Keweenaw National Historical Park

Keweenaw National Historical Park

Keweenaw National Historical Park in Michigan showcases the rich history of copper mining in the region, offering a unique combination of cultural and natural attractions.

1,869
Acres Protected
Varied throughout the heritage sites
Miles of Designated Trails
Over 100,000
Annual Visitors
1992
Year Established

About Keweenaw National Historical Park

Keweenaw National Historical Park
 

Keweenaw National Historical Park, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, preserves and interprets the history of the Keweenaw Peninsula's copper mining era. Established in partnership with local communities, the park encompasses numerous sites connected to the region's 7,000 years of copper mining, reaching a peak during the 19th-century copper boom. Visitors can explore the remnants of this industrial heritage through guided tours, educational exhibits, and preserved structures such as mine shafts, mills, and worker housing. The park area also features unique geological formations, representative flora and fauna of the northern Michigan climate, and trails that weave through picturesque natural landscapes. While not a traditional national park, Keweenaw enthralls visitors with its fusion of historical narrative and scenic beauty.

Highlights

Highlight

Calumet Visitor Center – an interpretive hub with exhibits on copper mining history.

Highlight

Quincy Mine – featuring a guided tour into the historic mine shafts.

Highlight

Keweenaw Waterway – offering picturesque views and opportunities for water-based recreation.

Highlight

Brockway Mountain Drive – offering a stunning panoramic view of Lake Superior and the peninsula.

Notable Natural Features

Calumet & Hecla Mining Company

Once one of the largest copper producers in the world, now part of the park's historical exploration areas.

Copper Country Trail

A national scenic byway that ties together many of the park's historic sites and offers excellent views.

Quincy Smelter

One of the last remaining copper smelting sites in the region, providing a unique glimpse into industrial processes of the past.