South Range MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near South Range, Michigan.
1. Copper Range Historical Museum
MINING HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Copper Range Historical Museum in South Range offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the rich mining history of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and stories from the era when copper mining defined the region's economy and culture. Visitors can explore the comprehensive collection that documents the lives of miners, their families, and the development of South Range as a mining community.
2. Respawn Tactical Laser Tag
ADRENALINE-FUELED ENTERTAINMENT ZONE
Respawn Tactical Laser Tag provides an exciting entertainment option in South Range with its high-tech laser combat arena. Players can engage in strategic team battles using state-of-the-art equipment in a specially designed environment that challenges both physical skills and tactical thinking. The facility has earned a stellar reputation among locals and tourists alike, as evidenced by its perfect 5.0 rating from visitors.
3. Wildlife Refuge Cabins RZR Adventure
OFF-ROAD WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Wildlife Refuge Cabins RZR Adventure offers an exhilarating stay-and-play experience in South Range with cabin rentals and immediate access to ATV trails. Visitors can rent a Polaris RZR to explore the scenic Copper Country via the historic Bill Nicholls Trail, which runs along the former Copper Range Railroad for 41 miles through diverse landscapes. The adventure includes opportunities to discover marshes, forests, beaver dams, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls while exploring old mining sites and connecting to other regional attractions.
4. Keweenaw Gem and Gift
LOCAL TREASURES AND SOUVENIRS
Keweenaw Gem and Gift shop allows visitors to South Range to browse and purchase unique locally-sourced gemstones and handcrafted souvenirs. The specialty shop offers a curated selection of items that reflect the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Tourists and locals alike appreciate this charming store for finding one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes to commemorate their time in the Copper Country.
5. Mine Shaft & Rock House
ENTERTAINMENT AND BOWLING FUN
Mine Shaft & Rock House serves as a popular recreational center in South Range, featuring bowling alleys and other entertainment options. The facility pays homage to the area's mining history through its thematic design while providing modern amenities for family fun and social gatherings. With numerous positive reviews, this venue has established itself as a community hub where both residents and visitors can enjoy leisure activities year-round.
6. Michigan Tech Trails
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION PATHS
Michigan Tech Trails offers extensive networks of biking and hiking paths accessible from South Range for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. The trail system winds through the beautiful Upper Peninsula landscape, providing opportunities to experience the region's natural beauty in every season. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained routes that showcase the area's diverse ecology while getting exercise and fresh air in a peaceful setting.
7. Portage Paddle Sports
WATERWAY ADVENTURE RENTALS
Portage Paddle Sports provides visitors to South Range with equipment rentals for exploring the region's pristine waterways through kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Water enthusiasts can navigate the scenic lakes and rivers of Michigan's Upper Peninsula while enjoying peaceful surroundings and potential wildlife sightings. The outfitter offers guidance and gear for all experience levels, making water-based adventures accessible to families and solo travelers alike.
8. Ray Kestner Waterfront Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE RECREATION
Ray Kestner Waterfront Park serves as a delightful recreational area near South Range where visitors can enjoy playground facilities and picturesque lakeside views. The park offers an ideal setting for family outings with amenities designed for both active play and relaxing lakeside experiences. Visitors can spend a day picnicking, watching boats on the water, and letting children expend energy at the well-maintained playground structures.
9. Keweenaw Boat Tours
GUIDED MARITIME EXPLORATION
Keweenaw Boat Tours LLC offers guided water excursions from South Range that showcase the stunning shorelines and historical significance of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Passengers enjoy informative narration about the region's rich copper mining history, geological formations, and natural beauty while cruising on the pristine waters. The boat tours provide a unique perspective of the Upper Peninsula that can't be experienced from land, making them a must-do activity for visitors to the area.
10. Adventure Mine Tours
UNDERGROUND HISTORICAL JOURNEY
Adventure Mine Tours invites visitors from South Range to explore one of Michigan's best-preserved historic copper mines within the Keweenaw National Historical Park. Guided tours take adventurers underground through tunnels and chambers that once bustled with mining activity during the region's copper boom. The experience combines educational elements about mining techniques and local history with the thrill of venturing into authentic subterranean passages that helped shape the economic development of the Upper Peninsula.
11. Shopping
LOCAL RETAIL EXPLORATION
Shopping in South Range and nearby communities offers visitors a chance to discover unique Upper Peninsula products and souvenirs. Local shops feature everything from handcrafted items and regional delicacies to outdoor gear suited for exploring the Copper Country. Visitors appreciate the authentic small-town shopping experience where they can find specialty goods while supporting local artisans and businesses.
12. Dining
COPPER COUNTRY CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Dining in South Range provides travelers with opportunities to taste authentic Upper Peninsula cuisine in charming local establishments. Restaurants and cafes in the area serve hearty meals that reflect the region's mining heritage and Finnish influences, including the famous pasties—meat-filled pastries that were staples for miners' lunches. Visitors can enjoy freshly caught lake fish, locally sourced ingredients, and friendly service that embodies the welcoming spirit of this small Michigan community.
13. Hiking
WILDERNESS TRAILS EXPLORATION
Hiking around South Range offers outdoor enthusiasts access to spectacular trails through the diverse landscapes of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Adventurers can traverse paths that wind through dense forests, alongside crystal-clear streams, and up to elevated viewpoints that showcase panoramic vistas of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The area's hiking opportunities vary in difficulty, making them suitable for casual walkers seeking peaceful nature walks or experienced hikers looking for challenging terrain and rewarding summit views.
14. Fishing
PREMIUM ANGLING OPPORTUNITIES
Fishing near South Range provides anglers with access to some of the Upper Peninsula's most productive waters for catching a variety of freshwater species. Local lakes and streams are home to trout, bass, pike, and panfish, offering year-round fishing opportunities including popular ice fishing during the winter months. Visitors can enjoy the serene natural settings while trying their luck in waters that have been drawing fishing enthusiasts to the region for generations.
15. Camping
SCENIC OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Camping around South Range offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula with options ranging from rustic sites to more developed campgrounds. Campers can enjoy starry nights, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and ATV trails that showcase the region's diverse landscapes. The area's campgrounds serve as perfect base camps for exploring the Copper Country while experiencing the authentic wilderness character that makes the Upper Peninsula a beloved destination for nature lovers.