Lime Island facts for kids
 Lime Island
Location in Michigan
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| Geography | |
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| Location | St. Marys River |
| Coordinates | 46°05′11″N 83°59′56″W / 46.0864075°N 83.9988995°W |
| Area | 900 acres (360 ha) |
| Highest elevation | 640 ft (195 m) |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State | Michigan |
| County | Chippewa |
| Township | Raber |
Lime Island is a beautiful island located in the St. Marys River. This river forms part of the border between the United States and Canada. The island is part of Raber, in Chippewa County, Michigan. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and adventurers.
Contents
Discovering Lime Island
Lime Island covers about 1.41 square miles, which is roughly 900 acres. Most of the island is covered in thick forests. These forests are home to many different kinds of wildlife. The island is known for its quiet, natural beauty. It offers a peaceful escape from busy city life.
Lime Island State Recreation Area
A large part of Lime Island is protected as the Lime Island State Recreation Area. This means it's a special place for people to enjoy nature. The park offers cabins and campsites for visitors. You can stay overnight and experience the island's peaceful atmosphere.
The recreation area is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. They work to keep the island wild and beautiful. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating. It's a great place to explore the outdoors.
Wildlife on the Island
Lime Island is home to many animals. The most famous residents are the black bears. These bears live in the island's dense forests. They mostly eat berries, nuts, and insects.
Besides bears, you might also see white-tailed deer. Many types of birds also live on the island. Birdwatchers can spot eagles, ospreys, and various songbirds. Remember to always respect wildlife and keep a safe distance.
Exploring Nearby Islands
Lime Island is surrounded by several smaller islands. To the northeast, you can find Hart Island, Edward Island, Love Island, and Bass Reef. Little Lime Island is located to the southeast. These smaller islands add to the natural beauty of the area.
The St. Marys River itself is very important. It connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron. Many large ships use the river to travel between these Great Lakes.
The History of Lime Island
Lime Island has an interesting past. It wasn't always just a recreation area. In the early 1900s, it played a key role in shipping. The island was once a "coaling station."
What Was a Coaling Station?
A coaling station was a place where ships could stop to refuel. Before diesel engines, many ships ran on coal. Lime Island had large docks and facilities to store and load coal onto passing ships. This made it a busy spot on the St. Marys River.
The coaling station helped ships travel across the Great Lakes. It was an important part of the shipping industry for many years. Today, you can still see some reminders of this history on the island.
Visiting Lime Island
Getting to Lime Island is an adventure in itself. Since it's an island, you can only reach it by boat. Many visitors use their own boats or hire a water taxi. This makes the trip even more special.
When you visit, remember to pack everything you need. There are no stores on the island. It's important to bring enough food, water, and supplies. Always practice "Leave No Trace" principles. This means taking all your trash with you. It helps keep the island clean and beautiful for everyone.
Lime Island is a wonderful place to connect with nature. It offers a unique experience for those who love the outdoors.
