Located on Lake Superior's rugged shoreline, nearly 600 miles northwest of Detroit, Fort Wilkins was once an active U.S. Army post built to keep the peace in Michigan's Copper Country.

Begun in 1844 and abandoned just two years later, the fort was briefly regarrisoned in the late 1860s. Long a popular resort for outdoor enthusiasts, the fort became a state park in 1923. Today, Fort Wilkins is a well-preserved example of mid-19th-century army life on the northern frontier. Nineteen buildings survive, 12 of them original structures dating from the 1840s. Through Fort Wilkins' exhibits, audiovisual programs and living history interpretation, visitors may explore the daily routine of military service, experience with soldiers' families the hardships of frontier isolation and discover the lifeways of another era. Attractions include 19 restored buildings, costumed interpreters, copper mining sites, evening slide programs, camping and picnicking.

The site also includes the Copper Harbor Lighthouse with a restored 1848 lightkeeper's dwelling, 1866 lighthouse, 1933 steel light tower and interpretive trails. The lighthouse is reached by boat. Boat passage is available for a fee daily throughout the summer season.

Michigan lighthouses need you! Find out how you can help support the preservation of our state's majestic beacons with a "Save Our Lights" specialty license plate.

Go to:

• Fort Wilkins and Copper Harbor visitor information
• Fort Wilkins and Copper Harbor Lighthouse area information
• Copper Harbor Lighthouse online tour

Updated 04/21/2006

Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries
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