30 July 2022 – Saturday
Posted 25 March 2023

A clockwise loop around the top of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. Lighthouses, waterfalls, and Fort Wilkins were fun stops along the route.

0843  48,048  55°  Head north from Smokin’ Soul

0855  48,052   Jampot Bakery and Jacob’s Falls

Hoping to find some fresh baked goodies to fuel today’s adventure we were disappointed to find that the Monks don’t open their store until 10. For future reference, Cinnamon Rolls are ready at 11 on Saturdays. Morning devotions take precedence over tourist’s sugar cravings.

The consolation prize was having an easy walk to Jacob’s Falls all to ourselves.

0910  48,054  Great Sand Bay Park 

Aptly named, the bay has a beautiful sandy public beach with no fees.

Open to the full force of Lake Superior, the horizon looks like an ocean view. A freighter was headed west, towards Duluth, as we gazed out over the inland sea.

0929  48,057  Eagle Harbor Lighthouse

The very red lighthouse was built in 1871. 

While the US Coast Guard maintains the light, the building is run as a museum by the Keweenaw County Historical Society.  Check their web site for tour dates and hours. The grounds are open even when the buildings are not.

Eagle Harbor is the midpoint of Lake Superior’s southern shoreline.

1020  48,059  Eagle Harbor Life Saving Station.

Across the harbor from the light house, the 1912 Life Saving Station is a free museum housing historic boats.

The Life Saving Station grounds have lots of free parking and offer great views of the Eagle River Light House.

Four miles outside of Eagle River, we stopped at Silver River Falls. Pretty cascades were an easy walk from the road.

1132  48,072  Copper Harbor State Marina

One of Michigan’s Harbors of Refuge, it has a boat launch, transient dockage, and public restrooms. We planned voyages around harbors like this one when we lived in Michigan and sailed the Great Lakes.

Homes enjoy lake views, and protected dockage adjacent to the State Harbor.

1149  48,075  Fort Wilkins State Park – 

Two large campgrounds in the park would have been fine for camping, but we were here to learn about the historic fort. 

Built in 1844, the military buildings face a common green.

Historical actors provide living history, answering questions about life in the mid-1800’s.

All the buildings used the same log construction with these interesting corner joints.

The “commercial” area stood outside the fort walls housing traders and craftsmen. 

Across the stone beach from Fort Wilkens, Copper Harbor light can be seen protecting the harbor entrance.

Built in 1848, the lighthouse is no longer in use. The actual light was automated and moved to the adjacent 62 foot tall white steel tower in 1933.

Noticed a pick-up truck with a bed camper on our way back to the van. The unit is made by Go Fast Campers.

A “One Less Sprinter” sticker on the back made us chuckle.

 

1356  48,078  Beginning of Route 41

Leaving the state park we turned onto US Route 41. Built before Interstates, it stretches 1,990 miles to Miami, Florida. Sounds like it could be an interesting alternative to I-75 for people who have the time to wander.

1440  48,085 Manganese Falls

Only a trickle of water flowed in the stream heavily obscured by trees. These falls might be more interesting in the springtime.

1516  48,105  Mendota Lighthouse 

Marking the entrance to a channel connecting Lake Superior to Lac Labelle, the Mendota lighthouse has stood here since 1895.

Pleasure boats were traversing the channel heading for the well-protected  Lac Labelle State Harbor.

Just north on the Lake Superior shoreline, swimmers and sunbathers were enjoying the public beach at Gris Bay.

1627  48,131  Gay, MI

In the early 1900’s, two copper companies ran stamp mills here  that supported a thriving town. Little remains as the mills shut down in 1932 and the population declined. This 250 student school, built in 1927, closed in1961. Preserved as a museum, it is open two days a week in the summertime.

Today’s Loop Route
(click on map to enlarge)

The 117 mile loop was a fun way to spend the day. None of the driving was stressful. Picturesque views, parking, and landmarks were easy to find.