Mount Arvon
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| Even though it's Michigan's highest point, there aren't too many places where Mt. Arvon appears clearly on the horizon. It does stand out, 15 miles away, when seen driving east on M-38 in Baraga. |
Once Michigan's eroded Huron Mountains here (part of the Canadian Shield of ancient Precambrian volcanic rock) were higher than the Rockies. Generations of Michigan schoolchildren learned that Michigan's highest point was nearby Mount Curwood, elevation 1,978.24 feet above sea level. It was named after James Oliver Curwood, the best-selling outdoor adventure writer of the 1920s and 1930s, who had a wilderness retreat in the vicinity. Then, in 1982, a U.S. Geological Survey team made new measurements and discovered that nearby Mount Arvon was actually higher by nearly a foot.
The Baraga County tourism office gives out a brochure and map to Mount Arvon. It's a complicated route to the top over old logging roads; the route changes with logging activities in the area. The tourism staff has thoughtfully installed a mailbox at the top where visitors can leave their impressions and stories of their ascent. The way to Mount Arvon may be impassable when it's muddy, and even snowmobiles can find the going tough if not impossible in winter.
"I conquered Mount Arvon" T shirts are for sale at Baraga County Tourism and at Indian Country Sports on downtown L'Anse's waterfront.
Access routes and logging roads to Michigan's high point change often. Get current directions and seasonal conditions (via road or snowmobile trail) from Baraga County Tourism (open weekdays) or Indian Country Sports in downtown L'Anse on the water.
Return to L'Anse
POINTS OF INTEREST
Silver River Waterfalls. Three beautiful waterfalls not too far off the beaten track ... more
Falls River, Upper, Lower & Middle Falls. A wonderful, uncrowded place with complex waterfalls in a piney forest. One of the best U.P. waterfall walks, partly right in town. ... more
Front Street Park. Fine view of L'Anse Bay, fishing pier, marina, shipwreck, beach, playground and "train," summer concerts, picnic pavilion, horseshoes, waterfall trail. ... more
Indian Country Sports. Complete outdoors store (hunt, fish, canoe, kayak, camp, ski, snowshoe), info center, and working lighthouse. Lake trout tips from commercial fisherman's son. ... more
Shrine of the Snowshoe Priest. A stature and shrine dedicated to the kindly priest in who in the 1830s ministered to the local Indians ... more
Powerhouse Falls. A peaceful spot amid stone bluffs and trees to watch the Falls River rush by ... more
Little Mountain. A gentle hike leads to this rocky top with panoramic view of the bay and Huron Mounatins ... more
L'Anse Township Park & Campground. A serene bluff-top setting for park and modern campground, among pines and hemlocks overlooking Keweenaw Bay. Rocky beach is down below. ... more
Mount Arvon. In the Huron Mountains, Michigan's highest point has no view, but many take rugged logging roads to claim "I climbed Mount Arvon, Michigan's highest point." ... more
L'Anse Wi-fi Hotspots. • L'Anse Area School Public Library has public computers but no wi-fi. 201 N 4th St., off E Broad St. • Java by the Bay Coffeehouse has wi-fi. Open Mon-Fri 6:30-6:30, Sat 9-6. 10 N. Main St. ... more
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula
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