I am in the process of working on this page. I have made a waterfalls page and a page for "the cliffs" because they are the closest thing to a climbing hotspot anywhere around. Any other ideas, feel free to let me know!

Introduction to the Keweenaw

Located in the far north of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Peninsula is a true natural gem. Known widely for its large amount of annual snowfall, the area is home to many beautiful waterfalls, pristine beaches along the greatest lake on earth, deep forests, many other natural landmarks and has miles and miles of trails just waiting to be tread upon. Kayaking and canoeing are popular in the area, and if you know where you are going there are some very good climbing spots to be had. There are things to do in any season in the Keweenaw; the summers are warm and green, autumn brings explosions of color across the area and winter provides plenty of snow for playing in.

Getting There

Your starting point for any Keweenaw adventure is Houghton, MI. A beautiful town of about 7,000 located directly on US Highway 41, Houghton shares the only bridge that crosses into the Keweenaw Peninsula proper. Here are some mileages from major cities to Houghton.

Minneapolis: 368 miles:
Chicago: 415 miles
Detroit: 554 miles

Here are some mileages from Houghton to other places in the UP

Marquette: 99 miles
Sault Ste. Marie: 263 miles
Munising: 142 miles
Iron Mountain: 113 miles
Ontonagon: 51 miles
Ironwood: 109 miles
Escanaba: 149 miles
St. Ignace: 261 miles

And finally, to places in the Keweenaw:

Calumet: 12 miles
Lake Linden: 11 miles
McLain State Park: 12 miles
Eagle Harbor: 36 miles
Copper Harbor: 46 miles
Lac La Belle: 40 miles

From Houghton, nothing in the Keweenaw is more than about an hour's drive away.

Isle Royale

The Keweenaw Peninsula is the main launching point for visitors to Isle Royale National Park. Ferries leave from both Houghton (where the park is headquartered) and Copper Harbor. Please see Isle Royale's Summitpost page for more information.

(photos courtesy Arthur Digbee, dwhike and hikeman76)

Keweenaw Waterfalls

The Keweenaw enjoys the privelege of having numerous beautiful waterfalls. HERE is information on how to get to the ones I have personally been to. If you have any falls to add, or more information to add to mine, please feel free to let me know!

"The Cliffs"

The Cliffs are located in the northern part of the Keweenaw. They rise out of the ground forming the peninsula's backbone and attract hikers and climbers alike from all around. HERE is a link to more information.

Ice Climbing in the Keweenaw

I know that people do ice climb on certain waterfalls during the winter months. The only place I know of for certain is Hungarian Falls, but I do not have any information beyond the fact that people do it.

If you have any information on ice climbing in the Keweenaw PLEASE LET ME KNOW!! I would like to dedicate a page to it, but lack the information/pictures.

Links

Down Wind Sports (stores in Houghton and Marquette; a good resource for where to go)
Waterfalls of the UP (look in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties)
Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce
Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau
Isle Royale National Park
Keweenaw National Historical Park
City of Houghton
Copper Harbor

Images



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