Calf Island

Calf Island is a river island in Michigan located in waters near Detroit, featuring a mosaic of tidal marshes, wildflowers, native grasses, and wild fruit trees. The island's vegetation reflects adaptation to its riverine environment and the thin soil found throughout the landscape.

In 1789, the Massachusetts Humane Society established a refuge hut on the island to aid survivors of shipwrecks in the surrounding waters. Later, in 1845, a settler named James Turner constructed his dwelling using salvaged materials from a wrecked steamer in the area.

During the 1880s, the island attracted people from nearby areas who gathered to watch boxing matches organized during summer weekends.

Access to the island requires water travel, as it sits surrounded by river channels with limited direct shore connections. Visitors should plan for boat transportation and be mindful of water conditions and seasonal variations in the area.

In the 1800s, the island served as a gathering place for sporting events that drew spectators from surrounding neighborhoods during summer months. This recreational use transformed the location into a social hub for the local area.