Laurium and Calumet Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Laurium and Calumet in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
- Introduction to Laurium and Calumet
- List of Places to Visit in Laurium and Calumet
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Laurium and Calumet
- Best Things to Do in Laurium and Calumet: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Laurium and Calumet
- Food and Drink Scene of Laurium and Calumet
- Where to Stay in Laurium and Calumet: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Laurium and Calumet: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Laurium and Calumet
- Best Time to Visit Laurium and Calumet
- Do’s and Don’ts of Laurium and Calumet
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Laurium and Calumet: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Laurium and Calumet
- Where to Go Next from Laurium and Calumet: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Laurium and Calumet
Laurium and Calumet are two historic towns located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The region is known for its rich history of copper mining and Native American culture. The towns offer diverse outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing, as well as cultural and historical attractions.
List of Places to Visit in Laurium and Calumet
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Laurium and Calumet are home to many culturally important attractions. The following are some of the must-visit places:
- Keweenaw National Historical Park - a park dedicated to preserving the history of copper mining in the Keweenaw Peninsula
- Copper Country Firefighters History Museum - a museum showcasing the history of firefighting in the region
- Carnegie Museum - a museum that highlights the history of the Keweenaw Peninsula
- Quincy Mine Hoist Association - a museum that showcases the history of copper mining and offers underground tours
Natural Attractions of Laurium and Calumet: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Laurium and Calumet offer fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the natural attractions include:
- Lake Superior - the largest freshwater lake in the world, which offers hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities
- Copper Harbor - a scenic drive with breathtaking views of Lake Superior
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - a park with stunning waterfalls, trails for hiking, and camping opportunities
- Keewenaw Waterway - a scenic region that offers boat tours, fishing, and kayaking opportunities
Hiking/Biking Routes of Laurium and Calumet
Laurium and Calumet have a variety of hiking and biking routes. Some of the popular ones include:
- Swedetown Trails - a network of trails that offers scenic views of the area
- Copper Harbor Trails - a system of trails with different difficulty levels for mountain bikers
- Chassell-Painesdale Route - a scenic route with views of Lake Superior and the Keweenaw Waterway
Best Things to Do in Laurium and Calumet: Activities and Tours
There are many exciting things to do in Laurium and Calumet. The following are some of the best activities and tours:
- Copper Harbor Lighthouse - a tour of an active lighthouse in Copper Harbor
- Kayaking Tour - a tour of the Keweenaw Waterway on a kayak
- Fishing Charter - a fishing trip on Lake Superior
- Snowmobiling Tour - a winter tour through the Keweenaw Peninsula
Week-Long Itinerary for Laurium and Calumet
If you’re planning a week-long trip to Laurium and Calumet, the following itinerary may be helpful:
- Day 1: Visit the Keweenaw National Historical Park and the Copper Country Firefighters History Museum
- Day 2: Take a scenic drive to Copper Harbor and visit the Copper Harbor Lighthouse
- Day 3: Explore the Swedetown Trails on a hiking or biking adventure
- Day 4: Visit the Quincy Mine Hoist Association and go on an underground tour
- Day 5: Take a kayaking tour through the Keweenaw Waterway
- Day 6: Go fishing on Lake Superior or take a snowmobiling tour
- Day 7: Relax and enjoy some local food and drink
Food and Drink Scene of Laurium and Calumet
Laurium and Calumet offer unique local cuisine and beverages. The following are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Pasties - a meat pastry that is a local specialty
- Whitefish - a local fish that is popular in the region
- Cherry Pie - a pie made with local cherries
Local Beverages
- Keweenaw Brewing Company - a microbrewery that offers craft beers
- Porvoo’s Juice Bar and Deli - a restaurant that offers freshly squeezed juices and smoothies
Where to Stay in Laurium and Calumet: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Laurium and Calumet have a variety of accommodations to choose from. Some of the options include:
- Magnuson Hotel Copper Crown - a historic hotel in Hancock, MI
- AmericInn by Wyndham Calumet - a hotel in Calumet, MI
- Bella Vista Motel - a motel in Laurium, MI
What to Buy in Laurium and Calumet: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking to buy souvenirs or local products from Laurium and Calumet, the following are some ideas:
- Copper Artwork - local artisans create beautiful sculpture and jewelry from copper
- Pasties - you can purchase the tasty pastry to take home
- Keweenaw Coffee Works Coffee Beans - freshly roasted coffee beans that are a local favorite
Local Culture and Customs of Laurium and Calumet
Laurium and Calumet have a rich history of copper mining and Native American culture. The towns have a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in their local heritage.
Best Time to Visit Laurium and Calumet
The best time to visit Laurium and Calumet is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is conducive to outdoor adventures and activities. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the foliage changes into beautiful shades of orange and yellow.
Do’s and Don’ts of Laurium and Calumet
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs
- Take advantage of the outdoor adventures
- Try the local cuisine and beverages
Don’t:
- Don’t litter or damage natural areas
- Don’t disrespect local traditions and customs
- Don’t trespass on private property
Safety and Health
Safety in Laurium and Calumet
Laurium and Calumet are safe places to visit, but it’s always important to take standard safety precautions, such as locking your car and avoiding dark or isolated areas at night.
Health in Laurium and Calumet
Laurium and Calumet have access to medical facilities in nearby towns, but it’s important to bring any necessary medications with you on your trip.
Getting to Laurium and Calumet: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Laurium and Calumet
The closest airport to Laurium and Calumet is the Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX), which is located in Hancock, Michigan, about 8 miles from Laurium.
Bus Stations Near Laurium and Calumet
There are several bus stations near Laurium and Calumet, including Greyhound, Indian Trails, and Lamers.
Other Options
If you prefer to drive, Laurium and Calumet are easily accessible via Highway 41.
How to Get Around in Laurium and Calumet
The best way to get around Laurium and Calumet is by car, as many of the attractions are located outside of the towns.
Where to Go Next from Laurium and Calumet: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have time after visiting Laurium and Calumet, the following destinations are worth exploring:
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - a park with stunning cliffs and sand dunes located along Lake Superior
- Marquette - a city with a vibrant art scene and stunning natural beauty
- Mackinac Island - an island with no cars and historic architecture
Conclusion
Laurium and Calumet are two beautiful towns in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that offer a rich history, diverse outdoor adventures, and unique local culture. Whether you’re interested in learning about copper mining, hiking the trails, or trying the local cuisine, Laurium and Calumet have something to offer everyone.
