Lake Erie is the 11th largest lake in the world by surface area. The lake is actually more like an ocean than what most people think of as a lake. Lake Erie is 241 miles long, 57 miles wide at its widest point and about 40 miles wide at Virginia’s Beach. Sometimes people don’t realize how big it is and are surprised that you cannot see the other side. It is the fourth largest, the shallowest, and the warmest (in the summertime) of the five Great Lakes.

Because it is so shallow, the lake can rapidly change from calm to large waves. Lake Erie is unlike any river or other inland lake. The rapid changes that often occur in the lake can be very awesome and add to the unique lakefront atmosphere.

Boaters must be very aware of wave conditions and should come in at the first sign of large waves. Looking at the waves from shore is not necessarily a good indication of conditions off shore. If the wind is blowing from the South, the lake will often be nearly calm at shore. However, the wind is pushing the water and waves off shore. If the wind is from the South, when you turn back to shore, you will be fighting the waves rather than boating with them, and it can take you far longer to get back than it took you to get out.

The area to the West of the boat ramp almost always has a large amount of sand, but, large amounts of sand can be washed down the shoreline by storms, so the beach may be rocky during your visit. Because of the current high lake level we do not have a beach in the area labeled “Rocky Beach” on our map. The Lake bottom in front of our property is mostly solid rock with large rocks and sand. Be sure to bring water shoes and lawn chairs if you intend to enjoy the beach. Because Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes, the water is usually warm from late June until mid September.

For additional local beach access, visit nearby lake front Racoon Park which features a beach (usually with more sand than ours), picnic pavilion, restrooms, and a playground.

Additional information about Lake Erie can be found by clicking here.