Hat Island (Lake Michigan) facts for kids
 Hat Island
Location in Michigan
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Michigan |
| Coordinates | 45°48′57″N 85°18′00″W / 45.81583°N 85.30000°W |
| Area | 10 acres (4.0 ha) |
| Highest elevation | 584 ft (178 m) |
| Administration | |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Charlevoix County |
| Township | St. James Township |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Hat Island is a small, uninhabited island located in Lake Michigan. It's part of a group of islands called the Beaver Island archipelago. This special island is about 10 acres in size. That's roughly the size of ten football fields!
Hat Island is found in Charlevoix County, Michigan. It became a protected area in 1943. This means it's a safe place for wildlife.
Contents
Hat Island: A Special Place for Birds
Hat Island is an important spot for nature. It is part of the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge helps protect many different kinds of birds.
How Hat Island Was Formed
Hat Island was created a very long time ago. This happened during the Wisconsin glaciation. That was a period when huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, covered much of North America. As the glaciers melted, they dropped lots of rocks and gravel. This material piled up in what became Lake Michigan. That's how Hat Island was born!
A Home for Wildlife
The island was chosen for the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge for a special reason. It's a great place for certain birds to raise their young. Birds like gulls, which eat fish, find Hat Island a safe breeding ground. Protecting these areas helps keep bird populations healthy.
Hat Island's Role in History
During World War II, Hat Island had a different role. The United States Navy used it as a practice site. They would practice bombing runs there. Luckily, this use ended after the war.
What Does Hat Island Look Like?
Hat Island has a unique shape. It's roughly four-sided. One part of the island points towards the southeast. People say this part looks like the brim of an upturned hat. That's probably how it got its name!
