Skegemog Lake

Skegemog Lake is a lake located in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, United States, near the cities of Traverse City and Kingsley. It is part of the Boardman River watershed, which also includes Duck Lake and Fife Lake, and is connected to Grand Traverse Bay by the Boardman River. The lake is situated near the Pere Marquette State Forest and the Manistee National Forest, and is close to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Leelanau Peninsula. The lake's water quality is monitored by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Geography

Skegemog Lake is located in the northern part of Grand Traverse County, near the border with Kalkaska County. The lake is approximately 2,000 acres in size and has a maximum depth of around 25 feet. It is connected to Grand Traverse Bay by the Boardman River, which flows through the city of Traverse City and is home to the Traverse City State Hospital and the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The lake's shoreline is mostly undeveloped, with some residential areas and Michigan State University's Kellogg Biological Station nearby. The lake is also close to the Tahquamenon Falls State Park and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

History

The area around Skegemog Lake has been inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Odawa people and the Ojibwe people, for thousands of years. The lake was also an important stop for French-Canadian fur traders and Voyageurs during the French and Indian War. In the late 19th century, the area was settled by European-American farmers and loggers, who established the nearby towns of Kingsley and Fife Lake. The lake was also home to several summer resorts and camps, including the Skegemog Lake Resort and the Camp Skegemog. The lake's history is also tied to the Chicago and West Michigan Railway and the Pere Marquette Railway.

Ecology

Skegemog Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including lake trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye. The lake's water quality is generally good, with some areas of eutrophication and invasive species such as zebra mussels and sea lamprey. The lake's shoreline is mostly forested, with some areas of wetlands and grasslands. The lake is also an important stop for migratory birds, including Canada geese and wood ducks. The lake's ecology is studied by the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment and the Michigan State University's Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Recreation

Skegemog Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake has several public access points, including the Skegemog Lake Public Access Site and the Fife Lake Public Access Site. The lake is also home to several marinas and boat launches, including the Skegemog Lake Marina and the Fife Lake Marina. The lake's shoreline is mostly undeveloped, with some areas of public land and parks, including the Skegemog Lake County Park and the Fife Lake Township Park. The lake is also close to the Traverse City Cherry Festival and the National Cherry Festival.

Statistics

Skegemog Lake has a surface area of approximately 2,000 acres and a maximum depth of around 25 feet. The lake's water level is regulated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The lake's water quality is monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The lake is also home to several fish species, including lake trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye, and is an important stop for migratory birds, including Canada geese and wood ducks. The lake's statistics are also tracked by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Geological Survey. Category:Lakes of Michigan