Come on up to Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, taking a step back in time, located in the north western area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A place rich in history, friendly people and some of the most spectacular scenery Michigan has to offer. Surrounded on 3 sides by the largest body of fresh water in the world, the Keweenaw is a 4 seasonal recreation play ground, dotted with waterfalls throughout, adding to it’s charm.
While here, there is much to do, whether it is rock hounding, 4-wheeling or snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, boating or its historical value, you are sure to find something to please everyone. Be sure to check out Quincy Mine Hoist, offering a tour of this 94 level mine that has produced over 300 million tons of copper. Be sure to bring a jacket, for even on the hottest day, once inside the mine it is a constant cool temperature all year round. It is located on US-41 heading out of Hancock towards Calumet.
Perhaps you may like Fort Wilkins, a living history fort that was built in 1844 to protect prospectors from local Indians. Actors re-create fort personnel of the period, truly having you step back in time. Tour the various buildings and artifacts while there and talk to the actors. Located just outside of Copper Harbor on the very northern tip of the Keweenaw, you may even want to stay at the nearby campsite and perhaps get the chance to see the northern lights.
If you are heading up towards Copper Harbor, off M-26 be sure to take the Brockway Mountain Drive, the highest elevation on the Keweenaw with stunning views from the top. Brockway Mountain is also an area of migrating birds, so if you are into birding, this 9 and a half mile drive is the place to be. This is also a great place to be on the 4rth of July if you are coming down the drive and park where it overlooks Copper Harbor. This drive has been named the most scenic drive in the U.S.A so you don’t want to miss it!
Calumet Theatre in Calumet is a historical Opera House that still puts on a variety of music, shows, dance, opera and theatre throughout the year. Guided tours are given here starting in June and lasting through the color season which varies year to year but usually in September.
If you are looking for a great place to eat, try the Pilgrim Steak House on US-41 right before you get into Houghton. This is a top rate restraint, with excellent food, rated the 5th in all of Michigan and impeccable service. It can be a little pricey but for a steak house it is reasonable and you will find it was money well spent.
There is much to do and see on the Keweenaw and an excellent all around family vacation destination. The ghost towns from the copper mining days are charming; there are several historical buildings to check out including the Laurium Manor Guided tour in Laurium, near Calumet. Miles of Beaches to swim or fish at, or if you like take a tour on one of the boat cruises you can get in Houghton that runs down the Portage Canal. Scenic drives or hikes abound whether on the roads if you are driving or the miles and miles of snowmobile trails for hiking or biking. Just be careful, if you come, you just may not ever want to leave.
