Shoe Island (Lake Michigan) Explained

Shoe Island
Map:Michigan
Location:Lake Michigan
Coordinates:45.8069°N -85.2978°W
Area Acre:3
Elevation Ft:581
Country:United States
Country Admin Divisions Title:State
Country Admin Divisions:Michigan
Country1 Admin Divisions Title:County
Country1 Admin Divisions:Charlevoix County
Country2 Admin Divisions Title:Township
Country2 Admin Divisions:St. James Township
Population:Uninhabited

Shoe Island is a small island or islet in the Beaver Island archipelago in Lake Michigan. It is about 3acres in size and located in eastern St. James Township, Charlevoix County, Michigan. It became part of the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge in 1943, and was designated as part of the Michigan Islands Wilderness Area in 1970.[1]

Like several other components of the Michigan Islands NWR, Shoe Island was formed during the Wisconsin glaciation. Geologically, it is a heap of boulders and gravel left behind by a retreating glacier. Islets of this type form good nesting places for freshwater seabirds.

Notes and References

  1. Book: 2002. Michigan Atlas and Gazetteer (10th ed.). DeLorme. Yarmouth, Maine. 93.