Remains of the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mill #1 near Calumet, Michigan
The Keweenaw Peninsula was once a thriving copper mining location, and abandoned mines and mining equipment dot the countryside. One of the things I wanted to see was the remains of Quincy Dredge Number Two. It’s not easy (or probably legal) to get close to the dredge, so I made do with a few photos from the road.
Remains of the Quincy Dredge Number Two near Calumet, Michigan
But across the road from where the dredge lies is the remains of the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mill #1. It looked interesting so we pulled into the parking area to take a look around.
Remains of the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mill #1 near Calumet, MichiganRemains of the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mill #1 near Calumet, Michigan
The building is a bit creepy and probably (mostly?) quite safe, but I didn’t venture more than a few feet in. The graffiti and trash made for an interesting scene, reminiscent of some of the abandoned building we saw across Route 66 a few years ago.
It was late and we had a dinner reservation at a nice restaurant, so duty called and I only got a few representative photos.
Remains of the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mill #1 near Calumet, MichiganRemains of the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mill #1 near Calumet, MichiganRemains of the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mill #1 near Calumet, MichiganRemains of the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mill #1 near Calumet, MichiganRemains of the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mill #1 near Calumet, MichiganRemains of the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mill #1 near Calumet, Michigan
Sightseeing cruise on the Portage Canal, aboard the Ranger III from the National Park Service Visitor Center in Houghton, Michigan
Even though we’ve never owned a boat nor had the desire for one, Kathy & I rarely pass up an opportunity for a cruise. We took a harbor/river cruise in Port Huron, and technically took a ferry cruise to Mackinac Island, so why not one more?
Former Quincy Smelting Works on the Portage Canal near Houghton, MichiganLift bridge over the Portage Canal in Houghton, Michigan
When we first started making plans for our Keweenaw Peninsula trip we intended to try and do a day trip to Isle Royale National Park. As the name suggests, the park sits on an island in Lake Superior, actually closer to Canada than the US, but it is readily accessible from both sides of the lake.
Sightseeing cruise on the Portage Canal, aboard the Ranger III from the National Park Service Visitor Center in Houghton, MichiganSightseeing cruise on the Portage Canal, aboard the Ranger III from the National Park Service Visitor Center in Houghton, MichiganEveryone waves at Ranger IIISightseeing cruise on the Portage Canal, aboard the Ranger III from the National Park Service Visitor Center in Houghton, MichiganSightseeing cruise on the Portage Canal, aboard the Ranger III from the National Park Service Visitor Center in Houghton, Michigan
Unfortunately we waited too long to make arrangements for a day trip to the island. There is only one ferry service that offers the chance of a day trip and it was already full. Alternatives would have required an overnight stay, but that’s not what we were looking for. It’s also possible to take a float plane out and back, but that is quite costly, especially just for a few hours.
Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entry Light. Seen during our sightseeing cruise aboard the Ranger III from Houghton, MichiganPortage River Lighthouse in Jacobsville, Michigan. Seen during our sightseeing cruise aboard the Ranger III from the National Park Service Visitor Center in Houghton, MichiganKeweenaw Waterway Lower Entry Light. Seen during our sightseeing cruise aboard the Ranger III from Houghton, Michigan
The National Park Service operates a visitor center in Houghton, where we were staying. From the visitor center the NPS operates the Ranger III boat, carrying passengers and their gear to Isle Royale and back several days a week. In summer, they also offer cruises on the Portage Canal, the “river” that runs between Lake Superior and Keweenaw Bay. So we booked a cruise on the Ranger III and enjoyed a little more time on the water, learning about the history of the region and the role that the canal has played in the local economy over the years.
(Almost) everyone waves at Ranger IIIEveryone waves at Ranger IIISightseeing cruise on the Portage Canal, aboard the Ranger III from the National Park Service Visitor Center in Houghton, MichiganEveryone waves at Ranger IIISightseeing cruise on the Portage Canal, aboard the Ranger III from the National Park Service Visitor Center in Houghton, MichiganSightseeing cruise on the Portage Canal, aboard the Ranger III from the National Park Service Visitor Center in Houghton, MichiganEveryone waves at Ranger III
Sunset along the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Kathy & I had talked for several years about getting to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to see the Soo Locks. We finally had a chance to visit in July on our swing through Michigan.
Sunset along the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganSunset along the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
There is a really nice visitor center along the canal with a two story observation platform to watch the ship traffic – everything from small pleasure boats to huge freighters. The highlight of our visit was a boat cruise on the St. Mary’s River which took us through the locks and back.
Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganScenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganTransiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganTransiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganTransiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganTransiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganTransiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganTransiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganTransiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
The Canadian side of the river on the west side of the locks is home to a number of industrial plants that process various ores used in the production of steel. It was interesting to see the contrast with the cityscape on the east side.
Scenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganScenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganScenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganPiles of Taconite, a form of iron ore pellets used in the production of steel. Seen at the Algoma Steel Company plant located on the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario CanadaPiles of Taconite, a form of iron ore pellets used in the production of steel. Seen at the Algoma Steel Company plant located on the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada
There wasn’t a lot to see in the city itself, but we stayed in a little motel right across the street from the canal. There was a decent little restaurant for breakfast and dinner, so we had everything we needed within walking distance. It was a nice visit and we’re glad we took the time to go!
Scenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganFreighter entering the Soo LocksHanging On. Feather stuck on the side of one of the locks. Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.Scenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganI offered to take Kathy to visit but for some reason she declined. 🙂Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganSault Ste. Marie, MichiganOld sign at the Lockview Motel in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
When going through my Mackinac photos I realized that I had assembled a small collection of what I call “detaily” photos. Small bits of stuff that are often overlooked in a scene. This is just an example from one place. I do it all the time but don’t usually post it as subject matter. Hmmm…. 😉
Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganPhone booth at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganMackinac Island, Michigan
We hadn’t originally intended to have extra time in St. Ignace, but a small schedule change allowed us a chance to visit Mackinac Island before heading just an hour up the road to Sault Ste. Marie. We made the best of the opportunity by booking a ferry trip to the island, exploring Fort Mackinac and visiting the Grand Hotel.
