Horseshoe Island is a paradise located in the Detroit River that is home to a large population of birds. The island is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, hikers and nature enthusiasts who come to explore the lush vegetation, abundant wildlife and striking sandstone cliffs.
Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources manages the island as a natural resource and offers visitors access to the area through designated trails and viewing platforms.
Contents
All About Of Horseshoe Island
History
Horseshoe Island is located in the Detroit River just south of Belle Isle and east of Grosse Ile. The island was first claimed by the French in 1679 and passed through various hands before being purchased by Gideon H. Slavering in 1892.
Slavering developed a resort on the island that featured gaming tables, a dance pavilion and a golf course. In 1927, he donated the island to the state of Michigan.
The Department of Natural Resources now operates a nature center on the island that features various educational displays, canoe and kayak rentals, self-guided walking trails along rock formations, an Education Center with a library and childhood education programs as well as event space for weddings at the Belle Isle Conservatory.
Climate
The climate on Horseshoe Island is temperate, with a slightly wetter summer and cooler winter months. There are several types of vegetation found on the island, such as hardwood trees along with oak savanna areas and sandy flats.
The rock formations surrounding Horseshoe Island provide many habitats for birds, insects and small animals. The area is home to the Yellow-breasted Chat and the rare semi freshwater mussel, “Plectostoma apicinum”. Common bird species include Ring-billed Gulls, Barn Swallows, Red Knots and Rock Pigeons.
Culture
Horseshoe Island is home to the Horseshoe Island Lighthouse, a decommissioned lighthouse that currently houses a visitor center. The island is also the location of the annual Grosse Ile Summer Arts and Music Festival.
Horseshoe Island is also home to other nearby attractions, such as Belle Isle State Park and the Detroit Zoo. The island has a bicycle trail on its west side that links the Grosse Ile campus of Wayne State University with Belle Isle along Sarnia Road.
Politics
Horseshoe Island is a part of the City of Sarnia and is represented in the Ontario legislature by Todd Smith from the Liberal Party. Horseshoe Island also runs its own local government, the Horseshoe Island CCA, which is responsible for managing various services including fire and ambulance.
The island’s mayor is Wayne Jackson who was elected in November of 2003. Andrew Burnett was appointed director for day-to-day operations in December 2007 by Smith and serves as his Chief Administrative Officer.
Government Services
The Canadian Coast Guard is responsible for the island’s security, enforcement of fisheries regulations and search and rescue.
Various municipal departments are also involved in providing services on Horseshoe Island, such as social assistance, environmental health, water resources management and public works. Horseshoe Island has a mayor, an elected council of eight members and its own community administration.
Economy
The island is primarily used for agricultural purposes. Horseshoe Island has a market town designation and is home to a grocery store, two general stores and three restaurants. The primary employers on the island are Wayne State University and the Coast Guard station.
Tourism is also an important industry on Horseshoe Island with students making use of the summer arts and music festival as well as visits from cruise ships docking in Sarnia . Horseshoe Island is featured in the TV show Canada Finds Out and also has a park named after it.
Transport
Horseshoe Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge. There are ferry services available during peak season. Horseshoe Island is also home to a volunteer fire department and provides its own ambulance service.
The island has an airport located in the community of Magee Bay, but it does not provide commercial flights or passenger transportation.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Horseshoe Island is predominantly based around seafood. Typical dishes include lobster, crab and shrimp meals. Other mainstays of Horseshoe Island include beef, chicken and pork.
Horseshoe Island is also home to a large number of sports enthusiasts including baseball, football at the minuscule Magee Bay team as well as hockey players on the Sarnia Clippers (Canadian Hockey League) side competing in the American Hockey League under coach John Paddock.
Wildlife
Horseshoe Island is home to a great number of shorebirds and other wildlife including beavers, raccoons and bears. Named for the shape of it, a horseshoe shaped inlet into Lake Huron , Horseshoe Island is part of District 5 and represented by Councillor Lynette Cowper.
The island has a small town (population 38), with two grocery stores, three restaurants, one doctor’s office and approximately fifty houses.
Most transportation services are provided out on Magee Bay through high speed ferries that travel back-and -forth every half-hour. There are also small one horse and buggy tours of the island available year round as well, which run earlier than the ferry services during school holiday periods when traffic is more minimal.
Conclusion
Horseshoe Island is known for its natural beauty and serenity. It is also a popular weekend getaway spot for Toronto’s affluent citizens. What many people don’t know, is that horseshoe island is also the site of a top-secret government research facility.
This facility has been involved in some of the most groundbreaking scientific discoveries in history, including the development of the atomic bomb. If you’re a fan of history and want to see some of the most impressive architecture in Canada, then horseshoe island is definitely worth a visit!
FAQs
1. How Long Is The Trip From Toronto?
Ans: The trip from Toronto takes roughly 2 hours.
2.What Is The Cost Of Admission?
Ans: There is no fee for admission to horseshoe island. However, it can be difficult to reach some of the viewing platforms and trails, so it’s advisable to make advance plans if you want to visit during peak season.
3.Is Horseshoe Island Easy To Get To?
Ans: Finding the trailhead and reaching particular areas can be a little tricky, but there are signs all over the island that indicate directions. Horseshoe island is also considered one of Canada’s premier bird watching spots, so it is highly recommended you bring along your birding gear!
4.How Much Time Should I Plan For?
Ans: You can easily spend the whole day on horseshoe island, but don’t forget you have other cities to see! If you would like to make it your main destination while in Toronto (or any Canadian city), please allow enough time to eat something other than a hot dog and catch up on sleep.
5. How Long Does It Take To Get Around?
Ans: Horseshoe island is relatively small, so you can reach all the viewing platforms within one hour. However, because many of the trails are old and rugged up and down hills (and under bridges), allow a little extra time than normal if you need to cover ground quickly.
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