Keweenaw Heritage Sites (Michigan, USA)

“Superior” scenery, historical sites, museums, lighthouses, beautiful old buildings, abandoned mines – we must be in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – specifically the Keweenaw Peninsula area.  While we are here in this scenic section of Superior, we will focus on the Keweenaw Heritage Sites.

For instance, while driving on US-41 (north of Baraga), we see a brown-colored historical sign for Hanka Homestead Heritage Site.  On a whim, we decide to get off the beaten path and drive the 6-7 miles to see it.  This historic site is located several miles west of US-41 at the dead-end of a dirt road.  The 40-acre farm consists of eight buildings including the house.   We spend about an hour touring the house and buildings.  

Hanka Homestead

For more information on the Hanka Homestead, I invite you to view my Blog Post by clicking on the following link:

Hanka Homestead - Keweenaw Heritage Site

The Southwell Elementary School was built in 1917 and served as a school until 1992. It now serves as the Chassell Heritage Center (located at 42373 Hancock Street - about one block west of US-41 in Chassell). This Keweenaw Heritage Site museum is opened with limited hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays during July and August.

Chassell Heritage Center

Just east of Hancock, at the top of Quincy Hill, is the Quincy Mine & Hoist.  We stop at the gift shop and buy tickets for the 5pm tour (2 hours).   Our tour begins at the brick 1894 Hoist House, followed by a tram ride down the steep hillside to the entrance of the mine.  At this point, we board a tractor pulled wagon that takes us 1,800 feet inside the mine where we learn how copper was mined.  Back up the hill, our tour concluded with a visit to the elaborate 1918 Hoist House.  

Quincy Mine & Hoist

Cog Wheel Tram Ride to Mine Entrance

For more information on the Quincy Mine, I invite you to view my Blog Post by clicking on the following link:    

Digging Deep in Copper Country - Quincy Mine 

Along M-26 in Lake Linden, is the Houghton County Historical Museum Complex.  This site was once the location of the largest copper milling operation in North America.  Now, it showcases historical buildings and equipment. 

Houghton County Historical Museum

Houghton County Historical Museum Complex

For more information on the Museum Complex, I invite you to view my Blog Post by clicking on the following link

Houghton County Historical Museum

In the town of Laurium is the beautiful Laurium Mansion.  This 13,000 square foot structure is the largest home in the western Upper Peninsula.  The once vacant building has been restored and now serves as an elegant Bed & Breakfast.  We stayed at this B&B just to experience the opulence of this historic site.   

Laurium Mansion

Near Laurium is another historic town – Calumet. This former mining town showcases its late-19^th century copper mining history and, in 1989, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   

Fifth Street in Calumet

At the corner of Scott and Fifth Streets (at the entrance to downtown Calumet) is the St. Anne’s Church.  In 1966, this Catholic church “deconsecrated” the building. It remained vacant or underutilized for three decades receiving little to no maintenance during those years. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers and various forms of funding, this former church now serves as the Keweenaw Heritage Center offering exhibits that demonstrate the traditions and heritage of the Keweenaw area. 

Keweenaw Heritage Center - St. Anne's Church

The Calumet Fire Station (aka Red Jacket Fire Station) was built in 1898. It is home to the Upper Peninsula Firefighters Museum. 

Calumet Historic Fire Station

The Calumet Theater is located at 340 Sixth Street). This historic opera house opened in 1900. For a small fee, the public can tour certain areas of the building. In 1971, it was designated a Michigan Historic site in 1971 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 Calumet Theater - Exterior & Interior

For more information on the Historic Calumet, I invite you to view my Blog Post by clicking on the following link:

Historic Calumet    

The Delaware Mine is one of the oldest underground copper mines in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Located on US-41 (about 12 miles south of Copper Harbor), visitors can take a self-guided tour through one of the mining tunnels (about 1,700 feet in length). Situated 100 feet below the surface, visitors have the opportunity to see displays and exhibit signs describing how the mining process was done.

Delaware Mine - 1,700 feet of Tunnel

 Above ground there is a short trail that passes by building ruins and antique equipment.

Ruins at Delaware Mine

If you are interested in more ghost towns located in Keweenaw County, I invite you to view my blog post "Keen on Keweenaw County Ghost Towns" by clicking on the following link:

Ghost Towns in Keweenaw County

At the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula (east of Copper Harbor), is Fort Wilkins Historic State Park.  Built in 1844, this 300 acre park is dedicated to the preservation of the Fort.  June–August the fort is staffed with costumed interpreters portraying what Army life was like at the fort in the year 1870. Fort Wilkins was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

In 1923, Fort Wilkins and the Copper Harbor Lighthouse (including the 1848 light keepers house) became a Michigan State Park, 

Copper Harbor Light & Keepers House

Scattered throughout the area are a number of small sites operated by the Keweenaw County Historical Society.  Just because they are small does not make them any less interesting to visit.  Here are photos of a few of them:

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse in Eagle Harbor

Phoenix Church at the corner of M-26 and US-41

Rathbone School in Eagle Harbor

Bammert Blacksmith Shop on M-26 just north of US-41

There are some Keweenaw Heritage Sites that are not in the Keweenaw Peninsula.  For example, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (affectionately known as “the Porkies”) is located mostly in Ontonagon County.  It is listed on the Keweenaw Heritage Site because it contains numerous historic copper mining sites.  

 Union Mine

Nonesuch Mine

Atlantic Mining Company

For more information about visiting Porcupine Mountains State Park, I invite you to view my Blog Post by clicking on the following link:

Hammin' It Up in the Porkies

The mining town of Old Victoria (25401 Victoria Dam Road) is about four miles southwest of Rockland in Ontonagon County. This Keweenaw Heritage Site has several restored log cabins, some outbuildings, a Finnish sauna, and a scenic trail. The buildings are open during the summer months (roughly mid-June to late September). However, this is a roadside site so visitors can wander around the cabins even when they are closed for the season. 

For more information on the mining town of Old Victoria, I invite you to view my blog post on Michigan ghost towns.

Old Victoria - An Old Mining Town Finds a New Life

The Keweenaw Peninsula is worth taking the time to explore and experience the historic and recreational opportunities it has to offer.

Since opinions, preferences, and budgets vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews on food and lodging.

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories. To start planning your memorable trip to see the Keweenaw Heritage Sites, please click on the following link:
Keweenaw Heritage Sites - Plan Your Visit

For a PDF map, please click on the following link::

Keweenaw Heritage Sites