Lake Michigan is bordered by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
It is the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States. Its shoreline includes major cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Gary, although Michigan contributes the largest share of the lake’s shoreline.
Lake Michigan is hydrologically connected to Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac. Because the two lakes have essentially the same water level, they are sometimes described by scientists as one hydrological lake, even though they retain separate names and basins.
The lake’s name comes from an Indigenous term recorded by French explorers and commonly interpreted as meaning “great lake.” It should not be confused with Lake Huron, which lies immediately to the east across the straits.