20 Attractions to Explore Near Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entry Light

The Chassell Heritage Center offers a unique experience into the history and culture of the area. Visitors can explore their collection of artifacts, photographs, and other documents which date back to prehistoric times. Through interactive activities and displays, guests are treated to a one-of-a-kind look into the past including the logging industry, mines of Copper Country, communities along the shoreline of Lake Superior, and much more.

The Hanka Homestead Museum is truly an amazing place. As visitors take a step into the historic museum, they are taken back to the Finn immigrant experience of the 1890s, as they explore artifacts and displays that tell the story of how these Scandinavian immigrants lived and worked in this region. From antique farm tools to cooking utensils, clothing and furniture, visiting the Homestead Museum is like taking a walk through history.

Abbaye Peninsula, offers stunning views of Lake Superior. The peninsula is just under ten miles long and features scenic trails, spacious campgrounds, lakeshore beach accesses, a quaint marina and breathtaking limestone cliffs engulfed by wildflowers. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Rapids Bay Beach to refresh immersed in spectacular waters or gaze at the starry night skies while rug-up camping near Cozy Corner.

Rabbit Island is a small island, which is part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and lies just north of Isle Royale National Park. The island is composed of igneous rock and provides a habitat for numerous species of birds and waterfowl. visitors can see the remains of stone walls built by settlers who once lived on the island. Despite its size, It offers several recreational opportunities including camping, fishing, swimming, diving, and nature observation.

This is a scenic 25-mile-long stretch of Lake Superior that encompasses the rugged beauty of the area's clifftops and shorelines. From the charming towns of Copper Harbor and Houghton to the pristine wilderness of Isle Royale National Park, it's filled with majestic views, outdoor recreation and iconic lighthouses at Eagle River and Sturgeon Point. Popular activities for visitors include kayaking and sailing along its waters, hiking and biking nearby trails, fishing or birding.

Torch Lake is a gorgeous natural wonder. Located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, it is the largest lake within Michigan with 19 miles of shoreline. With its crystal clear blue-green water and sandy white beaches, Torch Lake is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike to go fishing, swimming and boating. Off the lake's shores you can find unspoiled nature with thick forests containing a variety of wildlife.

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 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.

Quincy Dredge Number Two, is one of the two of its kind. It was built in 1902 and is still mostly intact despite its age. Developed for copper mining and servicing, the bulk of its work was done during World War II when it mined on an aggressive schedule to keep up with wartime needs. Today, it serves as a landmark and reminder of times past. It stands 105 feet tall and 120 feet long, weighing approximately 2000 tons when fully loaded.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Sand Point Lighthouse has been a beacon of guidance for sailors on Lake Superior since 1868. Its majestic brick keepers' quarters, 20-foot tower and 4th order Fresnel lens attract visitors from near and far to marvel at its grandeur. The lighthouse stands 57 feet from the base of the cliff that faces the lake, making it one of the tallest lighthouses in the state. For more than 150 years, generations have preserved this beloved piece of Michigan heritage.

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.

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.

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.

Hungarian Falls is an absolutely breathtaking sight to behold. Located just a few miles off of Scenic Highway M-26, the rushing waters of the Portage River spill over 50 feet of undisturbed rock and sandstone cliff into a large plunge pool below. On bright sunny days, the sun reflecting off the waterfall creates an entrancing display of shimmering rainbows amid a peaceful spray of mist mixed with vibrant green foliage. The surrounding area is lush and seemingly untouched.