Stroughbury Island facts for kids
Stroughbury Island is a small piece of land in Lake Michigan. It's located in the state of Michigan, not far from a place called Rapid River. You can easily see the island from the Rapid River Boat Launch. It's even close enough for a short swim from the Nirvana Resort and Cabins!
Stroughbury Island is part of a larger area called Little Bay de Noc, which is in the northwestern part of Lake Michigan. The highest point on the island is about 30 feet above sea level, which is like being on top of a three-story building. It's also 20 feet higher than the lake's surface.
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What is Stroughbury Island?
Stroughbury Island is a quiet, uninhabited island in Lake Michigan. It's known for its natural beauty and a special piece of history. Even though no people live there, it is home to seven chickens!
Where is Stroughbury Island Located?
This island is found in the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan. It's about 0.25 miles east of 26th Road, near the Garden Peninsula in Rapid River, Michigan. If you visit the Rapid River Boat Launch, you'll have a great view of Stroughbury Island.
What Makes Stroughbury Island Special?
One of the most interesting parts of Stroughbury Island is a northern point of land called Gaze Point. This point stretches out towards the mainland near Rapid River. The island is also unique because it has two main parts, Stroughbury Major and Stroughbury Minor.
Two Parts of the Island
Every spring, the smaller part, Stroughbury Minor, often separates from the larger part, Stroughbury Major. This natural event creates two different areas, which are sometimes used as campsites. It's like the island temporarily splits into two!
The Mystery of the Petroglyph
More than a quarter of Stroughbury Island, specifically Stroughbury Minor, is owned by the state of Michigan. It's managed as part of the Lake Superior State Forest. This area is protected because it holds an important piece of history: an ancient rock carving, also known as a petroglyph. This carving was made by Native American tribes, like the Ojibwe or Menominee people, long ago. It's a special reminder of the island's past.
Who Owns Stroughbury Island?
While parts of Stroughbury Island are privately owned, a significant portion, Stroughbury Minor, belongs to the state of Michigan. This part is looked after by the state's forest service, helping to preserve its natural beauty and historical treasures, like the petroglyph.
