Calumet MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Calumet, Michigan.
1. Keweenaw National Historical Park
COPPER COUNTRY HERITAGE
The Keweenaw National Historical Park offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the rich copper mining history that shaped the region. Visitors can explore multiple floors of exhibits detailing the Copper Country's mining lore and the legacy that continues to influence the Keweenaw Peninsula today. The park rangers provide informative walking tours and programs that enhance the experience, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
2. Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula
NATURAL SCENIC BEAUTY
Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula offers breathtaking natural landscapes surrounding the historic town of Calumet. Visitors can experience the peninsula's unique geology, stunning Lake Superior shorelines, and dense forests that change dramatically with the seasons. The area becomes especially enchanting during winter when lake-effect snow transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland, enhancing the historic red sandstone buildings of Calumet.
3. Calumet Waterworks Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION SPOT
Calumet Waterworks Park provides visitors with a serene lakeside retreat to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The park offers recreational opportunities with scenic views of Lake Superior that showcase the rugged beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Visitors can relax, picnic, and experience the peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with Calumet's industrial past.
4. Calumet Visitor Center
GATEWAY TO EXPLORATION
The Calumet Visitor Center serves as the perfect starting point for any exploration of this historic mining town. Knowledgeable staff provide visitors with maps, brochures, and insider tips about local attractions, dining options, and upcoming events in the area. The center itself is housed in a historic building that reflects the architectural heritage of Calumet, offering a taste of the town's rich history before venturing out.
5. The Calumet Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Calumet Theatre stands as the oldest municipally-built and owned opera house in the country, a true jewel box of entertainment since its opening in 1900. This magnificent venue has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment throughout its storied history, transitioning from opera house to movie theater to community theater and finally to a professional performance venue. Substantially restored to its former glory, the theater now offers guided tours during summer months and continues to present performances by local, regional, and nationally known artists in its ornate interior.
6. Pasty Fest
CULTURAL FOOD CELEBRATION
Pasty Fest celebrates the iconic Cornish meat pie that became a staple food for miners and their families during Calumet's copper mining heyday. Scheduled to return in 2025, this popular festival brings together locals and visitors to enjoy various takes on the traditional pasty along with entertainment and activities throughout downtown Calumet. The festival offers a delicious way to experience the cultural heritage that continues to influence the culinary traditions of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
7. The Grand 150th Celebration
ANNIVERSARY STREET PARTY
The Grand 150th Celebration will mark Calumet's sesquicentennial with a major street block party scheduled for September 12-13, 2025. This milestone event promises to be the biggest celebration of the year, honoring the town's rich history and cultural heritage with music, food, and community activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere while learning about the 150 years of history that shaped this historic mining community.
8. Swedetown Recreation Area
OUTDOOR SPORTS PARADISE
Swedetown Recreation Area offers 1,900 acres of rolling, wooded trails just minutes from downtown Calumet for year-round outdoor adventures. During summer and fall, visitors can explore over 25 miles of purpose-built singletrack mountain bike trails winding through the scenic landscape. Winter transforms the area into a cold-weather sports haven with 35 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, 10 kilometers of fat-tire biking paths, and dedicated snowshoeing trails, making it a four-season destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Calumet Art District
CREATIVE CULTURAL HUB
The Calumet Art District showcases the town's thriving creative community through various galleries, studios, and artistic venues. Visitors can browse works by local artists that often draw inspiration from the region's natural beauty and industrial past, creating a unique artistic perspective. Regular art walks, exhibitions, and workshops provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the artistic heritage that has become an integral part of Calumet's cultural identity.
10. Laurium Manor Inn
COPPER BARON LUXURY
Laurium Manor Inn offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Calumet's copper barons during the mining boom era. This historic mansion has been meticulously preserved and transformed into a unique bed and breakfast where guests can stay in rooms adorned with period furnishings and architectural details. Tours of the property reveal the lavish design elements and technological innovations that were considered cutting-edge when the mansion was built, providing insight into the wealth generated by the region's copper industry.
11. Shopping
LOCAL TREASURES AWAIT
Shopping in Calumet offers visitors a chance to browse unique local stores housed in historic red sandstone buildings along the main streets. Specialty shops feature locally-made crafts, copper jewelry, antiques, and souvenirs that reflect the town's mining heritage and artistic community. The intimate shopping district provides a personalized experience where visitors can find one-of-a-kind items while supporting small businesses in this charming Upper Peninsula town.
12. Dining
TASTES OF THE KEWEENAW
Dining in Calumet introduces visitors to authentic Upper Peninsula cuisine featuring local specialties like pasties, whitefish, and thimbleberry jam. Restaurants range from casual eateries serving hearty miner-inspired dishes to cafes offering contemporary fare, all showcasing the culinary influences of the diverse immigrant groups who settled in the area during the copper boom. Many dining establishments are housed in historic buildings, adding to the ambiance and providing a taste of Calumet's cultural heritage along with the meal.
13. Hiking
COPPER COUNTRY TRAILS
Hiking around Calumet reveals the stunning natural beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula through trails that wind through dense forests, along rocky ridges, and past historic mining sites. The network of paths offers options for all skill levels, from easy walks near town to more challenging routes that reward hikers with panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape. Seasonal changes transform the hiking experience throughout the year, with spring wildflowers, summer greenery, spectacular fall foliage, and snow-draped winter wonderlands all offering distinct outdoor adventures.
14. Fishing
KEWEENAW ANGLER PARADISE
Fishing near Calumet provides anglers with diverse opportunities to catch species like trout, salmon, and whitefish in the pristine waters of Lake Superior and inland lakes. The area's streams and rivers offer additional fishing spots where visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while trying their luck in waters that have been drawing fishing enthusiasts for generations. Local guides can help newcomers discover the best fishing locations and techniques for different seasons, enhancing the experience of this traditional Upper Peninsula pastime.
15. Camping
WILDERNESS UNDER STARS
Camping in the vicinity of Calumet allows outdoor enthusiasts to experience the unspoiled natural beauty of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula under starry skies. Campgrounds range from rustic sites nestled in the woods to more developed facilities with amenities, all providing a perfect base for exploring the region's attractions and outdoor activities. The peaceful camping environment offers a welcome retreat from urban life, where visitors can connect with nature while enjoying the unique geography and seasonal changes of this northern Michigan peninsula.