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List of islands of the Midwestern United States facts for kids

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This article is a list of some of the many islands found in the Midwestern United States. These islands are located in different states, often in large lakes like the Great Lakes or in major rivers such as the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Islands can be big or small, some are home to towns, while others are protected as wildlife areas or parks.

Islands of the Midwest: A State-by-State Look

Illinois: Islands in the Prairie State

Illinois has several islands, mostly found in its rivers. Some of these islands have interesting histories or are important for nature.

  • Campbell's Island: This island in the Mississippi River is known for a battle that happened there during the War of 1812.
  • Goose Island: Located in Chicago, this island was created when a canal was built. It's now part of the city's busy industrial area.
  • Kaskaskia Island: This island is unique because it's the only part of Illinois located west of the Mississippi River. It was once the capital of Illinois!
  • Rock Island Arsenal: This large island in the Mississippi River is home to a U.S. Army facility.

Indiana: River and Lake Islands

Indiana's islands are found in its many rivers and lakes. Some are small and wild, while others are popular spots for people.

  • Beeler Island: This island is one of many found in Indiana's waterways.
  • Big Island (Fulton County): One of two islands named "Big Island" in Indiana, this one is in Fulton County.
  • Island Park Island: As its name suggests, this island is likely a park, offering green space and recreation.
  • Ribeyre Island: Another island located within Indiana's diverse landscape.

Iowa: Islands in the Mississippi

Iowa, known for its farmlands, also has islands along its eastern border, especially in the mighty Mississippi River.

  • Chaplain Schmitt Memorial Island: This island is in the Mississippi River near Dubuque.
  • Credit Island: Located in Davenport, this island is a popular park with trails and historical markers. It was also the site of a battle during the War of 1812.
  • Sabula, Iowa: This unique place is Iowa's only city built entirely on an island!

Kansas: Islands of the Plains

Kansas has islands mainly in its rivers, some of which have changed over time.

  • Ackerman Island: This was once an island in Wichita but is no longer an island today.
  • Kickapoo Island: This island is a historical site, meaning it was an island in the past but might not be today.

Michigan: The Great Lakes Island State

Michigan has more islands than any other state in the Midwest, many of them in the Great Lakes. These islands range from tiny rocks to large, inhabited lands.

  • Amygdaloid Island: Part of Isle Royale National Park, a beautiful wilderness area in Lake Superior.
  • Beaver Island: A large, inhabited island in Lake Michigan, known for its unique history and community.
  • Belle Isle: A large city park in Detroit, located in the Detroit River. It has a zoo, museums, and beautiful gardens.
  • Bois Blanc Island: An inhabited island in Lake Huron, popular for recreation.
  • Drummond Island: Another inhabited island in Lake Huron, known for its outdoor activities.
  • Grand Island: This island is a Grand Island National Recreation Area, offering stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
  • Grosse Ile: A large, inhabited island in the Detroit River, connected to the mainland by bridges.
  • Harsens Island: An inhabited island in Lake St. Clair, known for its wetlands and boating.
  • Isle Royale: A large, remote island in Lake Superior, home to Isle Royale National Park. It's famous for its wolf and moose populations.
  • Mackinac Island: A very popular tourist destination in Lake Huron. No cars are allowed on the island, so people get around by horse and buggy or bicycle!
  • North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island: Both are part of the amazing Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Lake Michigan, known for their huge sand dunes.
  • Sugar Island: An inhabited island in the St. Marys River, home to part of the Bay Mills Indian Reservation.
  • Thunder Bay Island: In Lake Huron, this island is known for its historic lighthouse.

Minnesota: Land of 10,000 Lakes and Islands

Minnesota has countless islands, especially within its many lakes and along the Mississippi River.

  • Big Island: A well-known island in Lake Minnetonka, once home to an amusement park.
  • Coney Island: Located in Lake Waconia, this island is a popular spot.
  • Grey Cloud Island: An island in the Mississippi River, south of St. Paul.
  • Nicollet Island: A historic island in the Mississippi River, right in downtown Minneapolis. It has homes, businesses, and parks.
  • Pike Island: This island is at the meeting point of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, a place important to Native American history.
  • Raspberry Island: Another island in the Mississippi River, located in St. Paul, with a park and walking paths.
  • Star Island: This unique island in Cass Lake has its own lake inside it, called Lake Windigo!

Missouri: River Islands Galore

Missouri's islands are mainly found in its two major rivers, the Missouri River and the Mississippi River.

Missouri River Islands

  • Howell Island: A large island in the Missouri River, managed as a conservation area.
  • Pelican Island: Named after the birds that might visit it.

Mississippi River Islands

  • Credit Island: (Also listed under Iowa, as it's in the Mississippi River between the two states).
  • Grand Tower Island: An island in the Mississippi River near the interesting rock formation called Tower Rock.
  • Tower Rock: While not a true island, this famous rock formation in the Mississippi River is often thought of as one.

Osage River Islands

  • Hawaiian Island: An island in the Osage River.

Nebraska: Islands on the Missouri River

Nebraska shares islands in the Missouri River, which forms part of its eastern border.

  • Goat Island: This island is in the Missouri River, shared with South Dakota.

North Dakota: Islands in the Northern Plains

North Dakota has fewer islands compared to other Midwestern states, but some are notable.

Ohio: The Lake Erie Islands

Ohio is famous for its beautiful islands in Lake Erie, which are popular tourist destinations.

South Dakota: Sharing the Missouri River Islands

South Dakota also shares islands in the Missouri River.

Wisconsin: Islands of the Great Lakes and Rivers

Wisconsin has many islands, especially in Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, as well as in its rivers.

  • Apostle Islands: A stunning group of 21 islands in Lake Superior, part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. They are known for sea caves, lighthouses, and beautiful natural areas.
    • Madeline Island: The largest of the Apostle Islands and the only one with a year-round community.
    • Stockton Island: Known for its singing sands and hiking trails.
  • Brunet Island: Part of a state park, offering camping and outdoor activities.
  • Cana Island: Famous for its historic lighthouse that visitors can climb.
  • Chambers Island: A large island in Green Bay, Lake Michigan.
  • Detroit Island: Another island in Lake Michigan.
  • Doty Island: Located in the Fox River, it's home to parts of two cities.
  • French Island: An island in the Mississippi River, home to a significant population.
  • Jones Island, Milwaukee: A man-made island in Milwaukee, important for shipping and industry.
  • Plum Island: Known for its historic lighthouse and natural beauty.
  • Rock Island: A state park with a historic Icelandic-style boathouse and lighthouse.
  • Washington Island: A large, inhabited island in Lake Michigan, accessible by ferry.

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