Lake Huron

Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes and sits right in the middle of the group. To its west is the state of Michigan and to its east is the Canadian province of Ontario. The lake was originally titled La Mer Douce ("the freshwater sea") by French explorers, the first Europeans to encounter the region. It was later referred to as  Le Lac des Hurons ("the Lake of the Hurons") after the Huron people that inhabited the surrounding area and the name was later shortened to Lac Huron or, anglicized, Lake Huron.

Lake Huron is partly known for a various range of historical shipwrecks that line the lake floor. One of these wrecks is the site of Le Griffon, the first European vessel to navigate its waters. The ship was allegedly on a trade route and, after being loaded with fur pelts, never completed the leg of its return route. Two wrecks have been identified in present day as its remains, although, the debate continues as to which is the authentic one.

The lake's ecology is a tale of great change, abundance, and absence. Originally, trout dominated the aquatic life by taking advantage of the abundant food supply consisting of sculpins, deepwater ciscos, and various other native fishes. Invasive species, like the rainbow smelt or the sea lamprey, flooded the lake in the early 20th century nearly wiping out the native trout in tandem with overfishing. This has affected the population and health of delectable fishes, especially whitefish species and Chinook salmon.

For viewers on land, there are many beautiful beaches and coastlines to visit. Travelers can look on while driving on the Great Lakes Circle Tour, a designated scenic route that connects the Great Lakes. Some tourist attractions and hotspots have opened up and thrived off of the inpour of tourism each year. Other spots, naturally walled off by formations that can only be traversed by foot, have remained untouched. Dedicated travelers and navigators can find their way through the foliage to see unfettered natural beauty at its finest.

Lake Huron also houses the largest freshwater island in the world, Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin Island features historic European and Anishinaabe settlements. Artifacts and archeological discoveries have been found on the island that date back to Archaic peoples and Paleo-Indian cultures existing in 10,000 B.C.!

In modern times, the lake itself touches cities and developments of all kinds. Alpena, Bay City, and Port Huron in Michigan have access to the lake's banks, bays, and beaches. Owen Sound and Sarnia in Ontario, Canada border the very same body of water. The fact that Lake Huron connects the United States and Canada has sparked trade and transportation. Freight ships, ferries, paddleboats, canoes, and virtually any type of watercraft have all been seen in Lake Huron's waters. People can be seen fishing, boating, viewing, and swimming in the lake as well.