Travel Planner

Episode #1106

“The Keweenaw Peninsula”

Episode #1106 Travel planner

This rugged wilderness is the northernmost part of Michigan! Here is where the largest freshwater lake on earth creates a peninsula called the Keweenaw. We will hike to Montreal Falls, discover the history of Fort Wilkins and the Delaware Copper Mine, and enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the Great Sand Bay. Plus, we will bring you “Then and Now” giving you a glimpse of what the area was like 20 years ago.

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Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan

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Keweenaw Peninsula

The Keweenaw Peninsula

Keweenaw Peninsula

Location: NW section of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Travelers can reach the Keweenaw by land via US 41 or M-26. It is about 2 hours away from Marquette, MI and about 4 hours away from Green Bay, WI.

KEWEENAW VISITOR CENTER
Location:
56638 Calumet Ave, Calumet, MI 49913
Phone: (906) 337-4579

In the native Ojibwe language “Keweenaw” roughly translates to “the crossing place” and today, its natural beauty and history draw people seeking to experience outdoor adventure in a rugged, remote wilderness setting. The Keweenaw Peninsula is in the heart of Lake Superior in the northern most part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The Keweenaw region has several small towns which formed around the area’s copper mining industry during the 1900s. The cities of Houghton and Hancock, connected by the Portage Lake Lift Bridge spanning the Keweenaw Waterway, are the largest communities. Smaller towns, like Calumet, Chassell, Copper Harbor, Eagle Harbor, and Eagle River, have their own personalities and ways to experience UP north.

The Keweenaw is home to hundreds of miles of outdoor recreation trails, countless beaches and waterfalls, and thousands of acres of pristine wildness perfect for summer and winter outdoor activities. While many visitors enjoy explore the Keweenaw’s backcountry, the area's collection of national, state and local parks offers access to an abundant collection of natural and historical attractions.

The Keweenaw is also well known for its collection of historical attractions which preserve the region’s copper mining heritage. The Keweenaw National Historical Park, along with a collection of 20+ heritage sites allow visitors to explore the region’s history and the industry’s impact on the land and people. Popular experiences include tours of the Quincy Mine and Delaware Mine, the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum, lighthouse tours and local museums.

Delaware Copper Mine

Delaware Copper Mine

Location: 7804 Delaware Mine Road - Mohawk, Michigan
Phone: (906) 289-4688

Located 12 miles south of Copper Harbor the Delaware Mine is located in the heart of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. The mine was in operation from 1847 to 1887 and over 8 million tons of copper came out of the five mine shafts. This authentic, historic mine offers a walking tour that takes you 100 feet below ground to explore one of the earliest mines to operate during the country's first major mining boom. You'll see pure veins of copper exposed in the walls of the mine, along with other geological interests. A Heritage Site of the Keweenaw National Historical Park. Antique engine display, mining equipment displays, walking trails & picnic facilities, including an underground picnic area. Gift shop outfitted for fans of the mine and kids! Delaware Mine Tours is dedicated to preserving the rich history of copper mining in the area. The self-guided tours offer a unique glimpse into the past and the opportunity to learn about the people and technology that made it all possible.

Great Sand Bay

Great Sand Bay

Location: Lake Superior | between Eagle River and Eagle Harbor, Michigan

Located on the beautiful shores of the Keweenaw is Great Sand Bay. This beautiful bay is located on the northwest shore of majestic Lake Superior between Eagle River and Eagle Harbor. Great Sand Bay is a great place to stop and look for agates or other beautiful rocks. It is also home to some beautiful wind swept sand dunes. This is a great spot for watching the sunsets or to sit and unwind while taking in the beauty of Lake Superior.

FUN FACT: Great Sand Bay is the namesake of Great Getaways' production company.

Copper Harbor

Copper Harbor Michigan

Location: Copper Harbor, Michigan

In the early 1870’s when the copper rush started, Copper Harbor quickly became a well-known entry to the peninsula. Home to Fort Wilkins, which was built for the Army to occupy and keep order, the village was an outlet for copper leaving the Keweenaw. Today, you’ll find this small town brimming with energy and Pacific Northwest vibes thanks to mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking respite in one of the Midwest’s last undiscovered special places.

Offering unparalleled views of the Keweenaw wilderness and Lake Superior, Brockway Mountain is one of Copper Harbor’s most beloved attractions. Visitors can opt to enjoy a scenic 9.5 mile stretch off M-26 between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor to enjoy the views (up to 1,300 feet above sea level), or climb the peak by bike and enjoy incredible downhill singletrack trails. In the spring, Brockway Mountain serves as a key stop along the annual North American hawk migration pathway. Visitors can enjoy viewing dozens of raptors soaring on upward thermals which help rest tired wings as the birds seek prey to power their journey. Constructed in 1933 through a federal work program, the road is named in honor of Daniel Brockway, one of the original residents in this region of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

Fort Wilkins

Location: 15223 U.S Highway 41 - Copper Harbor, Michigan
Size: 700 Acres

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, located in the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, features a modern campground, trails, a historical fort with a living history program, two 1860s lighthouses on Lake Superior and much more. Built in 1844, Fort Wilkins was intended to keep law and order during the Copper Rush. The fort tells the story of life on the northern frontier during the mid-1800s.

Visitors will enjoy a quarter-mile of rocky Lake Superior shoreline, Lake Fanny Hooe and a quarter-mile of sandy beach on Lake Manganese. The park features a restored 1844 army military outpost, including 19 buildings, with a living history program provided by the Michigan History Center. Visitors can experience a look back at life on the northern frontier during the mid-1800s and a time when soldiers were stationed in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Montreal River Hike

Montreal River Hike

Location: tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan

ECO-INTERPRETIVE HIKING TOURS
Location: Copper Harbor, Michigan
Phone: (906) 289-4303

Montreal River Mouth Eco-Interpretive Hiking Tour - A Waterfall to "Wow" You (4hr) The Montreal River pushed its way between the lava flows which forms the Keweenaw until it found a crack and a long cascade down to Lake Superior. This three mile hike takes you to the upper falls where the entire river drops 50 foot through a notch in the ridge. Then follow the rivers spectacular run to the Lake. The most remarkable water falls you will ever see!

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse

Eagle Harbor Light

Location: 670 Lighthouse Road - Eagle Harbor, Michigan

Located at the west end of Eagle Harbor, the present brick structure was built in 1871. It is now a part of the Keweenaw County Historical Society's Light Station Museum Complex and is open to the public. Since 1982 the Keweenaw County Historical Society has maintained four museums at the light station: a Maritime Museum in the old fog signal building, a Keweenaw History Museum located in the old U. S. Coast Guard Station garage, and Commercial Fishing Museum located in one of the assistant keepers' buildings. Guided tours of the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and accompanying museums take place mid-June to mid-October. During the winter season, the exterior grounds are open for self-guided viewing.

Eagle Harbor Inn

Eagle Harbor Inn

Location: 460 W North Street - Eagle Harbor, Michigan

Eight unit motel and restaurant. An Inn wouldn't be an Inn, without rooms to rent. We have seven single rooms that we rent. All rooms come standard with in-room coffee, cable TV, stand up showers, and daily housekeeping. There is also a one bedroom furnished apartment for rent by the month. Included in the apartment is a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and cable TV. No housekeeping is included, call for availability. Both the single rooms and the apartment have access to a large Sauna for private use. Restaurant has a full menu, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Also homemade pizza, BBQ ribs, soups and desserts. Short walking distance to beach, historic Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and snowmobile trail.

Episode #1106