McLain State Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Keweenaw Waterway Upper Lighthouse, is a historic beacon of hope that stands as a reminder of maritime history. This 64-foot tall cast-iron lighthouse was built in 1866 and guided ships around the heavily trafficked copper mining area near Lake Superior. The lighthouse also provided harbor security. Now preserved and cared for by the Keweenaw Historical Society, this lighthouse is still open to the public so you can tour it any time of year.

North Canal Township Park provides visitors with a range of outdoor activities and amenities to enjoy. The park boasts 24 acres of lush green grass, perfect for family picnics or even just a peaceful stroll through the trees. Visitors can explore miles of scenic trails to view ponds, creeks and wetlands, as well as camping and fishing opportunities. The main attraction of the park is its well-maintained playgrounds that provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages.

Keweenaw National Historical Park is the only national park in the United States that focuses on copper mining history. Established in 1992, the Park consists of nine separate sites which include landmarks such as the Quincy Mining Company Historic District, Adventure Copper Mine and Museum, Calumet Visitor's Center, and Lake Linden Depot. Visitors to the Park can learn about the incredible feats of engineering required to build massive smelting furnaces, quarries and mineshafts.

The Quincy Smelting Works is a sprawling complex of industrial buildings that was once the world's largest copper refinery. Founded in 1846, the smelter prospered throughout the 19th century with its operations expanding to process ore extracted by nearby mines. Over time, the demand for refined copper waned and the works closed down in 1907. However, historical preservationists were able to save some of its structures which now serve as a reminder of the area's proud mining history.

Quincy Mine is a former copper mine opeated from 1845 to 1945, it was a prolific producer of copper, yielding over $500 million worth during that time. Quincy was one of the earliest and most productive operations in the area, and made Baraga County one of the top producers of copper in the country. Located beneath the hilltop community of Hancock along Torch Lake, the Quincy Mining Company included 13 shafts reaching 1000ft into the earth.

Quincy Mine, one of the most productive copper mines in the United States. Established in 1859, Quincy Mine was originally established as a spot for small-scale prospecting and exploration. However, this quickly evolved into an industry that saw it become one of the world's largest copper producers. With two 2,000 feet long shafts and multiple underground chambers, over 350 miles of tunnel were eventually created.