The Great Lakes are some of the most iconic freshwater treasures in the world. Ohioans and Michiganders are lucky enough to live in close proximity! If you’ve spent your summers on the shores of Lake Erie or Lake Michigan, or explored the other lakes during getaways, you know just how special these bodies of water are. 

In honor of Great Lakes Awareness Day, we’re diving into fascinating facts about these incredible natural wonders and why they matter so much to our region.

1. the great lakes hold 21% of the world's freshwater

Together, Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario contain approximately 84% of North America’s fresh surface water and about 21% of the world’s supply. That’s roughly 6 quadrillion gallons of freshwater!

2. lake erie is the shallowest and warmest

Lake Erie is the most southern and shallow of the five Great Lakes, which makes it the warmest and often the most biologically active. That’s why it’s a favorite for summertime swimming, boating, and fishing.

3. the lakes influence our weather

The Great Lakes are powerful enough to affect our climate. They store a lot of energy in the form of heat. It can take awhile for large bodies of water to reach their maximum temperature, so areas near the Great Lakes tend to have cooler springs and warmer falls. The Great Lakes is also one of only three places around the world that experience lake effect snow.

4. lake huron has the longest shoreline

Lake Huron might not be the largest in volume, but it boasts the longest shoreline of all five lakes. Including islands, its shoreline stretches over 3,800 miles. That means more beaches, coves, and scenic views for weekend explorers.

5. you can navigate from the great lakes to the ocean

Thanks to a series of canals and rivers— most notably the St. Lawrence Seaway— ships can travel from the Great Lakes all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the most important shipping routes in the world.

6. they're a vital source of drinking water

Over 40 million people, including many of us right here in Ohio and Michigan, rely on the Great Lakes for daily drinking water. Protecting them means protecting our health and future.

The Great Lakes are more than just pretty places to visit—they’re woven into the identity and ecology of our region. This Great Lakes Awareness Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate their beauty, their significance, and the responsibility we all share in protecting them.