Manitou Island (Lake Superior) facts for kids
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Lake Superior, Grant Township, Keweenaw County, Michigan, United States |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State | Michigan |
| County | Keweenaw County |
| Township | Grant Township |
Manitou Island is a small island located in Lake Superior. It sits off the northeastern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan, a U.S. state. The island is part of Grant Township in Keweenaw County.
Manitou Island is about three miles from the mainland. It covers roughly 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) (about 4 square kilometers). Not many people have visited the island. This is because it is far away and the waters around the peninsula can be dangerous. The island is mostly covered in forests. It also has some wet, marshy areas called bogs. There is even a small lake inside the island called "Perch Lake." Getting around the island can be tough due to thick bushes, but there are a few simple trails. The Keweenaw Land Trust helps protect 93 acres (0.38 km2) of the island. This protected area is known as the Manitou Island Light Station Preserve.
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History of Manitou Island
People have found old test pits on Manitou Island. These pits suggest that mining might have happened there for a short time. Even though there are many trees, logging is not practical. This is because the island is remote and its timber is not the best quality.
In the past, commercial fishermen used the island as a place to camp. They would stay overnight on the south beaches while setting their fishing nets nearby. Today, visitors can reach the island using a dock made of timber and rocks. This dock is located near the old lighthouse.
Birdwatching and Conservation
Since 2002, birdwatchers have been studying the different types of birds on Manitou Island. They have recorded about 203 different bird species. Many of these are raptors (like hawks and eagles) and waterbirds that migrate. Observers have also made a list of over 80 species that might be nesting on the island.
The Audubon Society in Keweenaw now organizes regular bird observations. They are working with the Keweenaw Land Trust to study and protect this special habitat and its birds. Manitou Island is important for birds, just like other places in Michigan and the Great Lakes. These include Peninsula Point Light, Tawas Point State Park, and Whitefish Point Light/Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. Many Important Bird Areas are found across Michigan.
Lighthouses of Manitou Island
Manitou Island has been most important for its lighthouses. These lights help guide ships safely on Lake Superior.
Manitou Island Light Station
The most important use of Manitou Island has been the Manitou Island Light Station. It is located on the eastern tip of the island. This lighthouse was first built in 1849. It is still used today, but no one lives there. It runs on solar power.
The Keweenaw Land Trust took ownership of the Light Station and the land around it in 2004. The new owners want to encourage people to visit Manitou Island. They hope visitors will enjoy camping, collecting rocks, hiking, boating, kayaking, fishing, and sightseeing at the old light station. They also want to protect the island's beautiful scenery and natural habitats.
Gull Rock Light Station
Gull Rock is a tiny islet (a very small island) located about half a mile west of Manitou Island. It has a historic lighthouse that was built in 1867. Like the Manitou light, it still works as a navigation aid without a keeper. Recently, a local group bought Gull Rock and its old lighthouse. They plan to fix it up and restore it.
