Pilot Island facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Pilot Island

Pilot Island from air
Pilot Island Location in Wisconsin Show map of Wisconsin Pilot Island Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Geography
Location	Door County, Wisconsin
Coordinates	45°17′06″N 086°55′11″W / 45.28500°N 86.91972°W / 45.28500; -86.91972
Adjacent bodies of water	Lake Michigan
Highest elevation	581 ft (177.1 m)
Administration
United States

Pilot Island is a small island located in Lake Michigan, which is one of the Great Lakes. It's found in Door County, Wisconsin, and is part of a special protected area called the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. An old, unused lighthouse, known as the Pilot Island Light, stands on the island.

Pilot Island sits right in the middle of the southern entrance to a tricky waterway called the Porte des Morts passage. This passage is off the very tip of the Door Peninsula. The island got its name because sailors used it as a "pilot" or guide when they were navigating through the dangerous Porte des Morts passage.

Islands Near Pilot Island

Pilot Island is the small island at the lower right. The larger Plum Island is at the lower left. Above Pilot Island, you can see the long and narrow Detroit Island, with Washington Island further away in the distance.

This map shows the islands in the Death's Door area. Pilot Island is located in the southeastern part of the map.

Pilot Island is surrounded by other islands in the Lake Michigan area. These islands are all part of a group located near the tip of the Door Peninsula in Wisconsin.

The area around Pilot Island, including the Porte des Morts passage, is known for its challenging waters. Sailors in the past relied on landmarks like Pilot Island to help them navigate safely.

Images for kids

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  Pilot Island, seen on May 23, 2013.