20 Attractions to Explore Near McLain State Park

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.

The Calumet Theatre, has been entertaining audiences since 1900. The venue is a blend of the old and the new, with a classical interior and modern amenities. Most recently renovated in 2015, the theatre has 3 floors with 1,000 seats as well as a fully equipped stage and a variety of dressing rooms. Over the years it has welcomed many different kinds of performers including singers, comedians, and dancers. Its weekly film series is particularly popular among movie-goers.

Mont Ripley Ski Area, is a winter wonderland. Enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes for a taste of some of North America's best skiing. With terrain and slopes suitable for all levels from newbies to experts, Mont Ripley guarantees something for everyone and makes it easy for the whole family to enjoy their time on the mountain. Although primarily known as a downhill ski resort, they also offer plenty of activities like snowshoeing and snowtubing in the winter months.

The Coppertown USA Mining Museum provides visitors a unique and educational look into the area's mining history. Visitors of all ages will take a step back in time to when copper mining was in full swing as they explore the wide variety of displays featuring items from the 1800s and 1900s. Not only can visitors learn about how the industry operated, but they can even get the chance to ride an underground train car and watch a blast at one of the area's active mines.

ortage Canal Lift Bridge stretches across the Portage Lake and River. This iconic bridge is one of the engineering achievements of the 20th century and offers a spectacular view of this part of the state. The bridge, which stands at a height of 350 feet and is 250 feet wide, consists of two vertical plates that are counterweighted and connected by steel cables. The upper plate rises 70 feet to make way for passing boat traffic while its lower plate remains fixed in place.

Dee Stadium, is a staple for locals and travelers alike. Popularly known as the ‘House of Champions’, this athletic complex proudly sits on over 39 acres of land. Opened in the year 1962 by Robert “Dee” Stambaugh, the stadium quickly became a hotspot with its several football fields, an eight-lane track, dedicated concession stands and ample parking space. Even after all these years, Dee Stadium retains its glory with yearly updates and renovations.

Keweenaw Brewing Company, is a craft brewery with a commitment to bringing quality flavor and refreshment to the Great Lakes region. Founded in 2011, the company has more than 20 signature beers, ranging from classic lagers to creative and eclectic mixers. The beer is hand-crafted with ingredients locally-sourced from nearby farms. They also offer tours of their brewhouse so visitors can take an inside look into their exceptional brewing process.

George Gipp Memorial Park is an oasis of outdoor recreation and relaxation. Located in the small town of Chassell, the park features a picnic pavilion and playground, as well as two shelters with running water, flush toilets and full electrical hook-ups. Stroll along protected wetlands and view the stunning Lake Superior shoreline from this idyllic location. Bring your fishing tackle to cast into the lake’s large populations of walleye, steelhead trout and smallmouth bass.

The Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw brings to life the stories of the history, culture and people of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Through its exhibits and educational programs, the museum preserves and shares local heritage with visitors from near and far. The Carnegie Museum offers a wide variety of artifacts from ancient times, as well as an extensive collection of artifacts from the 19th century. Visitors can explore Native American mounds, discover stories about miners’ struggles.

East Houghton Waterfront Park is a perfect spot for families to spend the day on the water. Located on Portage Lake and just minutes from the village of Houghton, the park offers visitors access to beach areas, boat launches, a marina and more. Revered for its natural beauty, East Houghton Waterfront Park is surrounded by stands of evergreens and showcases views of nearby Quincy Hill. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that rove up and wind through forests.

The Mine Shaft & Rock House offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the area. The Rock House is one part of this site, an abandoned mining house from the 19th century that was once used by miners as a residence. The second is Mine Shaft; a stunningly deep shaft originally carved into the rock by miners searching for copper ore in the late 1800s. Today, both spots offer fascinating insight into what life was like during this period.

The A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum of Michigan Tech is a popular spot to explore geological artifacts and information amassed over decades of curation. Accessible to the public, the museum's collection includes over 5,000 specimens from around the world as well as a variety of exhibits demonstrating both scientific and cultural information about minerals. In addition to providing educational opportunities for visitors, this museum also serves as an important resource for researchers.

The Black Creek Nature Sanctuary is a tranquil sanctuary filled with natural beauty. The 120 area of mostly forested land provides refuge for a wide variety of wildlife including bald eagles, black bear, timber wolves, and deer. This unique wetland sanctuary includes boardwalks and trailless meadows where visitors can admire the diverse range of ecology in the area. There are several guided tours that allow visitors to explore this special place.

Douglass Houghton Falls cascades 44-feet over a rocky outcropping and is truly a sight to behold. The falls are beautifully framed by dense pine trees, providing visitors with an idyllic atmosphere. It is conveniently located near Michigan Tech University and the city of Houghton, making it ideal for day trips. Aside from marveling at its beauty, there are many activities available nearby such as exploring local trails, mountain biking, fishing on Portage Lake, or visiting a waterfalls tour.

Redridge Steel Dam is located in Houghton County, Michigan. The dam was constructed in 1912 to retain and regulate the Ontonagon River for hydroelectric generation purposes. It stands over 39 feet high and spans a length of 804 feet in a single arch design. It is an example of an early 20th century technology that is still being used today as it continues to be put to use through its operation as a public hydropower generating facility owned by WPPI Energy.