Great Lakes

Photo: NASA License: 2

The Great Lakes are the world's largest group of fresh water lakes and are part of the St. Lawrence System, the largest fresh water system in the world. Because of their size, the Great Lakes are often called inland seas.

The names of the Great Lakes are Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior. To remember the names, use the mnemonic acronym "HOMES".

Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake completely within the borders of the United States.

The states that border the Great Lakes are Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.

The lakes have an effect on weather in the region, known as lake effect. The great amount of snow Buffalo, NY receives and the wind in Chicago, IL are two examples.