Lake Superior, the most northwesterly and largest of North America’s Great Lakes, is a freshwater giant of global significance. Its name, derived from the French “Lac Supérieur” meaning “Upper Lake,” hints at its position as the most superior, or northernmost, of these vast lakes. But Where Is Lake Superior exactly, and what makes its location so remarkable?
Geographically, Lake Superior is strategically positioned in the heart of North America, bordering both the United States and Canada. To pinpoint where is Lake Superior, it forms a crucial part of the border between Canada and the United States. Specifically, it is bounded to the east and north by the Canadian province of Ontario, to the west by the U.S. state of Minnesota, and to the south by the U.S. states of Wisconsin and Michigan. This placement makes it a central feature of the Great Lakes region, a vital area for both countries.
Shore of Lake Superior near Mosquito River, Michigan
The shore of Lake Superior near the mouth of the Mosquito River in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Upper Peninsula, Michigan, showcasing the lake’s expansive shoreline.
From a hydrological perspective, where is Lake Superior is also defined by its connections to the other Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. It acts as the headwater of the Great Lakes system. Water flows out of Lake Superior at its eastern end into Lake Huron via the St. Marys River. This river is a crucial waterway, and its importance is amplified by the Soo Locks, which facilitate navigation around the St. Marys Rapids, enabling ships to move between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes and onward to the Atlantic Ocean.
Lake Superior’s dimensions further emphasize its grandeur. Extending 350 miles (563 km) from east to west and reaching a maximum width of 160 miles (258 km) from north to south, it is an immense body of water. Its surface sits at an average elevation of 600 feet (180 meters) above sea level, and plunging to a maximum depth of 1,332 feet (406 meters), Lake Superior holds a massive volume of fresh water. In fact, its volume is so substantial that if outflow continued without any replenishment, it would take approximately 191 years to empty. This immense volume contributes to relatively stable water levels compared to other Great Lakes.
A locator map showing Lake Superior’s position within North America, highlighting its bordering states and provinces and its place among the Great Lakes.
The geographical context of where is Lake Superior also includes its drainage basin and the numerous rivers that feed it. The lake’s drainage basin covers 49,300 square miles (127,700 square km), excluding its own surface area of 31,700 square miles (82,100 square km). Around 200 rivers flow into Lake Superior, with significant contributors being the Nipigon River from the north and the St. Louis River from the west. Other notable rivers entering from the north include the Pigeon, Kaministikwia, Pic, White, and Michipicoten rivers. The southern shore, while not fed by large rivers, receives water from the Sturgeon and Tahquamenon rivers. Interestingly, some water is diverted into Lake Superior from outside its natural watershed—from Long Lac and Ogoki—to enhance hydroelectric power generation at Sault Sainte Marie and Niagara Falls, demonstrating human impact on the lake’s hydrology.
Within where is Lake Superior, several islands dot its vast surface, adding to its geographical complexity and ecological diversity. Isle Royale, a U.S. National Park, is the largest island. The Apostle Islands, located near the Wisconsin shore, are another significant island group. Michipicoten Island lies on the eastern side, and St. Ignace Island is near the mouth of the Nipigon River in Canada. These islands offer unique ecosystems and contribute to the scenic beauty of Lake Superior.
The coastline surrounding where is Lake Superior is renowned for its dramatic beauty, especially the northern shore in Ontario. Deep bays and high cliffs characterize this picturesque landscape. Much of the coastal area remains sparsely populated, covered by extensive forests managed as federal, state, provincial, and private timberlands. This natural environment supports seasonal hunting, sportfishing, and a thriving tourism industry, making the region a popular destination for recreation.
Beyond its scenic beauty, where is Lake Superior is also a region rich in mineral resources. Valuable mineral deposits surround the lake. Historically, iron ore mining was significant, starting in 1848. The opening of the Soo Locks in 1855 greatly facilitated iron ore shipment, boosting mining operations in areas like the Marquette Range in Michigan and the Mesabi Range in Minnesota. While high-grade iron ores are now depleted, taconite and low-grade ores are still mined and processed. Other minerals extracted from the region include silver (near Thunder Bay, Ontario), nickel (north of the lake), and copper (south of the lake). Even a small gold rush occurred on Michigan’s southern shore in the late 1800s.
Lake Superior’s natural harbors and improved ports are crucial for navigation and commerce. The navigation season typically lasts about eight months. Key ports include Thunder Bay, a major grain transshipment point, and Taconite Harbor, Two Harbors, and Marquette, which export iron ore. The Duluth-Superior harbor, shared by Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is a major shipping hub for iron ore, grain, and flour. Other significant ports along the south shore are Ashland, Hancock, Houghton, and Marquette. All vessel traffic exiting Lake Superior to southern ports must pass through the essential Soo Locks.
Historically, where is Lake Superior was first encountered by Europeans in 1622, likely by French explorer Étienne Brûlé. French fur traders, like Pierre Espirit Radisson and Médard Chouart des Groseilliers, extensively explored and traded on the lake in the mid-17th century. French Jesuit missionary Claude-Jean Allouez circumnavigated and charted the lake in 1667, and Daniel Greysolon, sieur DuLhut, established it as a major trading route by 1679. French fur trading flourished, but the region later came under British control between 1763 and 1783. British dominance in trade continued until 1817 when John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company took over trade south of the Canadian border.
In conclusion, where is Lake Superior is not just a geographical question but an invitation to understand a place of immense natural beauty, ecological importance, and historical significance. Situated in the heart of North America, straddling the US-Canada border, it is a defining feature of the Great Lakes region, rich in resources, and steeped in history. From its vast dimensions to its intricate network of rivers and islands, Lake Superior is a truly remarkable place on the global map.
