Three Mile Island (Lake Winnipesaukee) facts for kids
Three Mile Island (left), shown here with Rock Island (middle right), Hawks Nest Island (bottom right), and Nabby Island (between Three Mile and Hawks Nest)
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 Three Mile Island
Location in New Hampshire Lakes Region
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith, New Hampshire |
| Coordinates | 43°40′16″N 71°25′20″W / 43.6710°N 71.4222°W |
| Area | 43 acres (17 ha) |
| Coastline | 1 mi (2 km)(approx) |
| Highest elevation | 554 ft (168.9 m)(50 ft (15 m) above water level) |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Belknap County |
| Town | Meredith |
Three Mile Island is a special island located in Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. It's about three miles away from the town of Center Harbor. Since 1900, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has owned this island. They run it as a fun summer camp for families.
Contents
Exploring Three Mile Island's Geography
Three Mile Island covers an area of 43 acres (17 ha). It is about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) long and 0.25 miles (0.4 km) wide. If you walk all the way around it, the shoreline is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. The highest part of the island is a ridge that runs from north to south. This ridge is about 50 feet (15 m) to 60 feet (18 m) higher than the water level.
The island's edge is mostly made of stones. However, there are also three small sandy beaches. You won't find any large lakes or rivers on the island itself. But there are five swampy areas. The biggest one is called the Rhododendron Swamp. Close by, within 300 feet (90 m), are three smaller islands. These are Hawk's Nest Island, Rock Island, and Nabby Island.
Plants and Trees on the Island
The plants on Three Mile Island are typical for this area. You'll see a mix of trees that lose their leaves in fall (deciduous) and trees that stay green all year (evergreen). Common trees include maple, pine, oak, and witch-hazel.
On the ground, you might find Canada mayflower, sheep laurel, iris, and pink lady's slipper. There's also a rare flower called the ram's-head lady's slipper. If you visit in summer, you might discover wild blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries.
Animals and Wildlife
Three Mile Island is home to many different animals. You'll see lots of water birds like ducks, Canada geese, and loons. There are also bats and small animals like squirrels, chipmunks, and mink. Sometimes, larger animals like deer or even moose visit the island. They might walk across the frozen lake in winter or swim over when the ice melts.
Three Mile Island Summer Camp
The AMC bought Three Mile Island between 1899 and 1900. Today, they run a family camp there. It's a "full-service" camp, meaning they provide many things for campers.
Campers stay in one of 47 cabins or 5 wood-framed tents. Each cabin has two beds and its own private dock. However, these cabins do not have electricity or running water. Campers usually stay for one or two weeks during the nine-week summer season. Some cabins are also open for four weekends in the fall. Other special programs, like music camps and yoga retreats, are held on the island too.
Daily Life and Activities at Camp
During the summer, the camp provides three meals a day. There are also many activities and programs for everyone. Campers can use hiking trails, tennis courts, and volleyball courts for free. You can also rent sailboats and canoes for a small fee.
Only a few buildings on the island have electricity. These include the main lodge where meals are served, the recreation hall, the changing rooms on the main dock, and the quiet Retreat reading room. Only the lodge and changing rooms have running water. There are no flush toilets on the island. Instead, there are several outhouses, including two modern composting ones.
To get to the island, you need a boat. You can use your own boat or take the camp's launch. The launch runs three times a day during the summer. A typical day at camp might include exploring the woods, swimming, boating, learning about nature, doing crafts, and relaxing. To help everyone enjoy nature, electronic devices like cell phones and laptops are not allowed in public areas.
Fun Traditions at Camp
Over its 100-year history, Three Mile Island Camp has developed many fun traditions:
- Every morning, campers wake up to the sound of reveille played on a bugle.
- Before meals, First Call is played to tell campers to gather at the main lodge. Campers wait to sit until Mess Call is played, signaling that it's time to eat.
- On the first Saturday night, a "Town Meeting" is held. The camp manager explains the rules and schedule. The college-aged staff, called the "croo," also introduce themselves.
- On Sunday nights, there's a "Sunday Sing." The croo, dressed in white, and the campers sing many songs. The evening ends with taps played on the bugle.
- During the week, campers can enjoy a square dance and a talent show.
- Mail arrives every day except Sunday at noon. The M/V Sophie C boat delivers it. Campers often gather at the dock to buy ice cream and snacks from the boat.
In 2014, Yankee magazine named Three Mile Island the Best Family Camp in New Hampshire.
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