01 August 2022
Posted 03 April 2023

We leave the Keweenaw and head east to explore forests and lakefront around L’Anse.

0915  48,198  57°  Leave Hancock’s McLaine State Park in light rain and wind.  

Stopped at a nearby boat launch and it was marked with a no camping sign.

There is only one way to drive out of the Keweenaw, and that involves crossing the Houghton-Hancock lift bridge. It started going up right after we crossed, so we stopped for photos.

The double span was raised to allow two sailboats to pass underneath. 

In researching the bridge, we learned that the top span is roadway and the bottom span is dual use, with imbedded rails. Railroads no longer service the peninsula, so the bridge is not lowered for trains.  In the summer the bridge is usually in the upper position, so most boat traffic can pass underneath.  In the winter, the bridge is moved to the lower position to enable snowmobiles to pass over the canal. The bridge was opened in 1959 and can be raised to 100 feet above the water.

1103  48,211  63°  Tadych’s Food Marketplace

1205  48,248  RezGas  At $3.829/gallon, gas is cheaper on the reservation.

1210  48,249  66°  Falls River 

Middle Falls in L’anse 

Sandwiched between a CertainTeed Ceiling plant and L’Anse Warren Electric plant, this pretty waterfall isn’t where one would expect it.

Another look at the Middle Falls.

1305  L’Anse – Nice little marina in town with clean restrooms.

Downtown also has a nice Waterfront Park that includes a playground and beach. It probably looks much more inviting on a sunny day.

From there we headed east in search of waterfalls.

1320  48,259  We surprised a flock of Turkeys in the road. The slowest one met our van.  Now I need to write a post on replacing the passenger side headlight assembly.

1506  48,286  Huron River Falls 

Checked out Big Eric’s Bridge State Forest Campground. Camping is $20. No Verizon cell service here.  Sites are along the Huron River, so it might be a good place for fishing. 

With the rainy weather, we decided to head back into town.

Though we were glad to have visited the falls.

Posted on a bulletin board, this Waterfalls of Michigan map is giving us ideas for future adventures.

1530  48,298  Retracing our route, we passed the site of Turkey Incident. The flock was still hanging out by the roadside.

1550  48,305  64°  L’Anse Township Park

They had room for us in site 6 for $26 w/wifi and electric.

Several well marked trails are accessible from the campground.

We enjoyed walking Cathy’s Path.

L’Anse Park has a gazebo on the lake side of the road.

Cobblestones make up the beach.

We walked down to see the sunset.

Today’s Route

(Click on any image to enlarge)