The Creature of Lake Superior: Mishipeshu

One of Michigan’s least-discussed creatures is Mishipeshu of Lake Superior.

The translation of ‘Mishipeshu’ varies: it means either ‘underwater panther’, ‘Great Lynx’, ‘the fabulous night panther’, ‘great underground wildcat’, or ‘great underwater wildcat’ depending on which Native American tribe you talk to.

Mishipeshu is a creature whose tales can be found in the traditions of North American tribes like the Anishinaabe, Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi.

Get our free mobile app

Mishipeshu is said to have a head, claws, and paws like a giant cat, with sharp fishy scales and dragon-like spikes up and down its back and long tail, horns of a buffalo, occasional feathers, and presumably other animal parts. It roams throughout Lake Superior and calls Michipicoten Island its home base. Considered the king of all underwater life, Mishipeshu mostly hangs out in the deepest parts of the lake.

Dangerous or protector, you wonder? Mishipeshu has the size and power to create storms, shift currents, sink boats and canoes, and drown members of Native American tribes, mostly the children. While paying a visit to Michipicoten Island, you may hear something that sounds like thunder...that would be the roar of Mishipeshu. Maybe you’ll hear the sound of rushing water? That would be the hiss of Mishipeshu.

A sure way to suffer the wrath of Mishipeshu would be to steal from the island, mainly copper. Keep these points in mind if you ever get the inclination to visit the remote location of Michipicoten Island in Lake Superior...