If you are camping at Fort Wilkins State Park, you should consider exploring the village of Calumet, the heart of the Keweenah Peninsula. Incorporated in 1875, this village has done a good job of preserving the history of a copper mining town.
Exploring the Visitor Center
Your first stop should be to the Calumet Visitor Center. Here you can find out more about the part of the Keweenah National Historcal Park that is in the city. They have interesting displays on the copper mining industry and history of the display on all floors of the museum.
Copper County Firefighters Museum
Growing up with parents who were both volunteer firefighters, I was excited to visit this museum. Unfortunately, the museum is only open seasonally and for limited hours. We could see the exhibits through the window, but we were not able to enter this museum. I have also noticed their website doesn’t work anymore, so you might want to call or ask about current hours at the Visitor Center.
Downtown Calumet
The Calumet theater opened in 1900 and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. You can sign up for a tour of this historic theatre or buy tickets to their latest show here. You could spend some time exploring the Keweenah Heritage Center at St. Anne’s church if it is open during your visit. We enjoyed just browsing the small shops in the village as well.
If you are exploring the Keweenah Peninsula, you should definitely consider taking time to visit the historic village of Calumet!
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