20 Attractions to Explore Near Superior Grand Traverse Bay

Keweenaw Peninsula is a diverse landscape with picturesque forests, rivers, and lakes. It is home to Houghton County, which features plenty of outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and skiing in the winter. One thing that makes the area unique is its rich history in copper mining – an industry that made the region wealthy back in the late 1800s. On top of that, locals also have easy access to cultural attractions like museums and art galleries.

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.

The Houghton County Historical Society is an organization dedicated to preserving and presenting interesting information about the history of Houghton County, The museum features interpretive exhibits that tell stories about the area’s past and its people. Not only does the society offer a wealth of entertaining opportunities for locals and tourists alike to delve into their areas storied past, but it also sponsors lectures, special programs and more available to both members and non-members.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lake Gratiot is a serene body of water surrounded by lush green forests. The pristine lake contains six different species of fish and offers various recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, and camping. In addition to nature-watching opportunities such as birding and observing wildlife, visitors are also able to participate in festivals held throughout the year. For those looking for a quiet place to relax and unwind, Lake Gratiot is the perfect escape.

Keweenaw Snow Thermometer created in 1990 by resident Gary Piper, it is believed to be the only snow thermometer in the world that records both temperature and amount of snowfall. Standing thirty-four feet tall and composed of railroad rails topped with an old car jack, it utilizes a threaded rod mounted inside each rail to measure the density of snow. This impressive structure also records temperatures from -60F to +120F and tells the date, time, and temperature when observed at its base.

Cliff Mine has been a remnant of activity from the area's early days. Serving as a copper mine from 1845 to 1918, it was one of the first and most prominent copper-mining sites in the area. Over time, Cliff Mine became known for its high-grade copper ore for its sulfuric content which helped make it a coveted resource that many other mines had difficulty producing. Although all operations ceased before World War II broke out, Cliff Mine still stands as a famous landmark.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.