Castle Rock (Michigan) facts for kids
Castle Rock is a tall, natural rock tower. It's made of limestone, a type of rock. You can find it about 3 miles (5 km) north of St. Ignace, Michigan. It's right off Interstate 75 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This amazing rock is a popular spot for tourists.
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What is Castle Rock?
Castle Rock stands very tall, about 195.8 feet (59 meters) above the nearby Lake Huron. It was formed over a very long time by nature.
How Was Castle Rock Formed?
Long, long ago, after the last Ice Age (called the Wisconsinan Glaciation), a huge lake formed. This lake, called Lake Algonquin, was much bigger than today's Lake Huron. As the ice melted, the water levels slowly dropped. Over thousands of years, the moving water and weather wore away the softer land around it. Castle Rock is made of a strong type of limestone called breccia. This rock was tough enough to resist the erosion. So, while the land around it disappeared, Castle Rock remained standing tall. It's like a natural "sea stack" or "sea chimney." You can see similar rock formations on nearby Mackinac Island, like Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf.
Stories and Legends
People who live nearby have shared many stories about Castle Rock. Some called it "Ojibway's Lookout." However, another nearby hill, called Rabbit's Back, was probably the real lookout point for the Ojibway people. Today, when you visit, you'll be greeted by giant statues. These are of the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his big blue ox, Babe the Blue Ox. There's also a fun gift shop to explore.
Visiting Castle Rock
Castle Rock became a public attraction in 1928. A person named C. C. Eby bought the rock and a small tourist stand. His family still owns and runs it today. It's open for visitors during the warmer months. You can visit from mid-May until mid-October. If you're feeling adventurous, you can climb an outdoor staircase all the way to the top! There is a small fee to enter.
Gallery
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Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
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Wide panoramic view from the top of Castle Rock
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Steep stairs lead to the top
