Washington Island (Michigan) facts for kids
 Washington Island
Location in Michigan
Washington Island (Michigan)
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Superior Isle Royale National Park |
| Coordinates | 47°52′30″N 89°15′00″W / 47.87500°N 89.25000°W |
| Area | 1 sq mi (2.6 km2) |
| Administration | |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Keweenaw County |
| Township | Eagle Harbor Township |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Washington Island is a quiet, empty island in Lake Superior. It's part of Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. This park is a group of many islands, and Washington Island is usually shown as the furthest west. However, two tiny spots, Bottle Island and Rock of Ages, are even further west.
About Washington Island
Washington Island is about 2 miles (3.2 km) long. It is also about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) wide. Like the other islands in Isle Royale, Washington Island is an old ridge of rock called basalt. This ridge runs from the southwest to the northeast.
Visiting the Island
Washington Island is separated from the main Isle Royale by Grace Harbor. Not many people visit Washington Island. Most visitors are sea kayakers who paddle from the nearby Windigo Ranger Station.
The waters around Washington Island can be very dangerous. Lake Superior often has strong storms. Because of this, new kayakers are advised not to paddle in these waters.
Safety on the Water
Many large boats, like lake freighters, have sunk in the stormy waters near Washington Island. The Rock of Ages Light is a lighthouse built in 1908. It helps warn boats to stay away from these dangerous areas.
The government also built a radio beacon tower on the eastern tip of Washington Island. This tower faces Isle Royale and sends out signals to help boats navigate safely.
Passenger ferries that travel around the Isle Royale islands use Grace Harbor. They pass very close to Washington Island.
Points of Interest
