Discover the deepest lake in Cook County

Lakes are mostly bodies of fresh water surrounded by land, but sometimes they are so large that you can imagine them stretching endlessly to the horizon, releasing the sun into the sky each morning and welcoming it again each evening. There is one such lake in Cook County, Illinois. Although the county has several beautiful lakes, some smaller than others, there is one that stands out – not only because it’s the largest – it’s also the deepest lake in Cook County. Discover what makes this lake unique, the types of recreational activities you can enjoy in the area, and the wildlife that calls this area home. Be sure to note a few other lakes worth checking out when visiting Cook County!

Lake Michigan in Cook County, Illinois

Lake Michigan is the third largest of the five Great Lakes in North America. It’s so big that it has coastlines in several different states, including Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Chicago, in Cook County, enjoys 26 miles of beautiful lakefront with countless hiking trails and beaches to explore. Lake Michigan’s depth is a staggering 922 feet, making it a great attraction for those interested in water sports like boating, fishing, and jet skiing.

Although Chicago is the largest city on the edge of Lake Michigan, the lake also empties into Lake County. Cook County occupies a total of 1,635 square miles, including the area where the lake is located. This district is the largest in the state of Illinois at 690 square miles made up of water. Lake Michigan is so big that if you didn’t know it was a lake beforehand, you might think you’re staring out at the ocean. It makes sense that his name was derived from mishigamian Ojibwa Indian word meaning “great lake”.

Formation of Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan didn’t always have the inviting, sandy shoreline it offers in Cook County today. Its formation began an unimaginable 1.2 billion years ago, after two tectonic plates separated quite violently. This separation created what is now known as the Mid-Continent Rift. In fact, this lake was so unpredictable and dangerous that many ships sank in its depths before radar was invented in the 1940s. With radar and ships tasked with breaking the ice, passage through the lake has become much safer.

The edge of Lake Michigan was sandy with dunes and swampy wetlands. The coastline recognized today took several decades to develop. Thorough planning was required before construction began. Material from the depths of Lake Michigan was used, as was sand from the Indiana coast. In order to shield the newly developed area, coastal protection structures had to be erected. With protections in place and a beautiful coastline to appreciate, efforts turned to advancing the country to add beaches, ports, lagoons, parklands and more.

Things to do near Lake Michigan

Aside from a swim in Lake Michigan, locals and visitors have several ways to enjoy Chicago’s North Shore. Some of the places around the lake shore for outdoor adventures are:

• Chicago Botanical Garden
• Emily Oaks Nature Center
• Evelyn Pease Tyner Interpretation Center
• Glencoe Beach
• Evanston Beaches
• Grove National Historic Landmark
• Ladd Memorial Arboretum and Evanston Ecology Center
• Northbrook Park District
• Forest Reserves of the Cook County-River Trail Nature Center
• Winnetka Beaches

Wildlife in and around Lake Michigan

Because Lake Michigan includes a variety of different habitats, many wildlife species thrive throughout the region. There are not only sand dunes that rise several hundred meters high, but also forests, savannas, swamps and high grass meadows. Some of the animals that enjoy the interior of the lake are species of fish such as smallmouth bass, salmon, trout and walleye. There are also other aquatic animals such as freshwater sponges, lobsters, sea lampreys and some species of eels. Bird watchers can head to Lake Michigan to spot robins, bald eagles, crows, and waterfowl like ducks and geese.

All over Chicago, even off the shore of Lake Michigan, there are other animals roaming about. Thousands of coyotes have made Cook County their home, as have deer, foxes and skunks. Flying creatures in the area include bats, herons and birds of prey. For more focused encounters with the area’s wildlife, visit the parks, nature centers and lakefront areas of Cook County.

Other Notable Lakes in Cook County

It’s hard to beat Cook County’s Lake Michigan given how vast it is. But there are some other lakes in the area that are worth visiting. Also located in Chicago, Rend Lake spans 19,000 acres and gives you access to a variety of recreational activities including golf courses, bike trails and campgrounds. Maple Lake in Chicago is another great option where you can enjoy 8,000 feet of shoreline and fish for pike, catfish, bluegill and bass. You can also enjoy horseback riding, hiking and cycling as well as camping and boating.

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