frommichiganwithloveblog
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor is more than a seasonal campground. Within it is a preserved military fort.
15223 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, MI
Fort Wilkins is an historic fort that in 1970 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is a cooperating site of the Keweenaw National Historical Parks, and a part of the Michigan State Parks system.
frommichiganwithloveblog
It is right on Lake Fanny Hooe, with 2.5 miles of trails, and 1/4 mile sandy beach on Lake Manganese.
15223 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, MI
Fort Wilkins is a historic fort on 700 acres of pristine, raw nature in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.
frommichiganwithloveblog
The Astor Shipwreck Park across the street from the fort is also a part of the park.
Copper Harbor, MI
Monday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Astor Shipwreck Park is the site of where Lake Superior’s oldest known shipwreck took place - the John Jacob Astor. It's also a relaxing beach to hunt for rocks being on 1/4 mile of Lake Superior.
frommichiganwithloveblog
The park also contains 2 lighthouses built in the 1860s on Lake Superior.
15223 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, MI
The 2 Copper Harbor Lighthouses were built in 1866 & 1868.
frommichiganwithloveblog
Fort Wilkins was built in 1844 as an army outpost to keep law & order during the Copper Rush in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
15223 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, MI
In the 1930s copper was “discovered” in the Keweenaw Peninsula and a rush north ensued with many fortune seekers moving here. The US government was concerned about the potential of disorder so established Fort Wilkins & named it after the then Secretary of War William Wilkins. The US Army occupied Fort Wilkins from 1844-1846. There are 19 buildings that are a part of it, and of those at the park today, 12 are original.
frommichiganwithloveblog
Within the historic park, step back & see what life was like on the Northern Frontier in the mid 1800s.
15223 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, MI
The fort was reoccupied from 1867-1870 as a place men could serve the rest of their enlistment after the Civil War. It was then disbanded. As part of the present day park’s living history program, there are exhibits, programs, and costumes re-enactments plus a number of events in the summer.
frommichiganwithloveblog
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is family friendly with exhibits & activities that appeal to all ages.
15223 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, MI
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is free to visit as long as you have a Michigan Recreation Passport. Only one is needed per vehicle.