The Keweenaw County Historical Society is a group of volunteers who work hard to preserve and share 11 historic sites in one of the most historically rich counties of Northern Michigan.

History in a uniquely pure Michigan setting

Keweenaw County is Michigan's northernmost county (and its smallest in population). It comprises the upper half of the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula, a beckoning finger of land that stands out on any map of Lake Superior.

It is a region rich in history as well as natural beauty. Copper mining is a major historical theme, but commercial fishing, lumbering, maritime and life-saving history, and various ethnic stories are notable, too.

Out of the way?

We are not on the way to anywhere. We are isolated by our geography, always have been. This is what makes us unique.
But far from being a dead end, the loop through Keweenaw County consists of a National Scenic Byway populated with national, state and township parks, waterfalls, museums,  lighthouses and Lake Superior vistas. We are a destination unto ourselves and well worth the trip.

Eagle River, the county seat of Keweenaw County is:

• 574 miles from Detroit
• 443 miles from Chicago
• 369 miles from Minneapolis

Google Map Keys
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All sites are closed for the season

100 years ago-
The Samuel Mather was driven onto Gull Rock near Keweenaw Point during a snow storm and gale winds. The crew was safely removed from the badly exposed steamer by the Eagle Harbor Life Saving crew.

The ship was repaired and served a long life on The Great Lakes. When it was finally scrapped, its mast was acquired by Captain Richard Metz and donated to  KCHS where it is now displayed.

You can find a bounty of stories about Keweenaw shipwrecks in our triannual newsletter The Superior Signal  by becoming a member.

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