The Old Theater in Calumet

The Keweenaw Peninsula juts north from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula far out into Lake Superior. The word “Keweenaw” comes from an old Ojibwa word meaning “a place where portage is made”. This area is home to one of the richest copper deposits in the world and has been mined for thousands of years. After Michigan became a state in 1837, prospectors started making their way into the Keweenaw and copper claims and mines were quickly established. These mines were often in operation until World War II. Around these mines, communities grew which were often settled by immigrants eager to build a life in the new world. Mining was dangerous work, but the promise of a decent wage was enough to lure people to this isolated northern region. When the price of copper dropped and the mining process was no longer profitable, whole communities packed up and moved elsewhere and once-bustling towns were quickly reclaimed by the forest. Some towns remain today, but many are struggling and reliant on tourism. I loved this region and spent a little over a week exploring its history and towns. I toured the Quincy Mine and enjoyed wandering around Houghton, Hancock, Calumet, Eagle River and Copper Harbor. I included a few photos from nearby Marquette as well since it traces its roots to the same time period. The whole region is now a part of Keweenaw National Historical Park and Keweenaw National Heritage Area and you can find the Visitors Center in downtown Calumet. I hope you enjoy these photos from the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan’s Copper Country.

Marquette’s Ore Dock

Houghton’s Douglas House Hotel

A Marquette Clock Tower

Houghton County Courthouse

An Old Indian Motorcycle in Downtown Houghton

Marquette Lighthouse and Beach

Lift Bridge Between Houghton and Hancock

Inside the Quincy Hoist House - The Engineers Staircase

Quincy Mine in Hancock

Calumet Fire Department

Old Mining Equipment in Quincy Mine

A Miner Statue at the Entrance to Houghton

Down the Tracks to the Quincy Mine

Father Baraga Memorial

Old Sawmill in Alberta

Eagle River Lighthouse

Eagle River Lighthouse

The Daily Mining Gazette Sign

Quincy Mine Shaft House from the Hoist House

Shutes Saloon and Ghost Sign

The Daily Mining Gazette Building

Copper Queen Whiskey Sign

Old Building Repurposed as a Mexican Restaurant

The Quincy Smelter

Quincy Hoist House

Entering Quincy Mine

Old Quincy Mine Cars

Michigan House in Calumet

Memorial to the Italian Hall Tragedy

Keweenaw National Historical Park Visitor Center in Calumet

Fort Wilkins in Copper Harbor

Fort Wilkins State Park in Copper Harbor

Downtown Houghton

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