FORT WILKINS STATE PARK
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park offers camping, day-use facilities, a restored 1844 military outpost and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Superior. Restoration work and development began in the 1930s. Costumed interpreters demonstrate the history of the Keweenaw Peninsula fort.
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, in the northern Keweenaw Peninsula, offers camping and day use facilities and features a restored 1844 army military outpost and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Superior built in 1866. Fort Wilkins became a State Park in 1923. Extensive restoration work and development began in the 1930s under the Work Project Administration.
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the
MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Souvenirs, snacks and beverages are available at the concessions store operated by the park's friends group.
The boat launch provides access to Lake Fanny Hooe.
Excellent walleye and splake fishing in Lake Fanny Hooe and excellent splake fishing in Copper Harbor.
Fort Wilkins State Park is
Running around the park, roughly parallel to the park boundary is a two-mile trail that provides great views of Lake Fanny Hoe and Lake Superior.
Fort Wilkins-Foot TrailTrail Length: 4.00 (Miles)Biking, Cross Country Ski, Hiking
Mountain biking is available on trails south and southwest of Lake Fanny Hooe.
Approximately two miles of ungroomed trails parallel the park boundary and provide great views of Lake Fanny Hooe and Lake Superior.
The Estivant Pines, a stand of virgin white pines, and The Delaware Mine, an old copper mine with guided tours, are located near the park. Brockway Mountain Drive offers scenic views of Lake Superior, various inland lakes and panoramic views of the rugged Keewenaw Penninsula. Waterfalls, shipwrecks with charter dives and Copper Harbor with museums, shops and restaurants are all nearby. Day trips to Isle Royale are available with a local boat service. Sunset cruises are available on the Lighthouse Boat Tour and the Isle Royale Queen
Copper Harbor Lighthouse Boat Tours are available from Memorial Day through mid-June. For more information and current costs, contact the business at 906-289-4766 or via e-mail at infocopperharborlighthouse.com.
It was manned by Free Black soldiers during the Civil War.
I loved touring the old buildings in Ft. Wilkins Park. They are in excellent condition and give a great glimpse into the life of a soldier from that era. There are lots of old artifacts to go along with the very well restored buildings and grounds.
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