Here's a fun science fact for you: when the water temperature is below 32°F, it freezes and becomes ice! I know, it's hard to believe. But it's true. Another mindblowing fact? Michigan is surrounded by the world's largest freshwater lakes, The Great Lakes, which are prone to freezing when temperatures are frigid for sustained periods. It can be beautiful.

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When you're able to go somewhere you aren't usually able to, your natural desire is to, well, go there. In this case, that would be walking on the ice, but this can be very dangerous. Now, Grand Haven State Park has issued a warning explaining why.

⬇️ANNUAL SNOWFALL TOTALS FOR GRAND RAPIDS SINCE 2000⬇️

Lake Michigan ice coverage in March, 2014
Lake Michigan in 2014. / Nicholas Kleyn via YouTube
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The Great Lake's Declining Ice Coverage

The annual ice coverage on the Great Lakes has diminished over the years, with the Lakes hitting a historic low in 2024. So when the Great Lakes do get a good amount of ice coverage like it did this winter, it is considered rare and exciting. Naturally, people will want to walk on the ice, but this can be dangerous. Here's why.

Lake Michigan on February 13, 2024. Courtesy of the NOAA
Lake Michigan on February 13, 2024. Courtesy of the NOAA
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Grand Haven State Park

After multiple "close calls" over the weekend with people walking on the ice, Grand Haven State Park issued a warning breaking down how "shelf ice", or the sheets of ice that extend from the beach, are not continuous and may have hidden thinned and weakened areas. The ice can break and cause a person to fall into the water below.

Walking on the ice can put not only you at risk but law enforcement/emergency services who have to risk their lives going on the ice to try and save you. If risk can be avoided by admiring the ice from the beach, that is the best course of action.

Annual Snowfall Totals In Grand Rapids, MI Since 2000

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

20+ Birds Around Michigan You'll See During The Winter

While much of Michigan's bird populations head south for the winter, plenty stay here throughout the cold. Crazily enough, some even head North instead. Bird information courtesy of perkypet.com

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

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