Fort Wilkins State Park, a Michigan State Park

FORT WILKINS STATE PARK

FORT WILKINS STATE PARK
US-41 East PO Box 71
Copper Harbor, Michigan 49918

Phone: 906-289-4215
Reservations: 800-447-2757

Fort Wilkins State Park, in the northern Keweenaw Peninsula, offers camping and day use facilities and features a restored army military outpost and lighthouse museum. 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.

History of the Area

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.

Park Store

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

Camping

Fort Wilkins-Group Use Area(906) 289-4215 4 site(s), Contact the parkGroup Use Area, Rustic Site, Vault Toilet

Fort Wilkins-Modern(800) 447-2757 159 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms

Boating

The boat launch provides access to Lake Fanny Hooe.

Fishing

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

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.

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 [email protected]

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

August 30 A great park to visit.

It was manned by Free Black soldiers during the Civil War.

May 17 The best park ever!

This is my favorite and I camp every year and have since I can remember. I prefer the older section, there is more trees and fewer people. I started going here when I was a kid every year, and I started going back 10 years ago and it was as good as ever. You have the Lake Superior across the street and Lake Fanny Ho in the park. The fort is cool as well.

September 7 Excellent historical buildings by 4WDGreg

I loved touring the old buildings in Ft. Wilkins Park. They are in excellent condition and give a great glimpse into the life of a soldier from that era. There are lots of old artifacts to go along with the very well restored buildings and grounds.

Michigan State Parks

Michigan State Parks