Midwest-Great Lakes Area

The Midwest Great Lakes Area Mountain Range is also known as the Laurentian Divide. It runs from the eastern part of Minnesota to the western part of New York. The range was formed over 2.5 billion years ago when the North American continent collided with other land masses. It is a part of the North American Shield and is composed of ancient volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Notable peaks in the range include Eagle Mountain in Minnesota, which is the highest point in the Midwest at 2,301 feet above sea level. Other notable peaks include Mount Arvon in Michigan and Timms Hill in Wisconsin. The range is significant for its hydrology, as it is the dividing line between the flow of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. The St. Lawrence River also begins at the eastern end of the range. Interesting facts about the Midwest Great Lakes Area Mountain Range include that it is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and that it was originally much taller than it is today, but has eroded over time. Additionally, the range is home to many species of plants and animals, including the endangered Canada lynx.