"Keweenaw County of the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan Heritage Trail Network"

The Cliff, which began operations in 1844, was Keweenaw's first profitable mine. The mine produced 40 million pounds of copper, much of it being chiseled from great masses weighing 100 tons or more. The village of Clifton was named after the mine and was located near the church foundation. Location: North from Ahmeck on Cliff Drive, then follow Cliff Cemetery sign. Please contact (906) 289-4990 or (906) 296-2561 for more information.

K-2 Phoenix Church and Townsite

St. Mary's Church was built in 1858 to serve the Catholic residents in the mining community of Cliff, the scene of the area's first major copper discovery in 1844. Services continued until 1899 when the church was dismantled and reassembled in Phoenix, where it was renamed The Church of Assumption. Masses were held until 1957 marking a century of providing spiritual guidance to the mining families and their descendants. In 1985 the Keweenaw County Historical Society took over the property and began extensive repair and restoration work. Although now deconsecrated, the church is still used for weddings and memorial services. Location: On US 41 in Phoenix at the junction of M-26 to Eagle River. Please contact (906) 289-4900 or (906) 296-2561 for more information.

K-3 Central Mine

One of the most noteworthy historical sites in Keweenaw County is Central Mine, the village and site of a mine begun in 1854. By the time it closed in 1898 the mine had produced 51,875,527 pounds of refined copper. In 1996, the Keweenaw County Historical Society acquired a 38 acre section of Central, which includes old residences. There are 11 houses and a Methodist Church. Seven of the houses are rented to summer residents. The church is open one day per year during the Central Reunion. A visitor center opened on June 15, 2001. Location: On US 41, past Phoenix, located on a hillside. Please contact (906) 289-4990 or (906) 296-2561 for more information.

K-4 Delaware Copper Mine

Delaware was one of the earliest copper mines in the area, having operated from 1847 until 1887, at the start of the country's first major mining boom. Approximately 8 million pounds of copper were extracted from the site during its 40 year operation. Opened in 1977, the Delaware Copper Mine Tour is now one of the area's longest established tourist attractions, and has been preserved just as it was left at its 1887 closing. Visitors descend 100 feet below ground on stairs through the 31 foot shaft, and venture 900 feet through the mine's first level where the story of the 1800s mining is told. Mining equipment, antique engines and trains are displayed throughout the grounds, and a deer pen features two miniature deer. All are accessible via picturesque walking trail. A gift shop, featuring a pet skunk to greet guests, completes the facilities. Delaware truly offers something for everyone. Location: 38 miles North of Houghton and 12 miles South of Copper Harbor on US 41. Please contact (906) 289-4688 for more information.

K-5 Keweenaw Mountain Lodge

The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge and Golf Course was conceived during the depression years of the early 1930s. It has a picturesque view, a 9-hole golf course, great dining, lodging, and is noted for weddings and golf tournaments. Location: North on US 41, 1.5 miles South of Copper Harbor. Please contact (906) 289-4403 for more information.

K-6 Estivant Pines

The centuries old Estivant Pines were saved from the saw by concerned citizens who felt that such grandeur deserves a tomorrow. Wooded pathways guide visitors through this sanctuary that protects some of the last virgin forests of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The name Estivant comes from the first pioneer family. Location: On US 41, turn right in Copper Harbor. Take Manganese Road to Clark Mine Road and then turn right at the beaver pond. The pines are located approximately 0.6 mile. Please contact (906) 337-4579 for more information.

K-7 Fort Wilkins State Park

Built in 1844 to keep the peace in Michigan's booming copper country. Fort Wilkins is a well preserved example of a nineteenth century frontier military outpost. The fort was abandoned in 1846, but regarrisoned in the late 1860s to house Civil War veterans. Long a popular resort for outdoor enthusiasts, the fort became a state park in 1923. Twelve original structures survived, and army life comes alive through exhibits and living history costumed interpretation. The state park also contains copper mining sites from the 1840s and a lighthouse museum with restored buildings from 1848 to 1866. Location: On US 41, one mile East of Copper Harbor. Please contact (906) 289-4215 for more information.

K-8 Eagle Harbor Lighthouse & Museums

In the mid 19th century, when roads into this area where virtually nonexistent, the infant community of Eagle Harbor saw a dramatic increase in waterborne commerce, including incoming settlers and supplies and outgoing shipments of copper and logs. Lake Superior's unreliable disposition meant incoming and passing ships needed navigational assistance, and in 1851 the original lighthouse was commissioned. In 1871, the lighthouse was replaced with the present red brick structure. The Keweenaw County Historical Society became the 22nd "keeper of the light" in 1982, and through museum exhibits, period furnishings and interpretive devices, the history of this structure has been brought back into focus. There are three museums on the lighthouse site - the Maritime Museum is in the old fog signal building; Copper Mining in the garage buildings; and Local History with domestic displays in the assistant lightkeeper's house. This is the only light that is still operated by the Coast Guard. The Keweenaw County Historical Society became owner of the buildings and property in 1999. Location: US 41 to M-26. In Eagle Harbor, take Lighthouse Road. Please contact (906) 289-4990 or (906) 289-2561 for more information.

K-9 Rathbone School

This one room school has had an unusual career since classes were dismissed for the last time in 1872. Justus H. Rathbone, who began teaching here in 1860, conceived the idea in this building for the rituals of the Knights of Pythias, a secret fraternal society which he founded. This interdenominational organization, which had a peak membership of 250,000, carries on charitable work, always placing emphasis on its high moral standards. The site has long been an object of pilgrimage by society members from the United States and Canada. The property was deeded to the Keweenaw County Historical Society in 1982. Their extensive restoration and interpretive work assures that this small corner of Keweenaw's past will have a meaningful future. Location: Eagle Harbor, two blocks West of the harbor on Center Street. Please contact (906) 289-4990 or (906) 289-2561 for more information.

K-10 Bammert Blacksmith Shop

Bammert Blacksmith Shop was built in 1882 at the Cliff. The building was moved in 1901 to its present location. The building was reopened in the spring of 2000. The original blacksmith tools are on display. Location 1/2 mile from US 41 on M-26 in Phoenix. Please contact (906) 289-4990 or (906) 289-2561 for more information.

Back to Introduction Page