This Haunting Road Trip Through Michigan Ghost Towns Is One You Won’t Forget
Much of the Upper Peninsula was home to copper mines, where entire towns were built from the ground up during the 19th century. By the turn of the 20th century, many of these communities fell into disrepair when the mines ceased operation. Others are still going, though they’re now sleepy burgs in comparison.
We know you love taking road trips, especially this time of year, so we put together one such excursion to be take in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The trip only takes a couple of hours and you get to catch a glimpse of many of the remains of these ghost towns along US 41. Along the way, you’ll also experience the vast natural beauty that makes up the UP. For your convenience, we’ve included a link to the trip so you have the itinerary handy. Have a look!
1. Mandan
This ghost town boasts hardly anyone left. The community was formed in 1864 with the founding of the Mandan Company. Mining proved to be difficult here and the operation fell into disrepair by just after the turn of the 20th century.
Formed in 1854, the Central Mining Company built a company town for use by the workers. The community remained, along with its residential structures though it's a national historic district.
This town was named after a mining town in ancient Greece. Though not a genuine ghost town (it has a population of just under 2,000), it still remains a historical site/former company town for Laurium copper mine.
Founded as the site of a copper ore processing plant under the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company, a section of this village of about 1,000 has been named a national registered of historic places - thus solidifying its place in copper country.
Serena Maria Daniels is an award-winning freelance journalist in Detroit, by way of Chicago, by way of the West Coast. She writes about Michigan for OIYS. Serena enjoys learning about language and culture and taking road trips with her beagle Ralph.
Love Michigan?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!