In 1844, the federal government sent in the United States Army to build Fort Wilkins to help maintain law and order during the copper rush.
Fort Wilkins was a typical military post of the mid-nineteenth century. It contained separate living quarters for officers, enlisted men, and married enlisted personnel, as well as workshops, storehouses, and other support buildings.
When threat of war with Mexico increased, the military units left for the southern border, leaving the fort abandoned. It wasn't until after the Civil War that the fort was regarrisoned. It was discontinued as a military post in 1870.
Today, the fort serves as a peek into the past. There are 19 buildings, 12 are original log and frame structures dating to the 1840s. Museum exhibits, audio-visual programs and costumed interpretation allow visitors to explore the daily routine of military service and discover the lifeways of another era.
Since 1849, 12 years before the Civil War, the Copper Harbor Light Station has marked the entrance to one of Michigan’s northernmost harbors. Today, interactive exhibits, period rooms and interpretive trails tell the dangers of Lake Superior shipping and the duties and home life of lightkeeper’s families.
US 41, Copper Harbor, MI 49918
Phone: 906-289-4215
Email: MHCinfo@michigan.gov
Please allow two hours for your visit. Admission is free; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.
Fort Wilkins, located in Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, is open daily, dawn to dusk, from May 15 through Oct. 15. Visitors can experience costumed interpretation of life at the fort June 10 through Aug. 23.
The Copper Harbor Lighthouse is only accessible by charter boat through Noah's Ark Charters. Tours must be booked directly with the charter company. Times may vary.
Fifteen buildings at Fort Wilkins are accessible. Designated parking is available. Service animals are always welcomed.
Members of the Future Historians Club, hosted at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee, can train to become living history interpreters. Each summer, these students travel to Fort Wilkins to bring 19th-century history to life. More than 40 students dress in historic costumes to play the roles of real people who lived at the fort during the 1870s. Students play games and demonstrate period dances, while sharing their knowledge with visitors. The Future Historians typically travel to the fort four times per summer, for three-day camps.
The students, grade 4-12, come from all over the western and central Upper Peninsula. While they participate in the club, they learn about a variety of Michigan history topics. Then, they can choose to train to become first person interpreters at the fort.
The Michigan History Center runs more sites and museums statewide. There's more history to explore!
