The two lakes were formed by receding glaciers, and now serves as a bird refuge.

Both lakes were formed during the end of the last ice age, from runoff from the retreating Wisconsin glaciation.

The smaller Lake Comegys was formed in the early 19th century when pollution from a local tannery sealed off a far end of Silver Lake, isolating the new body of water.

During the age of sail Silver Lake was used by passing ships to replenish their supply of fresh water.

In the 1920s the DuPont Company used dynamite to help drain sediment buildup in the lakes.