Western Upper Peninsula

Nestled in the heart of Calumet, Michigan, the Calumet Theatre is a landmark that has stood the test of time. Located at 340 Sixth Street, this historic theatre has been known by many names. The Calumet Opera House, Calumet Civic Auditorium and of course Calumet Theatre. No matter what you call it, its legacy is undeniably rich. It has been part of the town’s cultural fabric since it opened its doors in 1900. Today, it’s not just a theatre, it is a symbol of a bygone era. A Time when Calumet thrived as a copper mining hub, and theatre was… Read More »

The Quincy Dredge Number Two, originally known as the Calumet and Hecla Dredge Number One, is an important piece of industrial history. It is currently submerged in shallow water in Torch Lake, just across M-26 from the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mills Historic District, near Mason in Osceola Township. This dredge was constructed with the primary purpose of reclaiming stamping sand from the lake for further processing. It was recognized for its historical significance and designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1978. Quincy Mining Company From 1898 until 1967, the Quincy Mining Company operated a smelter in Ripley. This… Read More »

The Portage Lake Lift Bridge, officially known as the Houghton–Hancock Bridge, is a pivotal structure connecting the cities of Hancock and Houghton in Michigan. Spanning Portage Lake, part of a waterway that cuts across the Keweenaw Peninsula and links with Lake Superior, this bridge is a critical infrastructure piece for the region. US Highway 41 and M-26 both traverse this bridge, making it the only land-based connection between the northern part of the peninsula, known as Copper Island, and the southern section. In recognition of its engineering and historical significance, the bridge was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark… Read More »

The Ardis Furnace, an abandoned experimental blast furnace, is located at the northeast corner of Aragon and Antoine Streets in Iron Mountain, Michigan. This historic site, accessible from US-2, was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1971 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The furnace, built in 1908 by local resident John T. Jones, was a massive metal tube, 120 feet long and 8 feet in diameter, lined with firebrick and set at a slight incline. Held in place by a series of concrete supports, the tube was rotated with an electric motor to… Read More »

Nestled in the rugged wilderness of Michigan’s Northwestern Upper Peninsula, lies a hidden gem. The Porcupine Mountains, also known as the “Porkies,” often escape the limelight. They were named by the native Ojibwa people because their silhouette had the shape of a crouching porcupine. In the Shadows of Pines: Unveiling the Secrets of Porcupine Mountains Amidst the whispers of rustling leaves and the soft murmur of flowing rivers, Porcupine Mountains have witnessed more than just hikers and nature enthusiasts. Legends speak of elusive creatures, mysterious sightings, and a history steeped in intrigue. As the sun sets behind the towering pines,… Read More »

The Iron Inn is a historic hotel located in Crystal Falls, Iron County. Crystal Falls is situated in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is known for its rich history tied to the iron ore mining industry. Iron County was once a significant producer of iron ore. The mining industry played a vital role in the local economy. The Iron Inn, like many establishments in the region, served the needs of travelers, miners, and other workers during the height of the mining boom. Wine Rebellion February 25th, 1920 an event called the Wine Rebellion (part of the Rum Rebellion) took… Read More »

Join us at Northern Michigan History as we journey through our 5-part series, delving into the mysteries of the most haunted locales in Northern Michigan. In this, our final installment, we’ve reached the Western Upper Peninsula. Be prepared for eerie tales of inexplicable lights, actresses who never exit the theater, and the unsettling presence of chainsaws within cemeteries. The western edge of the U.P. holds its own unique and chilling stories that should not be taken lightly! Ontonagon County Paulding Lights: Also known as the Dog Meadow Light, this enigmatic phenomenon appears in a vale near Paulding, close to Watersmeet…. Read More »

Iron County was originally part of Marquette County. It was first surveyed in 1851 and the area was populated almost exclusively by Native Americans, the Menominee and Ojibwe tribes. The original survey noted that there was presence of iron ore in the area, but it would be more than 20 years before it was mined. It was not until 1875 that European settlers arrived in numbers prospecting for iron ore. The MacKinnon Brothers Arrive The brothers Donald C. and Alexander MacKinnon arrived in April 1878 searching for ore deposits. They acquired land in the area in June of 1878 and… Read More »

Join Northern Michigan History in our 5 part series as we explore the most haunted places in northern Michigan. This is our last installment in the series and we have found our way to the Western Upper Peninsula. Strange lights, actresses that never leave the theater and chainsaws in cemeteries. The western end of the U.P. is not to be messed with! Keweenaw Peninsula Calumet Theater – Legend is that Shakespearean actress, Madame Helena Modjeska who died in 1909 in the theater and that she never left. Lake Breeze – Originally a warehouse built in 1850s by William Raley that… Read More »

In the early 19th century Methodism was not practice west of Sault Ste. Marie. In 1832 Shaw-wun-dais (“sultry heat”) better known as John Sunday a Native American from Canada who become a missionary headed west to Kewawenon (Keweenaw Bay). He settled in the town of Zeba northeast of L’Anse. There he erected a log house to educate other natives about Christianity and the Methodism. John Sunday was a member of the Mississauga Tribe from central upper Canada. He was ordained in 1836 as a minister of the Methodist Church. Him and his wife Mary lost 10 children during the course… Read More »