The US had two aircraft carriers operating in Lake Michigan during WW II. It was an idea place for new pilots and Carrier crew members to practice operations from a carrier. They didnt have to worry about being sunk by the subs that patrolled just off both our coasts. Both ships were converted from sidewheeler cruise ships operating in the Great Lakes at the time. They were convertered in less than two months. They didnt have elevators or hangar storage below so pilots started and ended each day at land bases.
Not all the landings worked out very well. alot of good pictures here, Enjoy.
http://warbirdinformationexchange.or...hp?f=3&t=48962