Lake Erie is a large lake located on the border of four states: New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. It is the fourth-largest lake in the United States and the ninth-largest lake in the world. It is also the shallowest of the Great Lakes, with an average depth of only 62 feet. The lake has been an important source of transportation, recreation, and commerce for centuries. It is home to many species of fish, birds, and other wildlife, and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.