I was born and raised in Chicago, right on the shores of Lake Michigan. I can tell you firsthand that people really don't realize how massive the Great Lakes are. They might picture a few big lakes, but these are inland seas, so vast they create their own weather and hold secrets that challenge common perception.

Beyond their sheer size, these lakes hold a trove of unexpected history, natural phenomena, and enduring lore. They are a universe of their own, full of secrets that might surprise you.

Here are some of the most fascinating facts about the Great Lakes:

1. The Oldest Fish in North America Lives Here

The lake sturgeon, a species that can live for over a century, is a true living fossil. The oldest recorded sturgeon was an 82-year-old female caught in Lake Michigan. These ancient fish have been swimming in these waters since long before modern human history, a silent testament to the lakes' endurance.

2. They Were a Secret Training Ground for WWII Pilots

During World War II, the U.S. Navy faced a critical need to train thousands of pilots in carrier landings. They couldn't risk combat carriers in the Atlantic and Pacific, so they found a solution on the Great Lakes. Two old passenger steamers were converted into makeshift aircraft carriers - the USS Sable and USS Wolverine.

For three years, pilots, including a young George H.W. Bush, practiced takeoffs and landings on Lake Michigan. Dozens of their crashed planes still lie remarkably preserved at the bottom of the lake.

3. The Lakes Can Generate Their Own Tsunamis

The Great Lakes are so vast that they can experience a rare phenomenon known as a seiche (pronounced saysh), a standing wave in a confined body of water. Strong winds can push water to one side of the lake, and when the wind stops, the water rushes back, creating a wave that can resemble a tsunami. A notable seiche on Lake Michigan in 1954 tragically took the lives of seven people.

4. They Have Their Own Bermuda Triangle

Much like its famous counterpart, the Great Lakes have a mysterious region known as the Michigan Triangle. This area, which stretches from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan, and down to Benton Harbor, has been the site of numerous strange disappearances of ships and aircraft. Tales of compasses failing and unsettling lights in the sky contribute to the region's eerie reputation.

5. The Lakes Have a Monster Legend

For over a century, local lore has included sightings of a lake monster known as Bessie. Allegedly measuring 30 to 40 feet long, this creature has been sighted primarily in Lake Erie. While scientific explanations point to large sturgeon or other misidentified fish, the legend of a mysterious sea serpent adds a layer of intrigue to the Great Lakes.

6. The Water is So Clear You Can See Wrecks from a Plane

The cold, fresh water of the Great Lakes acts as a natural preservative, keeping thousands of shipwrecks intact and eerily visible. In the spring, after the ice melts, the water becomes exceptionally clear. Under the right conditions, you can spot the ghostly outlines of sunken vessels from an airplane, a haunting reminder of the lakes' turbulent past.

These facts reveal that the Great Lakes are not just large bodies of water. They are a source of hidden history, strange phenomena, and captivating folklore, making them a truly unique part of the world.

Until next time...
- Ryan at Random Facts
Always Random. Never Boring