At the Edge of Michigan’s Wilderness Lies a Forgotten Piece of Space History

Rocket Range LaunchTucked away at the tip of Michigan’s northernmost peninsula, beyond the paved roads and bustling towns, lies an unexpected relic of the Space Age. The Keweenaw Rocket Range, once a hub of meteorological and atmospheric research, whispers of a time when Michigan reached for the stars.

Between 1964 and 1971, this secluded launch site on the shores of Lake Superior played a key role in the United States’ quest to understand weather patterns, solar X-rays, and electron activity in the atmosphere. The first Michigan-made rocket to reach outer space was launched from this very site on January 29, 1971, marking a historic moment not just for the state but for space exploration itself.

The Mission Behind the Rockets

Operated by NASA in collaboration with the University of Michigan, the range saw the launch of Nike Apache and Arcas rockets—technological marvels that soared nearly 100 miles into the sky.These two-stage rockets carried instruments to measure everything from electron density to solar radiation, advancing our understanding of the upper atmosphere.

But it wasn’t all large-scale missions. In the early days, smaller “Mighty Mouse” rockets were launched from a floating buoy near Manitou Island, just offshore. These tiny rockets tested weather data collection systems for Project WEBROC, a pioneering initiative to deploy rocket launchers on oceanic buoys.

Beige stone commemorative monument with polished surface and rough, jagged edges. On the face of the monument, an inscription dominates the surface and reads, "The Keweenaw Rocket Range. The State of Michigan established a rocket range on this site which was used from 1964-1971. Michigan's first rocket to enter space was launched from this site on Jan. 29, 1971. In tribute to the historic work done in the field of rocketry, this memorial stone was placed in the summer of the year 2000 by:" and below are engraved logos of the General Technics and PFRC student groups, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. To the left of the inscription is carved a long, thin rocket A Destination for the Adventurous

Today, little remains of the Keweenaw Rocket Range except for a concrete pad, a memorial plaque, and the faint traces of its iron rail system. The view, however, is breathtaking—a panoramic sweep of Lake Superior and the rugged beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Getting there is half the adventure. From Copper Harbor, you’ll travel down seasonal roads and rugged ATV trails before arriving at the site. While the journey isn’t easy, the solitude, history, and scenic backdrop make it worthwhile. Bring a tent if you dare—this remote location is a fantastic spot to camp, stargaze, and reflect on Michigan’s unexpected role in the Space Age.

The Keweenaw Rocket Range may not have the fame of Cape Canaveral, but its contributions to science and its rugged beauty make it a hidden gem for history buffs, space enthusiasts, and adventurers alike. Standing at the edge of Lake Superior, it’s easy to imagine the roar of rockets piercing the sky and the dreams of a state pushing the boundaries of exploration.

Take the trek, explore the history, and let Michigan’s forgotten launch pad inspire your own journey into the unknown.