Keweenaw Peninsula
Western Upper Peninsula - Michigan
Our visits: So far 1 visit in October 2024.
Keweenaw Peninsula
Description: The Keweenaw Peninsula is the northernmost part of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. It extends into Lake Superior and was the site of the first copper boom in the USA. Today, the timber industry and tourism are the most important economic sectors in the region. The north-eastern part is known as Copper Island. This part is separated from the rest of the peninsula by the Keweenaw Waterway, a natural waterway that was dredged and widened in the 1860s. It cuts through the peninsula between the towns of Houghton to the south and Hancock to the north.
Our rating: We really enjoyed the Keweenaw Peninsula. We just didn't have enough time during our visit. The range of possible activities is varied and diverse. Unfortunately, we caught a year in which the autumnal leaf coloring had been delayed by at least two weeks. Unfortunately, most of the leaves were still green.
Brockway Mountain Drive
Description: Brockway Mountain Drive is a 8.8mi scenic road west of Copper Harbor. The road is accessible from both ends (Eagle Harbor to the west and Copper Harbor to the east) and can be driven in both directions. The road runs along the ridge of Brockway Mountain on the Keweenaw Fault and climbs to 1320feet. Several lookout points offer views of the surrounding towns, Lake Superior and, in the fall, vast, colorful forest areas.
Our rating: The road offers exactly what it is advertised for. Unfortunately, the leaves in the surrounding forests were still very green during our visit and so the spectacular colorfulness was somewhat lacking. Nevertheless, we really enjoyed the drive. The panoramic road is well worth a visit.
Eagle Harbor Lighthouse
Description: The Eagle Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1871. It has a 43feet high tower. Its light level is 60feet above sea level. In 1968, the Fresnel lens was replaced by a beacon. The light was then automated in 1980.
Our rating: The lighthouse stands in the middle of a very beautiful site. Unfortunately, we only had very little time during our visit because we were there shortly before closing time in the evening. So we were only able to take a quick look inside the keeper's house. Unfortunately, there was no time left for the adjoining museum. As we like lighthouses, we enjoyed this detour and think that a short visit is worthwhile.
The Jampot
Description: The Jampot is a bakery run by the monks of the Catholic monastery, which is part of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago. The store is open seasonally and offers, for example, jams and baked goods made by the monks themselves. These products are known far beyond the borders of the Keweenaw.
Our rating: The store is well-known and is always busy when it is open. You should be prepared for a wait. But it's worth it. We can highly recommend the store for a short stopover on the drive across the Keweenaw. There is also a small waterfall next door that is well worth seeing.