Mackinac Island, MichiganMackinac Island, MichiganMackinac Island, MichiganMaking Fudge at Murdicks Original Fudge Company on Mackinac Island, MichiganMaking Fudge at Murdicks Original Fudge Company on Mackinac Island, Michigan
The town is extremely touristy, but it is quite picturesque and there are plenty of people watching opportunities. Getting to the fort requires a bit of a climb, but once there the views were worth it and it was quite interesting.
Mackinac Island, MichiganMackinac Island, MichiganMackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganRifle demonstration at Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe Little Stone Church on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, Michigan
We retreated to the Pink Pony restaurant for lunch and to cool off. We had been debating whether to walk over to the Grand Hotel and had almost decided not to. But our helpful waiter asked us if we had been, then proceeded to convince us that we should make the effort. Then he told us about the “Secret Garden” that offers beautiful flowers and a nice view of the house. It wasn’t completely secret, but there were way fewer people there than there were up at the house.
The ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan
We didn’t take the time or spend the money to go inside the house, but we did enjoy the classic views from outside. And I found the official Picture Spot so I could be sure to properly document our visit!
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganMackinac Island, MichiganThe Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganFerry from Mackinac Island to St. Ignace, Michigan
After our time in St. Clair, we made our way toward the Upper Peninsula, stopping for a night in St. Ignace. We learned the correct pronunciation – IGness, not igNACE – and managed to get it right and not embarrass ourselves. 😉
St. Ignace Marina in St. Ignace, MichiganSt. Ignace Marina in St. Ignace, MichiganSt. Ignace Marina in St. Ignace, MichiganSt. Ignace Marina in St. Ignace, MichiganWawatam Lighthouse in St. Ignace, Michigan
We were only there for a few hours, but managed to get a few photos of the marina and the lighthouse.
Breakfast Pasty at Bentleys Cafe in St. Ignace, Michigan
We learned on a previous visit that when visiting the U.P. having a Pasty is kind of a requirement. I managed to have a Breakfast Pasty at Bentley’s Cafe.
St. Ignace Marina in St. Ignace, MichiganBayside Inn in St. Ignace, MichiganSt. Ignace, Michigan
I realized a few weeks ago that I had not completed editing and processing my photos from our trip to Michigan in July. I finished them up a few days ago and have posted a gallery on my Adobe Portfolio page.
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse seen during our cruise on the St. Clair River aboard Huron Lady II Cruises in Port Huron, MichiganBlowing in the Breeze. Fort Gratiot Lighthouse in Port Huron, Michigan
We spent a few days in the Port Huron area, staying a bit south in the town of St. Clair. It was our first time in that area, and gave a chance to catch up with Mark Graf that I posted about earlier. While in St. Clair we managed to spend some time in Port Huron, exploring the town, taking a boat cruise on the St. Clair River and visiting the Thomas Edison Depot Museum.
Readers of an Edison biography might remember that Thomas Edison lived in Port Huron during his early years, and as a 12 year old got his entrepreneurial start selling newspapers and confections on the train from Grand Trunk to Detroit. The railroad depot in Port Huron houses the Thomas Edison Depot Museum.
Thomas Edison Depot Museum in Port Huron, MichiganThomas Edison Depot Museum in Port Huron, MichiganThomas Edison Depot Museum in Port Huron, MichiganThomas Edison Depot Museum in Port Huron, Michigan
An interesting thing about the St. Clair River is that it marks the boundary between the United States and Canada. We realized that when we were looking across the river we were looking at Canada! And our phones would occasionally welcome us to Canada also! 😉
Cruise on the St. Clair River aboard Huron Lady II Cruises in Port Huron, MichiganThe Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River connects the US and Canada in Port Huron, MichiganThe Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River connects the US and Canada in Port Huron, Michigan
As it happened, we were in Port Huron during the lead up to the annual Blue Water Festival, so things were starting to get a bit busy. We managed to get in and out of town during the day and before the start of festivities without a lot of traffic issues, although a boat parade on one of the evenings would have been fun to see.
Overall Port Huron is a nice town on the water with plenty of things to see and do.
Freighter headed up river toward Detroit in Port Huron, MichiganRetired lightship ‘Huron’ seen during our cruise on the St. Clair River aboard Huron Lady II Cruises in Port Huron, Michigan
Tom with Mark Graf at Marine City Fish Company in Marine City, Michigan
Since my last post was a bit of a bust, I thought I’d post this to rev things back up. When we were in Michigan I caught up with this guy. Had dinner with Mark and his wife at a nice seafood restaurant in Marine City. I’m much taller in person…. 😉
Rural mailboxes near Lac La Belle on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan
During our time in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, we took a day to explore the countryside and essentially circumnavigate the peninsula.
Rural mailboxes near Lac La Belle on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan
We came across this line of mail boxes near Lac La Belle. It is certainly the most mail boxes I’ve seen in one place! We didn’t count them – feel free if you must! – but we estimated there to be about 20 in each section and 6 sections. I wonder how long it takes the letter carrier to stuff all those boxes?
Rural mailboxes near Lac La Belle on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan
View of the Portage Canal and Lift Bridge in Houghton, Michigan
We’ve been staying in Houghton, Michigan the last few nights and managed to snag a hotel room with a high floor and view of the Portage Canal which connects Portage Lake with Lake Superior. We had this rather nice view just after sunset.
