Visit Old Vicotoria in Michigan's Upper Peninsula: Bring the History of Copper Country Alive

Journey Through Copper History on the Keweenaw 

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is rich with history, dating back thousands of years.  Each stop along the way allows you to discover a variety of different lessons: from nature to human's interactions.  The Keweenaw Peninsula is a stop rich in the history of copper mining.

One post will nnt be enough to encapsalate all that Copper Country has to teach.  However, we found an incredible spot along the way to start our explorations.  Old Victoria, the abandoned copper mine town, lead us through restored houses alongside aging ruins.

Run exclusively by volunteers, the Old Victoria historic site boasts four restored buildings on the property, each with their own unique touch.  We were able to explore the main boarding house, and then the homes of those that would have worked in the mine.  The volunteer docent walked us through each of the restored buildings, providing history and rennovation information along the way.

Life as a copper miner was not easy, and it required everyone connected to the mine to work together to create a life.  While miners searched for copper, wives and hired women would take care of the day to day chores and the meals.  Old Victoria was not a particulary large mining community, and everyone worked together to make it in the backcountry of the Upper Peninsula.

After visiting the restored sites, we took to the trails to explore the ruins of the Old Victoria mine.  Following the trail, we found the rock overlook, that gave views as far as Lake Superior.  We found a general building, and then eventual the hoist house.

The hosit house was fun to explore.  We walked along the walls and the ruins, imagining what life was like prior to the closing of the mine.  We were excited when we found the markings for the North Country Trail.  Having been on various parts of the trail, we imagined how unique it must be to walk the trail and land in the middle of copper ruins along the way. 

We found various views and wonderful spots to stop along the way.  This trip became one that was unexpected.  We were enthralled by the history and amazed at what we were able to see.  This is a great trip to take with friends.  The cost is free or good will donation, and your time is well spent learning stories about those that helped change our world through the mining industry. 

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