What to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula
The Keweenaw Peninsula is our favorite region in Michigan. Its raw, natural beauty will take your breath away, and it hasn’t become over-commercialized like other areas in Michigan. That said, it can still be challenging to know where to go, what to do, and where to stay. We’ve got you covered!
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Or, click here to see every location we’ve documented in the Keweenaw.
A brief history of the Keweenaw Peninsula
The Keweenaw Peninsula has an intricate history relating to the mining industry. However, before Europeans arrived, natives called this land home and mined it, too. After a treaty in 1842 ceded land that included the Keweenaw Peninsula to the United States government, commercial mining began, which lasted for over a century. The business was profitable, and most of the towns we love visiting today were founded as mining towns. That said, by the 1930s, the business had slowed dramatically. Mining was still big business in the Keweenaw Peninsula through the decades, but its footprint was noticeably smaller than it once was. Today, the Keweenaw is most known for its raw, natural beauty. Waterfalls, hiking trails, fishing streams, and mountain biking trails are incredibly popular despite being less crowded than areas further downstate.
Where to stay in the Keweenaw Peninsula
There are cabins, small hotels, and campgrounds dotting the landscape of the Keweenaw Peninsula; however, we think these options are worth checking out.
McClain State Park is perched on the intersection of Lake Superior and the Keweenaw Waterway. While camping here, you’re right on the shores of the most powerful Great Lake and a short trip away from Houghton and the natural beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Trails End Campground is just outside the main drag of Copper Harbor and is a no-frills option for people looking to get after it while exploring the Keweenaw. You can tent camp or rent a cabin, and you’re a short bike ride from town.
The Oak Street Inn keeps a low profile but offers cute amenities in the heart of Calumet. You can walk around town, grab a bit to eat, go to the local watering hole, or hop on your bike or snowmobile to hit nearby trails.
Outdoor activities in the Keweenaw Peninsula
This article would take hours to read if we listed every place we’ve hiked, every waterfall we’ve explored, and every rock beach we’ve hunted in the Keweenaw Peninsula. We’ve compiled a few of our favorites; however, it’s worth using the interactive map or activity-specific guides to find an adventure that suits your trip! If you’re a rockhound, check out our Keweenaw Peninsula Rock Hunting Guide!
Calumet Waterworks Park is one of our favorite rock beaches in Michigan. There are amenities for bonfires, grilling, and a great afternoon by the water. We’ve found agates on the beach and enjoyed lunch on the picnic tables!
Mount Baldy is a moderate-difficulty hike that takes you atop a ridge overlooking Lake Superior, the Keweenaw, and Lake Bailey. This is one of our favorite hikes in Michigan, offering stunning views and a magical breeze.
Gratiot River County Park is off the beaten path; however, it’s a worthy journey. The rock hunting is phenomenal; there are picnic tables to stop for a bit to eat, and you can stop at Lower Gratiot River Falls on the way to the park. Be cautious—the road out to the park can get dicey!
Hungarian Falls is a great place to take a hike year-round. With three major falls and a few smaller ones in between, you can tailor your hike to how far you’re looking to go or how wild you want your afternoon to be.
If you’re looking to catch some fish, check out this post with trout stocking maps for Keweenaw, Houghton, and Ontonagon Counties, which has tips on how to catch trout in the Keweenaw.
Where to eat and drink in the Keweenaw Peninsula
Most people don’t consider the Keweenaw a place with excellent food, but those people are wrong. We’ve enjoyed countless delicious meals in the Keweenaw, and here are the restaurants that made them happen:
Slim’s Cafe has great breakfast and lunch options; however, the star of the show is the cinnamon rolls. They’re by far the best that we’ve ever had, and we make sure to stop whenever we come up. We recommend getting in early, snagging breakfast, getting some cinnamon rolls, and eating them at one of the nearby waterfalls.
Keweenaw Coffee Works is a great place to fuel up in the morning for the day’s adventures, grab a bit to eat for breakfast or lunch, or enjoy live music and other events. They also have a small gift shop, which always has cute items from local artists and businesses.
Shute’s is one of the prettiest bars we’ve ever been to. The interior looks straight out of a movie set in the Roaring Twenties, and they have live music on occasion, too. The drinks are reasonably priced, the people are kind, and the bar is historic. What else can you ask for?
The Eagle Harbor Inn has delicious food, a well-decorated interior, and a hospitable owner. Plus, it’s a great place to stop for lunch after a long morning of exploring trails, climbing waterfalls, or mountain biking around the Keweenaw. Everyone we ate with loved their food, but the Black & Blue Burger was perfection! The prices are fair, too, which is one of the things that makes the Keweenaw special.
This one isn’t the same as the rest of this list; however, we had to include it. Fourth-generation commercial fishermen run Peterson’s Fish Market, operating out of their current location since 1992. When you purchase fish there, it was likely swimming in Lake Superior no more than a day before. The owners are Ojibwe Native Americans from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and they operate a small restaurant, Four Suns Fish & Chips, next to their market in the warmer months. Whether eating there or taking some fresh fish home, this is a worthy stop en route to your final destination.
Stores to visit in the Keweenaw Peninsula
Just because you’re taking a rugged and wild adventure into the depths of the Keweenaw doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do a little shopping. From rocks and gemstones you can take home as souvenirs to tasty spreads to fuel up on before climbing a waterfall, there’s a store for everyone in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Here are a few of our favorites:
Explore Keweenaw Gallery & Gifts is one of our favorite stores in Michigan. The proprietors, Johnny and Monique, are kind and helpful, and their stock of unique treasures from the Keweenaw is unparalleled in the form of a physical storefront. On our last visit, we stopped and chatted with Johnny for an hour and made multiple stops to buy lemonade from his daughter’s stand out front.
The Jam Lady has been in the family for four generations and is still going strong in the heart of Eagle River in the Keweenaw Peninsula. In addition to having world-famous thimbleberry jam, there are countless other varieties on the shelves, among other products you can take home or give as gifts. The store is attached to their home, giving the place a home-like feel you can taste in the jams and jellies. Odds are, you won’t make it home before opening the jar!
Copper World would be classified by most as a tourist store; however, it’s a darn good one, and we stop in every time we pass through town. Situated in a structure over a century and a half old, the shop has been here since the late 1970s. If you’re looking for a souvenir to take home, look no further than Copper World.
Fort Wilkins Trading Post is located inside Fort Wilkins State Park and offers ice cream, souvenirs, and camping gear. It’s a small shop, but it’s worth a visit if you’re at the state park or visiting the fort. Plus, who doesn’t want ice cream?
