Fort Wilkins State Park

Fort Wilkins State Park

Trail Distance:

2 miles long containing 2 loops 0.5 miles and 1.5 miles long.

Click here to see a map of Fort Wilkins State Park.

Trail Description:

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, in the northern Keweenaw Peninsula, offers camping and day use facilities and features a restored 1844 army military outpost and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Superior built in 1866. Fort Wilkins became a State Park in 1923. Extensive restoration work and development began in the 1930s under the Work Project Administration.

Operated jointly with the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries, costumed interpreters demonstrate the history of the Keweenaw Peninsula fort.

State Park Features:

Designated Watchable Wildlife Site

The Wildlife Viewing Guide is now on line at www.michigan.gov/miwildlifeviewing

Playground

These play areas offer a variety of playground equipment for children.

Swimming

Lake Superior Beach Information

Fishing

Excellent walleye and splake fishing in Lake Fanny Hooe and excellent splake fishing in Copper Harbor.

Picnic Area - Picnic tables and fire pits/grills

Picnic Shelter(s) Picnic Shelter(s)

For reservations contact the park.

Biking

Two miles of hard packed gravel trail between the park and Copper Harbor.

Hiking

Running around the park, roughly parallel to the park boundary is a two-mile trail that provides great views of Lake Fanny Hooe and Lake Superior.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is available on trails south and southwest of Lake Fanny Hooe.

Boating Access Site/Launch - Access for boating and fishing.

Provides access to Lake Fanny Hooe.

Concession/Store

Souvenirs, snacks and beverages are available at the concessions store operated by the park's friends group.

Lighthouse

The Fort Wilkins Copper Harbor Lighthouse is located at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Copper Harbor Lighthouse Boat Tours are available from Memorial Day through mid-June. For more information and current costs, contact the business at 906-289-4766 or via e-mail at info@copperharborlighthouse.

Cross Country Ski

Approximately two miles of ungroomed trails parallel the park boundary and provide great views of Lake Fanny Hooe and Lake Superior.

Fishing in the Parks

Learn more about fishing at Fishing in the Parks, a free educational program.

Area Information and Special Events:

A whole slate of special events and programs are scheduled through the summer to help visitors learn more about this unique location. Please check the DNR Calendar for upcoming events at this location and at all state parks and recreation areas.
For a calendar of events at Fort Wilkins please click the links below.
July Events
August Events

The Estivant Pines, a stand of virgin white pines, and The Delaware Mine, an old copper mine with guided tours, are located near the park. Brockway Mountain Drive offers scenic views of Lake Superior, various inland lakes and panoramic views of the rugged Keewenaw Penninsula. Waterfalls, shipwrecks with charter dives and Copper Harbor with museums, shops and restaurants are all nearby. Day trips to Isle Royale are available with a local boat service. Sunset cruises are available on the Lighthouse Boat Tour and the Isle Royale Queen

Copper Harbor Lighthouse Boat Tours are available from Memorial Day through mid-June. For more information and current costs, contact the business at 906-289-4766 or via e-mail at info@copperharborlighthouse..

View/Download the map for Fort Wilkins State Park

Information courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources

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