Turnip Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Turnip Rock |
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Turnip Rock in 1906; by the 21st century the trees were much taller
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 Location in Michigan
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| Location | Pointe Aux Barques Township, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 44°04′06.04″N 82°57′32.69″W / 44.0683444°N 82.9590806°W |
| Offshore water bodies | Alaska Bay, Lake Huron |
Turnip Rock is a unique rock formation found in Michigan. It stands in the clear, shallow waters of Lake Huron, just a short distance from the shore. This special rock is located near the very tip of a small piece of land called Pointe Aux Barques.
What is Turnip Rock?
Turnip Rock is a type of landform known as a sea stack. A sea stack is a tall, thin piece of rock that has been separated from the mainland by natural forces like wind and water. Turnip Rock is part of the larger "Thumb" area of Michigan, which is a big peninsula shaped like a thumb on a map.
Why Does it Look Like a Turnip?
The most amazing thing about Turnip Rock is its unusual shape. It looks a lot like a giant turnip! This is because the bottom part of the rock has been worn away much more than the top. Strong waves from Lake Huron have constantly crashed against its base over many years. This process, called undercutting, has made the top of the rock much wider than its narrow base. To help protect the rock from more damage, a concrete ring has been built around its bottom.
How Can You See It?
Even though Turnip Rock is a popular sight, it is located on private land. This means you cannot reach it by public roads or walk right up to it. The only way to see Turnip Rock up close is by water. Many people enjoy kayaking or boating to get a good view of this natural wonder.
A Michigan Wonder
Turnip Rock is so unique that it was chosen as one of the top 20 finalists in a special contest. This contest, called "Seven Wonders of Michigan," happened in 2013. It was organized by two big newspapers, the Detroit Free Press and the Lansing State Journal. Even though Turnip Rock wasn't picked as one of the final seven, being a finalist shows how special and well-known it is in Michigan.
