According to countryvv, Big Lake is a census-designated place in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska, located approximately 48 miles north of Anchorage. It lies on the eastern shore of Big Lake, a large body of water that stretches for over 40 miles and is fed by numerous creeks and rivers from the surrounding mountains. The lake is fed by the Matanuska River on its northern end and drains into Knik Arm to the south.
The area around Big Lake consists primarily of marshlands and forests. The marshlands are dominated by sedge grasses and other low-lying vegetation, while the forests are composed mostly of spruce, birch, aspen, cottonwood, and willow trees. There are also a variety of wetland species such as muskrats, beavers, and moose that inhabit the area.
The terrain around Big Lake is mostly flat with some rolling hills in places. The highest points are Mt. Gordon Lyon at 875 feet and Ptarmigan Hill at 775 feet above sea level. There are also several glaciers in the area including Black Glacier to the southwest and Susitna Glacier to the east.
Big Lake experiences an extreme continental climate with cold winters and warm summers due to its location near Anchorage. Winters typically last from October through April with temperatures ranging from 0°F in January to an average high temperature of 37°F in April. Summers typically last from May through September with temperatures ranging from an average low temperature of 44°F in June to an average high temperature of 77°F in August.
Overall, Big Lake offers visitors a unique combination of marshlands, forests, mountains, glaciers and lakes that make it one of Alaska’s most beautiful places to explore year round. Whether it’s fishing for salmon during summer or snowmobiling across frozen lakes during winter, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque corner of Alaska’s Interior region.
History of Big Lake, Alaska
Big Lake, Alaska has been inhabited since the late 19th century when a group of trappers and prospectors arrived in search of fur-bearing animals and minerals. The area was first known as “Little Boar’s Tusk” after the nearby mountain, but the name was changed to Big Lake in 1910 when a post office was established.
In the early 1920s, homesteaders began to settle in Big Lake, taking advantage of the Homestead Act which allowed settlers to claim up to 160 acres of land for free. By 1934, there were over 100 homesteaders living in Big Lake and many more people were drawn to the area due to its abundance of fish and wildlife.
The 1950s saw an influx of tourists coming to Big Lake for its recreational opportunities. The lake became a popular destination for fishing, hunting, camping, and boating as well as skiing at nearby Mt. Gordon Lyon. In 1971 Big Lake was incorporated as a census-designated place (CDP) under Alaska state law.
Throughout much of its history, Big Lake has been an agricultural community with dairy farming being one of its main industries until recently when it shifted focus towards tourism and recreation. Today, it is home to numerous resorts and cabins as well as other businesses catering to visitors such as marinas and boat rentals.
Big Lake is also well known for its annual Winterfest celebration which takes place around Martin Luther King Day each year and includes activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing tournaments, snowshoeing races, sledding parties, fireworks displays and more.
Overall, Big Lake’s rich history is closely intertwined with both nature conservation efforts and recreational activities that have made this small town into one of Alaska’s most beloved destinations for visitors from all over the world.
Economy of Big Lake, Alaska
Big Lake, Alaska is an agricultural and tourist-based economy that has grown and evolved over the years. The area was first settled by homesteaders in the early 1920s who were drawn to the area due to its abundance of fish and wildlife. Dairy farming quickly became one of the main industries in Big Lake as it provided a steady source of income for many families.
In recent years, however, Big Lake has shifted its focus from agriculture to tourism and recreation. The lake itself is a popular destination for fishing, hunting, camping, and boating as well as skiing at nearby Mt. Gordon Lyon. The local resorts cater to both visitors and locals alike who come to enjoy all that Big Lake has to offer.
The area is also home to numerous businesses catering specifically to visitors such as marinas, boat rentals, restaurants, souvenir shops and more which provide additional economic opportunities for those living in Big Lake. In addition, the annual Winterfest celebration which takes place around Martin Luther King Day each year attracts many tourists from all over the world which helps contribute to the local economy.
Overall, Big Lake’s economy is largely supported by tourism and recreation but still retains a strong agricultural base with dairy farming remaining an important industry in the area. The town’s close proximity to Anchorage also provides additional business opportunities while maintaining its small-town charm that draws visitors from all over Alaska as well as beyond its borders every year.
Politics in Big Lake, Alaska
Big Lake, Alaska is located within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough which is governed by a mayor and an assembly. The mayor is elected to a two-year term and is responsible for managing the borough’s day-to-day operations. The assembly consists of nine members who serve three year terms and are responsible for passing ordinances, setting budgets, and approving contracts.
At the state level, Big Lake is represented in the Alaska House of Representatives by one representative from District 8 and in the Senate by one senator from District G. The state legislature meets annually in Juneau to discuss issues such as education, health care, taxation, natural resources development and more.
At the federal level, Big Lake is represented by one member in Congress from Alaska’s At-Large district. This individual serves on committees that work to pass legislation affecting all of Alaska including transportation funding, veterans benefits, energy policy and more.
Overall, Big Lake’s politics reflect those of much of rural Alaska with an emphasis on resource development while preserving traditional cultures and values. It is also home to many Native Alaskans who have a long history in this area which helps shape their political views as well as those of their representatives at all levels of government.
