5 Things to Do This Summer in Eagle Harbor
Shandra Martinez
| 3 min read
Located on Keweenaw Peninsula, Eagle Harbor is nestled around the harbor and faces north overlooking Lake Superior. The rugged coastline outside of town offers great agate hunting, while the sandy beach in town inspires relaxation. The community’s maritime history can be explored at the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and the Life-Saving Station Museum. Visitors can also take advantage of the numerous nearby hiking trails that offer miles of quiet wilderness. In town, Eagle Harbor Inn is a popular place to grab a drink and try the lobster pizza.
Eagle Harbor Beach: This stretch of beach may be smaller than most, but it is known for its gorgeous views. You can walk to the nearby historic Eagle Harbor Lighthouse down the shoreline. This serene inlet fed by Lake Superior doesn’t get a lot of waves because of the way the land nearly closes around it. There’s street parking along M-26 (Front Street). You can also find public restrooms, a picnic area, and carry-in boat access.
Eagle Harbor Lighthouse: Nestled on the northwest corner of the harbor, Eagle Harbor Lighthouse stands tall. It’s one of the area’s most photographed symbols. The original wooden structure went up in 1851 to help ships navigate through the harbor during the copper mining boom. In 1871, the lighthouse was replaced with the current brick tower. Through the decades, it was upgraded, and it became automated in 1980. In 1999, Congress transferred ownership of the Eagle Harbor Light Station to the Keweenaw County Historical Society. However, the U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the light at the top of the tower as a navigational aid, so the top of the tower is closed to visitors.
The Jampot: This boutique bakery located near Jacob’s Falls, five miles west of Eagle Harbor, is known for its organic treats, from cookies to muffins to candies. Since 1986, it has been selling Poorrock Abbey preserves, made from wild berries picked near the shop, to customers from around the world. The menu also includes fruitcakes, muffins and cookies, handmade chocolates and candies, pancake and fruit-and-nut mixes, and specialty coffees. The storefront, along scenic highway M-26, is open from May through October.
Central Mine Historic District: Once the thriving mine town of Central, this historic district just north of the intersection of U.S. 41 and the Central-Gratiot Lake Roads intersection has several restored buildings and some short hiking trails for self-guided visits to the ruins. Maps are available at the visitor’s center. Maintained by the Keweenaw Historic Society, the district is designated a Michigan State Historic Site, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Redwyn Dunes Nature Sanctuary: This 36-acre sanctuary on Keweenaw County’s Great Sand Bay is named for a character in William J. Skora’s novel, “The Lost History of Redwyn.” He found inspiration for his Arthurian-themed novel among those dunes. The sanctuary is a favorite resting spot for the migrating waterfowl in the wetlands along the back dunes. A one-mile trail passes interdunal ponds and leads down to the Lake Superior shoreline.
There’s lots to see and do in Eagle Harbor during the summer. Check out the highlights in this video.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
