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. Some have been abandoned altogether, creating ghost towns in Michigan.

Every Michigander loves a good road trip, so today we’re going to take a trip to some of the more abandoned places 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 town is all but abandoned, as there is hardly anyone left nowadays. 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.

sara hattie/Flickr

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. Though it was once home to circa 1,200 people, much of the old mine is now a restoration site. Want to help fund the restoration process? You can now rent a cottage at this historic place!

John W. Iwanski/Flickr

From 1898 to 1957, this smelter processed copper. Today, the mines are gone, leaving behind the hollowed out structures. This site is now a National Historic Landmark District, as it is the only only remaining copper smelter in the United States from that era.

Wystan/Flickr

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. This town is worth a visit, and it has an interesting history tied with athlete George Gipp that you will enjoy learning about.

sara hattie/Flickr

Another small village that's not quite a ghost town, you'll still catch some haunting scenery of copper country on your way there. You'll enjoy a scenic drive down M-26 with the windows down!

Shawn Wrobel/Flickr

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 added to the National Register of Historic Places - thus solidifying its place in copper country.

Steven Isaacson/Flickr

This thriving mining town was once home to C&H Mining. Today, not much remains of that site, and the town itself has a mere 900 residents or so.

Steven Isaacson/Flickr

With among the smallest populations on this list (there are about 60 residents), this was once home to the Mohawk Mining Company. This teeny tiny community still features ruins of the old mines and mills, including a large smokestack that towers over the trees.

By Adolph F. Isler (1848-1912); dust cleaned up by Howcheng. - Keweenaw National Historical Park archives, Jack Foster Collection. Downloaded from http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/photos/61352, Public Domain

And with that, we return to our starting place of Mandan. This site's two copper mines were abandoned in 1909, meaning time has largely stood still in the past century.

Have you ever visited any ghost towns in Michigan? Have you heard tales from family members of life in these now-abandoned places? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments!

Love Michigan history and the beauty of abandoned places? You will love taking an abandoned places road trip through the state!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Ghost Towns In Michigan

May 31, 2020

Nikki Rhoades

What is the oldest town in Michigan?

Here in The Great Lakes State, history abounds. It’s richest in places like Sault Ste. Marie, the oldest town in Michigan. This community traces its roots back to the 1660s when early French missionaries arrived. 

Can I visit any abandoned places in Michigan? 

Longing to learn about the past? Our architectural accomplishments can tell you quite a bit about the people that call this great state home. You can quench your hunger for urban archaeology at abandoned bridges and by taking advantage of seasonal tours at purportedly haunted landmarks.

What are the most haunted places in Michigan?

There are many haunted places in Michigan! Our state, as you know, is full of rich history. Places like Jackson State Prison and Historic Fort Wayne continue to captivate visitors to this day with tales of the past, and some visitors even claim to have a close encounter with the past. Do you believe in ghosts? Michigan’s many haunted sites just might help you put your theories to the test.

Address: Mandan, MI 49950, USA

Address: US-41, Mohawk, MI 49950, USA

Address: 25970 Red Jacket Rd, Calumet, MI 49913, USA

Address: M-26, Calumet Twp, MI, USA

Address: Dollar Bay, MI, USA

Address: Lake Linden, MI 49945, USA

Address: Hubbell, MI, USA

Address: Gay, MI 49950, USA

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