1. Lake Champlain is 120 Miles in Length
Lake Champlain is about 120 miles long and 12 miles in width at its widest point. It reaches Vermont, New York, and Canada and even gets all the way down to 400ft at its deepest point.
2. Lake Champlain was once the Sixth Great Lake
President Clinton declared Lake Champlain the sixth Great Lake on March 6th, 1998. Most of the country disagreed with the decision and convinced Clinton to rescind the title only a couple of weeks later, on March 24th, 1998.
3. There are 71 Islands throughout Lake Champlain
These range from tiny remote islands to larger islands with towns. The three largest islands are towns that include: South Hero/Grand Isle, North Hero, and Isle La Motte.
4. Lake Champlain is Home to the Oldest Reef in the world.
The Chazy Reef is a fossil reef in Isle La Motte, Vermont, that spans over 1,567 acres and is over 480 million years old. As a National Natural Landmark, the reef is viewable to the public at the Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve and the Fisk Quarry Reserve.
5. Lake Champlain Holds over 90 species of fish.
Over 90 species of fish live in the waters of Lake Champlain. It’s considered a frontline fishery for two species in particular: salmonid species (lake trout and salmon) and bass. Bassmaster magazine even named Lake Champlain the fourth best lake in the region for fishing in 2021!
6. It was the Location of the Battle of Plattsburgh.
The lake was a vital part in many battles and wars. The Battle of Plattsburgh, also known as the Battle of Lake Champlain, took place during the War of 1812 and prevented the British from invading New York.
7. Lake Champlain has a 14-Mile Long Recreational Trail
The Island Line Trail takes you from Burlington, Vermont to the Lake Champlain Islands. Historically, the trail was not meant for recreational use. It was built in 1899 by the Rutland-Canadian Railroad for coastal market connections. Eventually, in the 1980s, the railroad was converted into a recreational path.
If you found these facts interesting, learn more about Lake Champlain here!
