After copper mining in the Keweenaw began in the 1840s, Eagle Harbor needed a lighthouse to guide ships to safety in this especially treacherous area of Lake Superior. The current red brick Eagle Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1871, which replaced the original structure that began operation in 1851. To this day, it is an active lighthouse maintained by the US Coast Guard, and Keweenaw County Historical Society operates four museums on the premises. Aside from the lighthouse, there is the Maritime Museum in the old fog signal building, the Keweenaw History Museum in the old US Coastguard Station garage, and a Commercial Fishing museum in one of the assistant keepers’ buildings. Admission is only $8 for adults, and children are free. Typically open from mid June-early October, the last date for 2021 visits is expected to be October 10th. For directions and more information before you go, check out the Keweenaw County Historical Society site or Exploring the North.
Got a hankering for more historical field trips? Check out our blogs on the Hanka Homestead Finnish Museum and Fort Wilkins State Park.
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