Copper Country Trail
Places to Visit
-
A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum (MI)
Established in 1902, the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum is devoted to mineral science education and exhibition of fine mineral specimens. It's world renowned collection boasts over 26,000 specimens with 5,500 on display.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: From the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, follow south-bound US-41 east out of Houghton on US-41 for two miles to the campus of Michigan Technological University. The museum is located on the 5th floor of the Electrical Engineering Resources Center in the middle of campus.
-
Built by blacksmith Amos Bammert in the 1880s, the Bammert Blacksmith shop has been restored both outside and in by the Keweenaw County Historical Society. The exhibited shop and tools are in the same condition they were in at the end of the 1800s.
Location: 1/2 mile from US 41 on M-26 in Phoenix.
-
A nine mile scenic drive that runs atop the spine of Brockway Mountain, Brockway Scenic Drive has been a favorite of visitors since its construction in 1933.
Distance from byway: 1 mi / 1.6 km Travel time: 3 minutes Directions: From Copper Harbor, take M-26 west for one mile and turn left onto Brockway Mountain Drive.
-
Once the site of one of the most successful copper mines in Keweenaw County, Central Village Ghost Town is now owned by the Keweenaw Historical Society and its church is the site of an annual tribute to mining pioneers.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Located 4 miles along the route.
-
The Copper Harbor Lighthouse is a round tower lighthouse built in 1866. Part of Fort Wilkins State park, the complex includes historic buildings, various lights used through the past one and a half centuries, and a walking trail.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: 1 mile from Copper Harbor at the end of the Byway.
-
One of the earliest copper mines in the area, the Delaware Copper Mine has been preserved as it was when it closed its doors. Opened in 1977 the Delaware Copper Mine Tour is one of the area's longest established tourist attractions.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Located 16 miles along the Byway, 1/4 mile north of US 41.
-
Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and Museums (MI)
The Lighthouse Complex includes three museums: the Maritime Museum in the old fog signal building, the Copper Mining Museum including local history exhibits in the garage buildings, and a Commercial Fishing Museum in the assistant lightkeeper's house.
Distance from byway: 10 mi / 16.1 km Travel time: 12 minutes Directions: From Phoenix, follow M-26 to Eagle Harbor and take Lighthouse Road to the lighthouse complex site.
-
Fort Wilkins State Park and Historic Complex (MI)
Once an active U.S. Army base built to keep peace in Michigan's Copper Country, Fort Wilkins is a well preserved example of mid-19th-century army life on the northern frontier.
Distance from byway: 1 mi / 1.6 km Travel time: 3 minutes Directions: Drive east out of Copper Harbor on US-41 for one mile to the Fort Wilkins Historic State Park.
-
The Hanka Homestead is a small, largely unaltered 1920's Finnish farmstead and reminds visitors of an earlier age when pioneers carved out a living in the midst of the forest.
Distance from byway: 24 mi / 38.6 km Travel time: 25 minutes Directions: From the City of Houghton drive 18 miles south on US-41 to Arnheim Road. Follow signs to the homestead (about 6 miles). It is located well off the beaten path in its original setting.
-
Houghton County Historical Museum (MI)
Former site of the largest copper milling operation in North America, this museum is the old C & H mill office. The Historical Society preserves, presents, and interprets the history and culture of Houghton County.
Distance from byway: 10 mi / 16.1 km Travel time: 12 minutes Directions: Drive 10 miles east/north on M-26 from the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. The museum and train loop are on the east side of M-26. Or, from Calumet you can drive west/south on M-26 for 6.5 miles to the site.
