Keweenaw National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Keweenaw National Historical Park

The Keweenaw National Historical Park is spread out over a large area. As you visit the different museums and Heritage Sites, you'll get a clearer picture of the unique history of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Each of the sites is located within driving distance of Upper Michigan's friendly small towns, which offer a range of options for entertainment, dining, outdoor adventure, and shopping.

Hiking Trails

• Hungarian Falls Trails

  If you're looking for a short and scenic waterfall hike, take the trails around Hungarian Falls in Hubbell. There are several parking areas, each located just up the hill from the intersection of 6th Street and Golf Course Road. Walk southwest on one of the access trails until you reach Dover Creek, and hike uphill along the creek to see three different waterfalls. Take care with children as there are a few steep drops. The trails are open year-round.

  Location

  Golf Course Road, Hubbell, MI 49913

  Length

  Less than 1 mile

  Intensity

  Easy to Moderate

• Swedetown Recreation Area Trails

  Lace up your hiking boots and head to the Swedetown Recreation Area for an afternoon of hiking through the forest. Located a few minutes' drive from the Keweenaw National Historical Park Visitor Center in Calumet, the 25-plus-mile trail network is popular with walkers, runners, and bikers. Trail maps are scattered throughout the forest, so it's easy to stay on track. If you're visiting in the winter, try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

  Location

  Swedetown Road and Osceola Road, Calumet, MI 49913

  Length

  Varies

  Intensity

  Easy to Moderate

• Nara Nature Park Trails

  If you're exploring some of the Keweenaw National Historical Park sites near Houghton, check out the beautiful trails at the Nara Nature Park. The nature park has approximately 10 miles of trails; you can also connect to the Michigan Tech Trails for a total of 50 miles. For an easy hike, check out the boardwalks that run along the Pilgrim River and out toward Portage Lake. The trails are also open to bikes; you'll find a wide range of excellent singletrack routes.

  Location

  47375 US-41, Houghton, MI 49931

  Length

  Varies

  Intensity

  Easy to Moderate

Sightseeing

• Quincy Mine

  Go back in time to the heyday of mining in the Keweenaw at the Quincy Mine. This well-preserved site contains a range of historic buildings, including a metal shaft house, the largest steam-powered mine hoist engine in the world, and a variety of ruined structures. During your visit, take a tour deep into the copper mine — you'll ride the tram down a steep hill and enter the mine through a horizontal shaft. Afterward, explore the grounds at your own pace and stop in the gift shop for a souvenir.

  Location

  49750 US-41, Hancock, MI 49930

• Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

  If you're interested in military history, drive to the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula to find Fort Wilkins Historic State Park. From 1844-1870, the fort housed soldiers who kept order in the region as immigrants and copper miners flooded in. Today, you can explore the buildings, watch historic re-enactors conduct demonstrations, and explore the parade grounds.

  Location

  15223 US-41, Copper Harbor, MI 49918

• Calumet Theatre

  The historic Calumet Theatre was built in 1900 during the height of the copper boom. At that time, more than 30,000 people lived nearby; the beautiful theater was a hub of entertainment, hosting touring Broadway productions and legendary performers, including John Philip Sousa, Sarah Bernhardt, and Madame Helena Modjeska. Stop in for a concert or a theatrical performance. If there aren't any scheduled, call the theater to set up a guided tour of the stunning interior.

  Location

  340 6th St., Calumet, MI 49913

Museums

• Keweenaw National Historical Park Calumet Visitor Center

  Start your trip to the Keweenaw National Historical Park at the Calumet Visitor Center. Covering three stories, this spot provides a comprehensive overview of the region. Learn about the rise and fall of the mining industry, discover the different cultures that have made their homes in the Keweenaw over the centuries, and check out an expansive collection of historic photos.

  Location

  98 5th St., Calumet, MI 49913

• A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum

  Located on the campus of Michigan Technological University, the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum is home to the largest public collection of minerals from around Michigan and the Great Lakes. Here, you'll see a variety of unique specimens, including a stunning purple geode, fluorescent minerals, and colorful gemstones. Make sure to stop in the pavilion outside to see the museum's 19-ton mass of native copper; it holds the Guinness World Record for the largest copper boulder in the world.

  Location

  1404 E. Sharon Ave., Houghton, MI 49931

• Hanka Homestead Museum

  See what life was like on a turn-of-the-century Finnish immigrant homestead at the Hanka Homestead Museum. This indoor/outdoor museum is spread across eight different buildings and 40 acres of land. As you explore the buildings, you can see how immigrants lived and worked in the harsh climate of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The farm was a "stump farm", which means that farmers had to deal with the stumps of the trees that once lined the landscape.

  Location

  13249 Hanka, Baraga, MI 49908

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Keweenaw Coffee Works

  After you visit the Keweenaw National Historical Park Visitor Center, stroll over to Keweenaw Coffee Works. Serving a full selection of coffee drinks, baked goods, and sandwiches, this spot is perfect for a light lunch.

  Location

  113 5th St., Calumet, MI 49913

• Michigan House Cafe

  Set in a building from the 1800s, the Michigan House Cafeboasts a stunning mural from 1906 and an array of historic woodwork. Try a locally made Red Jacket Brewing Co. beer and dig into a hearty burger or panini. The menu also includes fish, pasta, and salads.

  Location

  300 6th St., Calumet, MI 49913

• Calumet Mercantile

  Packed with beautiful crafts and locally themed gifts, the Calumet Mercantile is a great place to find a Keweenaw souvenir. Check out everything from Christmas ornaments to books about the region's Finnish history.

  Location

  107 5th St., Calumet, MI 49913

• Copper World

  Copper World is adjacent to the Calumet Mercantile; here, you'll find an array of unique gifts and children's items. Be sure to check out the excellent candy selection, which includes many different hard-to-find vintage candies. Copper World also offers exceptional homemade fudge.

  Location

  101 5th St., Calumet, MI 49913

How To Get To Keweenaw National Historical Park

The fastest way to get to the Keweenaw National Historical Park is to take US-41 north to Calumet. If you're coming from the Mackinac Bridge, take US-2 west, and turn north on US-41 at Rapid River.

Address

25970 Red Jacket Road, Calumet, MI 49913

Fee: Entry fee $0

With its remarkable collection of historic sites and museums, the Keweenaw National Historical Park is a must-visit site for mining enthusiasts. RV camping is the perfect way to visit because it gives you the opportunity to explore the Keweenaw's spectacular forests, trails, and freshwater beaches.