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Kincheloe, Michigan facts for kids

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Kincheloe, Michigan
Kincheloe, Michigan is located in Michigan
Kincheloe, Michigan
Kincheloe, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Country United States
State Michigan
County Chippewa
Township Kinross
Area
 • Total 1.27 sq mi (3.28 km2)
 • Land 1.27 sq mi (3.28 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 2,587
 • Density 2,043.44/sq mi (789.08/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code(s)
49788
Area code(s) 906
FIPS code 26-43180

Kincheloe is a community in Chippewa County, located on the Upper Peninsula in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is known as an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP). This means it is a recognized area with a population, but it does not have its own city government. The community was named after the former Kincheloe Air Force Base, which was in turn named after a famous pilot, Iven Kincheloe.

Kincheloe is situated at the eastern end of Kinross Charter Township. It is just east of Interstate 75 (I-75). The community is about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Sault Ste. Marie. It is also about 37 miles (60 km) north of St. Ignace. Kincheloe is built on the land that used to be the Kincheloe Air Force Base. This large base covered about 7,265 acres (29.40 km2).

Discovering Kincheloe

Kincheloe is a unique place in Michigan. It is a community that has grown from a military base. Even though it is not a city, it has many important features.

A Look Back: The Air Force Base

Kincheloe was once home to a very important Air Force Base. This base was a big part of the area's history. When the base closed in 1977, about 10,000 people moved away. This was a huge change for the community.

Life After the Air Force Base

Despite the base closing, Kincheloe has managed to thrive. The community found new ways to grow and survive. This was mainly due to new developments in the area.

New Opportunities

Several new facilities were built on the former base property. These included new prisons and some light industries. The airport also continued to operate, using some of the runways from the old Air Force Base. These new ventures helped the local economy. The amount of money earned by civilians in the area grew significantly.

Important Places Today

Today, several key places are located on the former base land. These include:

  • Chippewa County International Airport
  • Kinross Correctional Facility
  • Chippewa Correctional Facility
  • Kinross Manufacturing
  • American Kinross, Inc.

These businesses and facilities have helped the town's tax base double. They also created many jobs for people living in the area.

Fun Things to Do

Kincheloe also offers recreational activities. The community is home to a golf course.

The Oaks at Kincheloe

This golf course was formerly known as The Kincheloe Memorial Golf Course. It is an 18-hole course with a par of 72. The course is about 7,000 yards (6,400 m) long. It was first built as a nine-hole course by the base in 1951. Later, in 1987, it was expanded to its current size.

Population Information

The population of Kincheloe is counted every ten years. This helps us understand how the community is growing.

Historical population
Census Pop.
2020 2,587
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2020, the population of Kincheloe was 2,587 people. This information comes from the U.S. Decennial Census.

Major Highways

Several important roads pass through or near Kincheloe. These highways connect the community to other parts of Michigan.

  • I-75
  • M-80
  • H-63 (Mackinac Trail)
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