The Keweenaw Peninsula’s mining past is evident throughout the peninsula and has been preserved by the Keweenaw National Historic Park. The Park is one of two National Historic Parks in the country and is a unique cooperative effort among historic locations, buildings, mines, ghost towns, lighthouses, and maritime sites that span the entire Keweenaw and help tell its story.

In addition to a great film, there were loads of displays, placards, and memorabilia.

However, this copper story spans the entire peninsula, not confined to a single building or mine. The park has two main units: Calumet, tied to the Calumet & Hecla mining empire, and Quincy, tied to the Quincy Mining Company. After our orientation at the Visitor Center in downtown Calumet, we proceeded to our reserved visit at the….

Quincy Mining Company

This was one of the most important places to visit and actually experience the mining story. The massive hoist house, mine shaft, and industrial ruins showed the scale of copper mining in a way that no research or pictures could quite convey. We were fortunate to have an excellent guide who walked us through a several-hour introduction to Copper Mining in the Keweenaw.

This video shows some of our underground experiences!

The Keweenaw may look quiet and scenic today, with its forests, small towns, and sweeping Lake Superior views, but beneath that beauty lies a much deeper story: one of underground mines, immigrant labor, enormous wealth, and communities built almost entirely around copper. Having grown up relatively close to this area — only about five hours away — I found it especially meaningful to learn more about this important chapter of Midwestern history.