to name a few).
7. Color-Changing Waters
Depending on sunlight, wind, and sky, Lake Michigan can appear deep blue, turquoise, or gray-green — it’s like a giant natural art canvas!
8. A History of Ships
Over 6,000 ships have sailed Lake Michigan. Some sank, and shipwrecks today are popular for underwater exploration.
9. Ice Magic
In very cold winters, parts of the lake freeze over, creating beautiful ice formations and ice caves along the shoreline. (The St. Joseph lighthouse and pier are especially amazing covered with ice!)
10. Very Old
Lake Michigan formed at the end of the last ice age and is estimated to be about 10,000 years old — that’s a lot of history!
At our New Buffalo and St. Joseph beach camps, learning is part of the fun! Kids get to connect with nature, explore the lake, and enjoy safe, supervised outdoor adventures.
Ready for a Fun-Filled Beach Day?
Give your child the chance to explore, play, and learn at our half-day beach camp. From paddleboarding and surfing to sandcastle building and Party Friday treats, there’s something for everyone!