Upper Sugarloaf Key facts for kids
One of the rare stoplights in the lower Keys Overseas Highway, at Crane Blvd, is on Upper Sugarloaf Key. Crane Boulevard, leads to Sugarloaf Elementary school and Sugarloaf Middle School, residential area of the island and the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge with an excellent bicycling trail.
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 Upper Sugarloaf Key
Location in Florida
Upper Sugarloaf Key
Location in Caribbean
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Gulf of Mexico |
| Coordinates | 24°39′43″N 81°31′44″W / 24.662°N 81.529°W |
| Archipelago | Florida Keys |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Florida Straits |
| Administration | |
| State | Florida |
| County | Monroe |
Upper Sugarloaf Key is a cool island located in the sunny Florida Keys. It's about 15 miles east of Key West. This island is part of a bigger, U-shaped island called Sugarloaf Key. Upper Sugarloaf Key is the "upper arm" of this U-shape.
The famous Overseas Highway (also known as U.S. 1) crosses Upper Sugarloaf Key. You can find schools, a church, a restaurant, and even a campground here.
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What is Upper Sugarloaf Key?
Upper Sugarloaf Key is a part of the larger Sugarloaf Key island. It sits between Park Key and Cudjoe Key. The island has a unique U-shape, with a body of water called Upper Sugarloaf Sound in its center.
Important Places on the Key
Upper Sugarloaf Key is home to a few important spots:
- Schools: Sugarloaf Elementary School and Sugarloaf Middle School are right where U.S. Route 1 meets Crane Boulevard.
- Wildlife Refuge: If you follow Crane Boulevard to its end, you'll find the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. This is a special place for protecting birds and other wildlife.
How Did Sugarloaf Key Get Its Name?
The name "Sugarloaf" has a couple of interesting stories behind it.
The Sugarloaf Mound
One idea is that the name came from a mound of earth on the east side of Upper Sugarloaf Key. This mound was said to look like an old-fashioned "sugarloaf." Back in the day, sugar was often sold in cone shapes that looked like a small mountain or loaf.
The Sugarloaf Pineapple
Another story suggests the name comes from a type of pineapple called 'sugarloaf'. These sweet pineapples used to grow in the area. They were very soft and delicious, but because they didn't travel well, you don't see them in stores much anymore.
