Raspberry Island (Wisconsin) facts for kids
Raspberry Island is a beautiful island located in Lake Superior, a very large lake in northern Wisconsin. It's one of the many Apostle Islands and is part of a special protected area called the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This island is famous for its historic lighthouse.
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Discover Raspberry Island
Raspberry Island is found in Bayfield County, near the town of Russell. Even though it's called Raspberry Island, you won't find wild raspberries growing there today! Long ago, the lighthouse keepers who lived on the island used to grow them in their garden.
There's another island with the same name in Sawyer County, but this Raspberry Island is unique. It's the only one of the Apostle Islands that doesn't have any deer living on it. This makes it a special place for plants and other small animals.
The Famous Lighthouse
The most well-known landmark on Raspberry Island is the Raspberry Island Light. This lighthouse has stood tall for many years, guiding ships safely across Lake Superior. It's an important part of the island's history.
The lighthouse was given a big update in 2006 by the National Park Service. This renovation cost over a million dollars! It helped make sure the lighthouse stays strong and beautiful for many more years.
Life at the Lighthouse
For a long time, the Raspberry Island Lighthouse was home to a lighthouse keeper and his family. This included his wife, daughter, and an assistant. Their job was to keep the light burning bright so ships wouldn't get lost.
The lighthouse family used to have farm animals like horses, cows, and pigs living on the island with them. Today, there are no farm animals on the island.
Nature on the Island
While there are no wild raspberries, the island is still a natural wonder. It's a great place to explore and learn about the plants and animals that live there. The lack of deer means that certain plants can grow freely without being eaten.
A Special Garden
Near the lighthouse, there is a small historical garden. This garden is cared for by the US Boy Scouts from Bayfield. They help keep the history of the lighthouse keepers alive by maintaining this special spot.
Images for kids
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The beautiful shore of Raspberry Island.
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Trees lining the shore of Raspberry Island.
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A peaceful trail on Raspberry Island.
