East Moran Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Moran Bay |
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 East Moran Bay
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Mackinac County, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 45°52′19″N 84°43′34″W / 45.872°N 84.726°W |
| Type | Bay |
| Surface elevation | 581 ft (177 m) |
East Moran Bay is a small, important harbor located in the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan. It sits right next to the city of St. Ignace. This bay is a busy place, especially for boats that carry people to Mackinac Island, a popular spot for tourists. A special light, the Wawatam Lighthouse, helps guide boats safely into the bay.
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Discovering East Moran Bay's History
East Moran Bay has a long and interesting history. For many years, it has been a traditional place for fishing. People have lived and fished here for a very long time.
Native American Heritage
Around East Moran Bay, archaeologists have found old sites linked to Native American history. These sites show that Native American communities lived and used this area for centuries. They fished in the bay and built their homes nearby.
A Busy Harbor Through Time
In the past, East Moran Bay was a very active port.
- The Mackinac Transportation Company used the bay for its special train ferries. These were large boats that could carry entire trains across the water!
- Later, boats like the Vacationland and its sister ships used the bay. These were auto ferries that carried cars and trucks across the Straits.
- The Arnold Transit Company also ran ferry boats from here to Mackinac Island.
Today, the bay is still a key spot for ferries. Companies like Star Line Ferry and Shepler's Ferry use it to take visitors to Mackinac Island.
Exploring the Bay Today
You can learn more about East Moran Bay's past by visiting the area.
Historical Markers and Research
Around the harbor, you'll find special signs called state historical markers. These signs tell stories about the bay's history. Experts have also studied the bottom of East Moran Bay. In the early 1990s, the Michigan Underwater Preserve Council and volunteer divers explored the bay's underwater areas. They looked for old shipwrecks and other historical items.
The Huron Boardwalk
The city of St. Ignace has created a special path along the waterfront called the Huron Boardwalk. This path is a great way to explore the bay. It has signs and old items that help explain the bay's heritage. One cool thing you can see is parts of an old Mackinaw boat that was built around 1899. This boardwalk helps everyone understand and celebrate the rich history of East Moran Bay.
