Keweenaw County, Administrative county in Upper Peninsula, Michigan, US
Description
Keweenaw County encompasses the northeastern Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale, with water covering 91 percent of its total territory. The landscape is dominated by Lake Superior, which surrounds and defines the geography of this remote region.
History
The county was established in 1861 and grew substantially during copper mining, which dominated the economy from the 1840s through the 1960s. When mining declined, the region underwent major economic and social transformation.
Culture
The name Keweenaw comes from the Ojibwe language, referencing the traditional portage routes that Native Americans used to cross the peninsula. These passages continue to shape how visitors and residents navigate and understand this landscape.
Practical
Eagle River serves as the county seat, providing access to two major National Park Service locations: Isle Royale National Park and Keweenaw National Historical Park. Planning ahead is essential here, as infrastructure is limited and spread across remote areas.
Did you know?
Although the county covers about 5,966 square miles total, only about 540 square miles are land. This makes it the county with the highest water-to-land ratio in the entire United States.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Michigan).
Isle Royale
81 km
Isle Royale National Park
80.3 km
Brockway Mountain Drive
14.5 km
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
21.9 km
Rock of Ages Light
96.6 km
Greenstone Ridge Trail
78.6 kmMount Desor
82.9 km
Calumet Theatre
34.1 km
Isle Royale Light
68.6 km
Estivant Pines
21.6 km
McLain State Park
43.3 km
SS S.R. Kirby
10.6 km
Copper Harbor Light
22.6 km
Sand Hills Light
18.4 km
Thomas H. Hoatson House
34.5 km
Calumet Historic District
36.7 km
SS Hudson
7.3 km
Eagle Harbor Light
2.3 km
Eagle River Timber Bridge
12.8 km
Gull Rock Light Station
38 km
Calumet and Hecla Industrial District
34.3 km
Rock Harbor Light
74.8 km
Calumet Downtown Historic District
34.1 km
Passage Island Light
84.2 km
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge and Golf Course Complex
19.2 km
Edisen Fishery
74.8 km
Calumet Fire Station
34 km
Eagle River Light
12.8 km
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes