Sugar Island (Detroit River) facts for kids
USGS aerial imagery of Sugar Island
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 Sugar Island
Location in Wayne County, Michigan
Sugar Island
Location in Michigan
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Detroit River |
| Coordinates | 42°05′29″N 83°08′39″W / 42.09139°N 83.14417°W |
| Area | 30 acres (12 ha) |
| Administration | |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Wayne County |
| Township | Grosse Ile Township |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Sugar Island is a small piece of land in the Detroit River. It is located between two other islands, Grosse Ile and Boblo Island. Sugar Island is part of Grosse Ile Township in Wayne County, Michigan, United States. It is about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) west of the border with Canada.
Today, no one lives on Sugar Island. It has recently become a special place for wildlife. The US Fish and Wildlife Service now protects it. Most of the island is covered in trees. It is also known for its white sandy beaches. People can easily reach it by boat.
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What is Sugar Island?
Sugar Island is a small, quiet island. It sits in the middle of the Detroit River. This river connects Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. The island is a natural spot with lots of trees. It also has pretty sandy beaches.
Where is Sugar Island Located?
Sugar Island is in the lower part of the Detroit River. It is very close to the Canadian border. The island is part of Michigan, a state in the United States. It belongs to a local area called Grosse Ile Township.
What Does Sugar Island Look Like?
The island is mostly covered with woods. It has beautiful white sand along its edges. Even though it is small, it is a great place for nature. It is not a busy place, as no people live there permanently.
A Look Back: Sugar Island's Past
Long ago, in the early 1900s, Sugar Island was a popular place. It had a fun resort park. There was also a large building for dancing. People would visit the island for entertainment.
Fun Times at the Resort
From about 1900 to 1940, Sugar Island was a lively resort. People came to enjoy the park. They also danced in the big dance hall. Visitors reached the island by special boats called steam ferries.
The Story of the SS Tashmoo
One famous steam ferry was the SS Tashmoo. It carried many people to Sugar Island. But on June 18, 1936, something went wrong. The Tashmoo hit a rock when leaving the island. Luckily, it was able to drop off its passengers. They got off safely in Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada. After that, the Tashmoo sank.
Protecting Nature: A Wildlife Refuge
For many years, private owners owned Sugar Island. They had plans to build a bridge to the island. They also wanted to build houses there. But many groups did not like this idea. These groups cared about the environment.
Why is it a Refuge?
Environmental groups worried about the island's wildlife. Sugar Island is a very important resting spot. Many different kinds of birds stop there during their long journeys. These birds are called migratory birds. Protecting the island helps these birds survive.
Who Owns it Now?
Because of its importance, the US Fish and Wildlife Service bought the island. They paid $434,100 for it. Now, Sugar Island is a special wildlife refuge. This means it is a protected area for animals and plants. It helps keep the natural environment safe.
