Copper Harbor Lighthouse

Dr. Ching-Kuang Shene, Michigan Technological University

The brick lighthouse perched on the rocky peninsula that forms Copper Harbor has always been one of the most picturesque on the Great Lakes. Exhibits in the buildings and interpretive markers on the grounds, make it more than just another pretty lighthouse.

Mary Hunt

Private property blocks visitors to the Copper Harbor lighthouse, so this boat ferries groups to visit it.

Two of the earliest and most significant events of the copper mining era occurred right here. They are vividly conveyed on the interpretive foot trail that goes through the woods and out onto the rocks, passing some shipwreck artifacts along the way. A prominent blue-green vein of copper silicate had made the rock here a voyageurs' landmark for 200 years. That's why the first Douglass Houghton expedition camped here in 1840. Their investigations prepared the geological report that would kick off the copper boom three years later, when the Keweenaw's first commercial mine shafts were sunk on this very site.

Even though the lighthouse and surrounding property is part of Fort Wilkins State Park, they must be reached by a 15-minute boat trip because the adjoining cottage association has denied right-of-way by land.

Of course, the lighthouse and fascinating grounds can be easily explored by motorboat or canoe or kayak. Otherwise, a guide trained by Michigan's department of History, Arts, and Letters meets visitors at the dock. By the boat dock is the very simple 1848 keeper's house, the oldest lighthouse structure on the Great Lakes. The period rooms in the 1866 lighthouse, viewed through plexiglass, are authentic and quite engaging. Visitors can climb the tower for a fine view of the harbor.

The tour and ferry ride take 1 hour and 45 minutes. IF there's room on the next boat (ask first), you might be able to arrange to stay on the picturesque point for three hours. In the summer season, a more leisurely sunset tour ($18/person) leaves two hours before sunset. It takes visitors to the lighthouse at an especially beautiful time and lingers at the harbor entrance to enjoy the sunset over the water. It's quite popular, so buy tickets early in the day to be sure of a place.

For photos of the lighthouse tour, visit www.copperharborlighthouse.com. Advance reservations before day of tour are for large groups only. All trips are weather-dependent and may be canceled because of electrical storms or high winds.

Leaves from Copper Harbor's municipal marina (on the west edge of town opposite the Brockway Mountain Drive entrance). (906) 289-4966. Fee: $14/adult, $9 for ages 4-12, ages 3 and under free. Season: from Mem. Day through color season. In July & August tours leave the marina on the hour from 10 to 5. Otherwise they're at 10, noon, 2, and 4. Sunset cruise leaves 2 hours before sunset, at 7:30 or earlier. Handicap-accessible: in part. Some of the interpretive trail. 1848 keeper's house is accessible. It has a video tour of the lighthouse.

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