Travel Planner

“Montreal River Hike”
Episode #2206 Travel planner
Hiking to the mouth of the Montreal River as it tumbles into Lake Superior. Montreal Falls is a rugged, beautiful cascade over blocky volcanic rocks. The views over the lake are incredible.
The 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.
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.
Calumet

Location: Calumet, Michigan
KEWEENAW NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK VISITOR CENTER
Location: 98 5th Street - Calumet, Michigan
As the epicenter of the historic 1900’s Keweenaw copper boom, Calumet has a rich past. But today, it’s known as the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula thanks to its central location, easy access to trails, and a myriad of historical attractions. With a quaint downtown offering several gift shops, galleries, coffee houses, saloons, and more, take some time to discover Calumet.
Established in 1992, the Keweenaw National Historical Park (KNHP), in conjunction with more than twenty individual Heritage Sites, commemorates the heritage of copper mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula – its mines, its machinery, and its people. Begin your exploration by visiting the KNHP Visitor Center in Calumet. The KNHP Headquarters & Visitors Center offers a free interactive museum that dives deep into the history of the copper mining boom in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
- Calumet [Visit Keweenaw]
- Keweenaw National Historical Park [Visit Keweenaw]
- KNHP Visitor Center [Visit Keweenaw]
Poorrock Abbey Preserves at Jampot

JAMPOT
Location: 6500 M-26 - Eagle Harbor, Michigan
HOLY PROTECTION MONASTERY
Location: 6559 M-26 - Eagle Harbor, Michigan
We are a Catholic Monastery of the Byzantine Rite located on the shores of Lake Superior and operate The Jampot as the principal work of our hands. The Jampot offers a wide selection of homemade jams, jellies and preserves and fresh bakery and fruitcakes. The Jampot sold its first jar of Poorrock Abbey™ preserves, made from wild berries picked near our shop, in 1986. Since that time, we’ve been selling our wild berry preserves and other gourmet jams and jellies to customers from around the world.
In our monastery at Jacob's Falls, on the shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, we devote ourselves to a common life of prayer and work for the praise, love, and service of God and for the upbuilding of His Kingdom through the Arts.
- SCMTA [Facebook]
Houghton Douglass Falls

Location: Hammell Creek just off Highway M-26 between Laurium & Lake Linden, Houghton County, Michigan
Douglass Houghton Falls is Michigan's tallest waterfall at 110 feet from the top where Hammell Creek cascades to its base. It is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula between Laurium and Lake Linden just off Highway M-26. Prior to 2018, the waterfall was privately owned and access to the waterfall was restricted due to its dangerous geological makeup. The waterfall is situated in a deep gorge that is flanked by sharp loose rock. The land was acquired by the state of Michigan in 2018, with plans to turn Douglass Houghton Falls into a state scenic site and veterans memorial.
- Waterfalls [Visit Keweenaw]
- Veterans Memorial Scenic Site [Michigan DNR]
The Last Place On Earth

KUUSI MODERN MERCANTILE
Location: 59621 US Highway 41 - Phillipsville, Michigan
Phillipsville is a small community located about 2.5 miles south of Mohawk on US-41. On US-41 is an iconic red brick building that reads "The Last Place on Earth." This historic building dates back to 1880 and is now home to Kuusi Modern Mercantile. Kuusi breathes new life into the mercantile tradition, serving as both a unique shop and an inviting gathering space on the Keweenaw Peninsula. In a landmark building that dates to 1880, housewares and provisions handpicked for their beauty, utility, and quality are complemented by vintage finds and one-of-a-kind art pieces. Made with care and intention, these are items to savor, to treasure, to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary.
- Your Guide To Exploring Mohawk [Visit Keweenaw]
- Kuusi Modern Mercantile
Keweenaw Snow Gauge

Location: US-41 between Mohawk & Phoenix, Michigan
The Keweenaw Snow Gauge is an iconic destination with a nice park for travelers visiting the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This life-sized snow meter can be found on the right side of US-41 as you are driving north and is the tallest snow gauge in the world! The record high snowfall displayed on this massive snow meter was set during the winter of 1978-79, when the Keweenaw received 390.4 inches of snow. During that winter, the Keweenaw received 49.2 inches of snow in November, 116.4" in December, 111.4" in January, 53" in February, 52.6" in March, and 7.8" in April. Each spring the Keweenaw County Road Commission moves the arrow to indicate how much snow fell during the most recent winter. The park includes picnic tables and pit toilets.
- Keweenaw Snow Gauge [Visit Keweenaw]
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.
- Delaware Copper Mine [Visit Keweenaw]
- Delaware Mine Tours
- Delaware Mine [National Park Service]
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.
- Great Sand Bay [Visit Keweenaw]
Copper Harbor

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.
- Copper Harbor [Visit Keweenaw]
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

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.
- Fort Wilkins Historic State Park [Michigan DNR]
- Fort Wilkins Historic State Park [Visit Keweenaw]
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!
