Join the DNR at a virtual public meeting 6-7:30 p.m. Monday June 23, to learn about and share feedback on a new draft general management plan for the park. DNR staff will present an overview of the draft plan, proposed park improvements and the planning process, followed by an opportunity for people to ask questions and provide comment. Advance registration is required.
For those unable to attend, the meeting will be recorded and posted online approximately one week after the event. An interactive public input survey also is available through July 13 for people to provide feedback.
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, located in the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, features a modern campground, trails, a historical fort with a living history program, two 1860s lighthouses on Lake Superior and much more. Visitors will enjoy a rocky Lake Superior shoreline, Lake Fanny Hooe and a quarter-mile of sandy beach on Lake Manganese.
As part of the Fort Wilkins and Copper Harbor Lighthouses historic site, visitors will find a restored 1844 army military outpost, including 19 buildings, with a living history program provided by the Michigan History Center. Visitors can experience a look back at life on the northern frontier during the mid-1800s and a time when soldiers were stationed in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Noah's Ark Charters provides Copper Harbor Lighthouse boat tours. Passengers will board at the Bella Vista Motel dock.
An accessible fishing pier is located by the Lake Fanny Hooe boat launch, west of the west campground.
Throughout the summer, the park features a restored 1844 army military outpost, including 19 buildings, with a living history program provided by the Michigan History Center. The fort tells the story of life on the northern frontier during the mid-1800s. Many of the building are accessible.
There is a picnic shelter located in the park’s day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills and electrical service (reservations only). Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
There is a concrete ramp on Lake Fanny Hooe, west of the west campground.
Simple Adventures – located between the east and west campgrounds near the historic fort – offers food, souvenirs, camping supplies, clothing, ice cream and more.
There is excellent walleye, trout and splake fishing in the 227-acre Lake Fanny Hooe and excellent splake fishing in Copper Harbor.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly at 906-289-4215 to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
The park features the Copper Harbor lighthouses that were built in 1866 and 1868. Noah's Ark Charters provides Copper Harbor Lighthouse boat tours. Passengers will board at the Bella Vista Motel dock.
The park's trails connect to the extensive Copper Harbor Trails network, which is well-known for mountain biking.
There are two observation decks overlooking Lake Fanny Hooe in the east campground. From the lighthouse overlook north of the parade grounds, visitors can see Lake Superior and the Copper Harbor Lighthouse.
Paddling is a popular activity in scenic Copper Harbor and Lake Fanny Hooe.
The picnic area, in the park’s day-use area between the fort and the east campground, includes 25 picnic tables and six charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
A playground featuring swings, slides and climbing structures is available by the park’s picnic area.
Enjoy a quarter-mile of rocky Lake Superior shoreline, Lake Fanny Hooe and a quarter-mile of sandy beach on Lake Manganese.
In the summer months, free WiFi is available in east and west campgrounds and at the park store.
If you're headed to Isle Royale for an overnight stay, please do not leave any of your camping equipment on your campsite (in case weather does not permit the boat to leave the island as planned). If space is available, you may utilize our free first-come, first-served camper storage area prior to leaving for the island. Campsites may not be left vacant for more than 24 hours. Rule 299.922(v)
The park is home to a modern campground that includes the east and west campgrounds. Lake Fanny Hooe is easily accessible from both campgrounds. A laundry facility is available in the east campground near the restroom. Recycling is available.
The east campground (sites #1-81) features multiple loops with sunny sites. A playground is located west of the campground. A modern restroom with showers is centrally located in the east loop. There is 20/30-amp service available on each site.
The West campground (sites #101-179) features two loops with shady sites. There are nine 50-amp, pull-through sites on the western end. A playground is centrally located between the two loops. A modern restroom with showers is centrally located in the east loop.
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The rustic cabin, located on Lake Fanny Hooe, sleeps six. There are two small bedrooms, each with a bunk bed. The living room has a full-size futon, a microwave, a hot plate, lamps and a ceiling fan. A picnic table, a deck with chairs, a fire pit and a cook grill can be found outdoors.
Guests must provide their own linens and towels, cookware and utensils.
A vault toilet is about 100 feet away, potable water is about 50 feet away and a modern restroom is about 500 yards away.
The cabin is open year-round.
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The mini cabin, located in the west campground, sleeps four people with a bunkbed and a futon. The cabin is outfitted with a mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot and electric wall heater. A picnic table, bench, fire pit and cook grill can be found outdoors.
Guests must provide their own linens and towels, cookware and utensils.
The cabin is close the modern restroom and shower building and potable water.
The cabin is open year-round. In the off-season, there is not access to running water or the modern restroom. A vault toilet is located nearby.
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The group-use area has four rustic sites with room for up to 100 people. There is access to drinking water and vault toilets.
Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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Our virtual tours are an immersive way to explore locations from home with detailed visual information. The Fort Wilkins virtual tour includes the park entrance, fort, cemetery, park store, pavilion, playground and more.
While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
