Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

The modern campground's west loop & mini cabin will remain closed through June 22, 2025 for a new toilet/shower bldg. The east loop will close Aug. 1 through the end of the season for electrical & campsite upgrades. The Lake Fanny Hooe cabin remains open. A proposed $2.23M in federal relief funding from Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan made renovations possible.

Address

15223 U.S Highway 41
Copper Harbor MI, 49918

Phone

906-289-4215
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

Approximate Size

987 (Acres)

Recreation Passport

Required

Trail Length

Trail Head

Camp Sites/Fees

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

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Event Information

More Information

The public was invited to learn about and share feedback on new draft general management plan for the park via an online public survey throughout October and November. The public comment period is now closed. We anticipate releasing the revised draft plan for public review in May 2025. Visit project page.

The park's modern campground's west loop and mini cabin will remain closed through June 22, 2025 for construction of a new toilet and shower building. The east loop will close Aug. 1, 2025 through the end of the season for electrical system and campsite upgrades. The sanitation station (May 15-Oct. 15) and Lake Fanny Hooe cabin will remain open. A proposed $2.23 million in federal relief funding from Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan made these renovations possible.

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)

Visitors will enjoy a quarter-mile of rocky Lake Superior shoreline, Lake Fanny Hooe and a quarter-mile of sandy beach on Lake Manganese.

The park features 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.

Thanks to the Fort Wilkins Natural History Association for supporting the park.

Campgrounds

Fort Wilkins-Fanny Hooe Camper Cabin: 800-447-2757
(1)
Fort Wilkins-Group Use Area: 906-289-4215
(4)
Fort Wilkins-Mini Cabin: 800-447-2757
(1)
Fort Wilkins-West and East Modern Campgrounds: 800-447-2757
(159)

Trails

Fort Wilkins Trail: Trail Length: 2.50 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Brockway Mountain Drive provides scenic views of Lake Superior, the area's inland lakes and panoramic views of the Keewenaw Penninsula. In addition, waterfalls, Isle Royale, shipwrecks, museums, shops and restaurants are all nearby.

Activities (Display as List)

Biking

Biking

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing

Fishing

Fishing: There is excellent walleye, trout and splake fishing in the 227-acre Lake Fanny Hooe and excellent splake fishing in Copper Harbor.

Hiking

Hiking

History Programs

History Programs: 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.

Hunting

Hunting: 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.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking: The park's trails connect to the extensive Copper Harbor Trails network, which is well known for mountain biking.

Paddlesports

Paddlesports: Paddling is a popular activity in scenic Copper Harbor and Lake Fanny Hooe.

WiFi

WiFi: In the summer months, free WiFi is available in east and west campgrounds and at the park store.

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch

Boat Launch: There is a concrete ramp on Lake Fanny Hooe, west of the west campground.

Cabins & Lodges

Cabins & Lodges

Concession/ Store

Concession/ Store: Simple Adventures – located between the east and west campgrounds near the historic fort – offers food, souvenirs, camping supplies, clothing, ice cream and more.

Fishing Pier

Fishing Pier: An accessible fishing pier is located by the Lake Fanny Hooe boat launch, west of the west campground.

Group Use Area

Group Use Area

Lighthouse

Lighthouse:

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.

Mini Cabin

Mini Cabin

Modern Restrooms

Modern Restrooms

Observation Platform

Observation Platform: 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.

Picnic Area

Picnic Area: 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.

Picnic Shelter

Picnic Shelter: 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.