20 Attractions to Explore Near Black Creek Nature Sanctuary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

McLain State Park is a special getaway for nature-lovers. From the rolling waves on Lake Superior and endless white sand beach, to the picturesque lighthouse perched atop the park's highest point, there's something for everyone who loves being close to nature. The many trails through the park range from easy strolls through cedar groves, to more challenging hikes that lead to spectacular lake views. Camping is also available, with both upgraded sites and rustic cabins available.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.