Getaway for a Michigan Vacation

How often is it that you get to visit one state and be able to swim, or at least dip your feet into, three of the Great Lakes?  On a Michigan vacation getaway you can do just that by visiting the Upper Peninsula which is bounded on the north by Lake Superior, on the east by the St. Mary's River, on the south by Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and on the west by the state of Wisconsin. The diversity of the area makes Michigan a location you certainly should visit and enjoy.

Visiting Keweenaw Peninsula will take you to areas such as Houghton and Calumet with their rich history in the mining world.  The peninsula is sticking out into the waters of Lake Superior.  The mining industry created great wealth for the area until the 1920's when most of the mines were closed down.  The area was where most of the countries copper came to build the electrical systems throughout the county.

While in Houghton you can spend some time at the Mineral Museum of Michigan on the Michigan Tech campus.  This museum is known as the A.E. SeamanMineralMuseum showcasing the finest collections of minerals in North America.  The beauty of these specimens have artists wishing for the ability to create something so fabulous.  The world's best collection of crystallized native copper and native copper in crystallized calcite.  There are special exhibits including those of native silver, datolite, Lake Superior agates and greenstones (the state gemstone of Michigan) are located here.

This area has the largest population of Finnish heritage in the nation.  This heritage is available for you to study at the FinnishAmericanHeritageCenter on the campus of FinlandiaUniversity in Hancock.  You will be able to explore the historical archive, a museum, theater, art gallery and enter the FamilyHistoryCenter.

Drive out to McLain State Park and see the Portage Lake Upper Entry Light which is located at the end of the break wall.  This 50 foot square steel tower was built in 1950.

On the south bend of the EagleRiver outside of EagleRiver (the town)is the Eagle River Lighthouse.  This beautiful facility was built in 1854 and served well until it was closed in 1908.  It is now a private residence.

A critical part of being on water as big as Lake Superior is providing safe passage for the ships.  This was also true in 1871 when the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse was constructed.  This brick facility is part of the Keweenaw County Historical Society's Light Station Museum Complex.  It is open to the public and you are invited to come and experience what it would have been like to live in this type of structure.

We haven't begun to talk about the fabulous sites to see in the forested area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Here the warmth of the hospitality is only challenged by the beauty of the area.  Come, see the lighthouses, drive through the forests in the fall and see the beautiful colors, visit an old mine.  The opportunities for a memorable vacation are limitless here.