Great Sand Bay - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Eagle Harbor Lighthouse is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful lighthouses in the state. Built in 1851, it marks a major shipping route for vessels entering Lake Superior from the Keweenaw Waterway. The two-story tower was constructed of fieldstone and brick, originally illuminated by an oil lamp until automation in 1922. It stands 54 feet tall and continues to light up brilliantly at night, guiding ships through this busy shipping lane.

Eagle River is a 12.4-mile river spanning the rolling hills and glaciated landscape of the Upper Peninsula, Eagle River offers some of the most breathtaking scenery that Michigan has to offer. This beautiful natural habitat also serves as sanctuary for a variety of different animal populations such as birds, fish, beavers, muskrats and more. Additionally, Eagle River boasts plenty of recreational opportunities like camping, fishing and tubing during warmer months.

Eagle River Falls is a truly beautiful sight to behold. The falls are made up of a series of short rapids and cascades framed by rocky cliffs along the river. The total drop over the three-quartered mile of river is about 50 feet, giving the whole area an incredible sense of energy and power. These features combined with the unique geology of the surrounding upland countryside provide visitors with a stunning and unforgettable experience from start to finish.

Lake Bailey, is a must-see for outdoor lovers of all kinds. The crystal clear lake is surrounded by lush forest, inviting visitors to go boating, swimming, fishing and more. With nine miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of room for picnicking with friends or immersing yourself in nature. Campgrounds and vacation cottages are available for visitors looking for an extended stay. Lake Bailey is the perfect destination any time of year, with winter snowmobiling and ice fishing opportunities.

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.

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.