Big Bay de Noc facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Bay de Noc |
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In the foreground is Snail Shell Harbor and in the background is Sand Bay, both of which are bays of Big Bay de Noc.
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 Big Bay de Noc
Location in Michigan
Big Bay de Noc
Location in the United States
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| Coordinates | 45°47′N 86°42′W / 45.783°N 86.700°W |
| Type | Bay |
| Surface elevation | 581 feet (177 m) |
Big Bay de Noc is a large bay located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a state in the United States. This bay opens into Lake Michigan's Green Bay. It is completely surrounded by Delta County.
Along the shores of Big Bay de Noc, you'll find small towns like Garden and Nahma. These towns have harbors that are important for local boats and activities.
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Where Does the Name Come From?
The name "Big Bay de Noc" has an interesting history. It comes from the Noquet (or Noc) Native American people. These people were likely related to the Menominee tribe. The Menominee are part of the Algonquian language group. The Noquet people once lived all along the shores of this bay.
There is also a smaller bay nearby called Little Bay de Noc. Both bays share their name with these early inhabitants.
A Look Back: Iron Smelting History
Big Bay de Noc played a big role in history, especially in the 1800s. It was a major center for the iron smelting industry around Lake Michigan. Iron smelting is the process of extracting iron from its ore using heat. This was a very important industry back then.
Fayette Historic State Park
A former iron smelting complex has been saved and is now a cool place to visit called Fayette Historic State Park. This park is located right on Big Bay de Noc. Inside the park, you'll find Snail Shell Harbor. This harbor is a safe place for small boats and yachts to dock. It's a great spot for people who love to explore the bay by water.
Exploring the Bay: Towns and a Lighthouse
Besides the historic park, Big Bay de Noc has other interesting features. The small towns of Garden and Nahma offer glimpses into local life.
At the entrance of the bay, there's a special landmark: the Peninsula Point Light. This lighthouse helps guide boats safely into and out of the bay. Lighthouses are important for navigation, especially in busy waterways.
