Hiawatha National Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hiawatha National Forest |
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IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
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Road sign of the Hiawatha National Forest in Alger County
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| Location | Upper Peninsula of Michigan, United States |
| Nearest city | Escanaba, Michigan |
| Area | 894,836 acres (3,621.27 km2) |
| Established | January 16, 1931 |
| Governing body | U.S. Forest Service |
| Website | Hiawatha National Forest |
The Hiawatha National Forest is a huge natural area in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, United States. It covers almost 900,000 acres! This special forest is managed by the United States Forest Service. It's a place where you can find amazing wildlife, beautiful lakes, and lots of fun outdoor activities. The forest is so big, it's actually split into two main parts: the Eastside and the Westside.
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Why is it Called Hiawatha?
The Hiawatha National Forest gets its name from a famous Native American chief named Hiawatha. He was a very important leader of the Mohawk people. Hiawatha helped bring together several Native American tribes to form a strong group called the Five Nations of the Iroquois. He was also the main character in a famous poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, called 'The Song of Hiawatha.'
Exploring Hiawatha's Geography
The Hiawatha National Forest stretches across several counties in Michigan. These include Chippewa, Delta, Mackinac, Alger, Schoolcraft, and Marquette counties.
The forest is divided into two main sections:
- The East Unit is in Chippewa and Mackinac counties. It makes up about 44% of the forest.
- The West Unit is in Delta, Alger, Schoolcraft, and Marquette counties. It's larger, covering about 56% of the forest.
The main office for the forest is in Gladstone, Michigan. There are also smaller offices called ranger districts in different towns.
The East Unit was once a sandy area that wasn't used for farming. It became the Marquette National Forest in 1909. Later, it joined with other forests. The government started buying land for the West Unit in 1928, and it became the Hiawatha National Forest in 1931. Many trees were planted in this area by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps. This group helped people find jobs during tough times by working on conservation projects.
Special Wilderness Areas
The Hiawatha National Forest has six special areas called wilderness areas. These places are kept as wild as possible, with very few changes from humans. They are:
- Big Island Lake Wilderness
- Delirium Wilderness
- Horseshoe Bay Wilderness
- Mackinac Wilderness
- Rock River Canyon Wilderness
- Round Island Wilderness
Wild and Scenic Rivers
There are also five special rivers in the forest that are part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This means they are protected for their natural beauty and importance. These rivers are:
- Carp River
- Indian River
- Sturgeon River
- Tahquamenon River (East Branch)
- Whitefish River
Wildlife and Nature
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The Hiawatha National Forest is home to many different kinds of animals. You might spot timber wolves, white-tailed deer, black bears, and even moose. Other animals include golden eagles, bald eagles, bobcats, Canadian lynxes, red foxes, and wild turkeys.
The forest has over 100 miles (160 km) of shoreline. Both parts of the forest touch Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The East Unit also has shoreline on Lake Huron. It even includes Round Island and its lighthouse.
The West Unit of the forest is next to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This is another beautiful natural area managed by the National Park Service. It also borders the Grand Island National Recreation Area.
Fun Activities in the Forest
The Hiawatha National Forest offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Lighthouses to Explore
Several lighthouses are located along the shores of the forest. The Point Iroquois Light is now a museum that you can visit.
Hiking Adventures
A long trail called the North Country Trail passes through the forest. This trail is about 4,600 miles (7,400 km) long in total! It's a great way to explore the forest on foot.
Camping Under the Stars
Hiawatha National Forest has many popular places for camping. Here are some of the campgrounds where you can set up your tent or RV:
- AuTrain
- Bay Furnace
- Bay View: This campground is near Brimley on Lake Superior. It has a quiet beach.
- Brevoort Lake
- Camp 7 Lake
- Carp River: This campground is near the Mackinac Bridge. You can also go fishing here.
- Flowing Well
- Indian River
- Lake Michigan: This campground is right on Lake Michigan.
- Monocle Lake Campground: Also near Brimley, this is popular for RV camping.
- Petes Lake Campground
- Soldiers Lake Recreation Area
- Widewaters Campground
Images for kids
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Road sign of the Hiawatha National Forest in Alger County
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Map showing National Forests in Michigan
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Sugar maple and paper birch trees in the northern portion of the national forest
