Middle Island (Lake Huron) facts for kids
 Middle Island
Location in Michigan
Middle Island
Location in the United States
|
|
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Huron |
| Coordinates | 45°11′33″N 83°19′38″W / 45.1925149°N 83.3271950°W |
| Highest elevation | 181 m (594 ft) |
| Administration | |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Alpena County |
| Township | Alpena Township |
Middle Island is an island found in Lake Huron. It is located in Alpena Township, within Alpena County, Michigan. The island is about one and a half miles from the town of Lakewood on the mainland.
On the eastern side of the island stands the Middle Island Light. This lighthouse was built in 1905. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site in the United States. The island also used to have a Life-Saving Station. This station helped rescue people and ships in trouble on the lake. The lighthouse became automatic in 1961, so it no longer needed people to operate it. Middle Island is part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This sanctuary helps protect the lighthouse and a shipwreck called Portsmouth, which sank in 1867.
What is the Middle Island Sinkhole?
The Middle Island Sinkhole is a special underwater spot. It is located about 500 feet north of Middle Island. A sinkhole is a hole in the ground, or in this case, the lakebed. This sinkhole is about 75 feet deep. It is a popular place for divers to explore.
How is the Sinkhole Studied?
Scientists have studied the Middle Island Sinkhole. Groups like the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory have explored it. They learn about the unique conditions and life found inside the sinkhole.
Images for kids
-
A U.S. Census map showing Middle Island near the northern border of Alpena County.
