11 Most Instagrammable Spots in the Keweenaw Peninsula

If you're planning a trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, make sure to add Keweenaw Peninsula to your itinerary. This rugged region is known for its picturesque views and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. And with the rise of social media, it's no surprise that many visitors are on the hunt for the most Instagrammable spots in Keweenaw Peninsula. From stunning waterfalls and lighthouses to charming small towns and historic sites, this region has plenty of photo-worthy locations. So grab your camera and get ready to explore the most Instagrammable spots in Keweenaw Peninsula.

Houghton Murals

The murals in Houghton, Michigan, are a vibrant reflection of the town's rich history and artistic spirit. Spread across various buildings and public spaces, these stunning artworks encapsulate the essence of Houghton's past and present. From depictions of the region's mining heritage to the breathtaking natural landscapes that surround it, each mural tells a unique story. The intricate details and vivid colors employed by local artists breathe life into these large-scale paintings, creating a visual feast for both residents and visitors. You can find a majority of these murals along the waterfront trail, but some are painted throughout downtown as well.

Portage Lift Bridge

The Portage Lift Bridge is celebrated every summer for connecting Houghton to Hancock, and the rest of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Bridgfest Celebration was organized to celebrate the completion of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge in 1959, and has been a critical component in connecting the communities since. In June 2022, it was dedicated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark! The middle section of the bridge lifts to a clearance of 100 feet (30m) to allow boats to pass underneath. During the winter, the bridge is lowered to its lowest point of four feet clearance to allow for snowmobiles to pass through the lower portion of the bridge.

Husky Statue

This nine-foot-tall Husky is the proud mascot of Michigan Technological University! It stands on a 19-ton Baraga County boulder that is 1.8 billion years old. Both statue and boulder represent iconic symbols of the areas past and what it is well known for. MTU originally began as a mining school in 1885, with new programs being established in the 1930s. In 1948, post-war enrollment began to blossom and only continue to increase in the following years. By 1964, the campus became what it is today: Michigan Technological University.

A Mine Shaft

The enchanting mine shafts of the area delve into history with their sheer size and design making for a mesmerizing backdrop. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an adventurer seeking the thrill of exploration, or a lover of all things visually striking, the Keweenaw's mine shafts will leave you breathless and longing for more.

Historic Buildings

The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to a trove of historical buildings. The captivating charm of these architectural gems entices both locals and tourists alike, making for the perfect Instagrammable spot. From the majestic Fort Wilkins, with its sturdy stone walls and rustic allure, to the vibrant and colorfully adorned 19th-century buildings in downtown Calumet, each historical structure tells a unique story waiting to be captured and shared. The weathered facades, ornate details, and quaint surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for stunning photographs that encapsulate the essence of the region's rich history.

The Keweenaw Snow Thermometer

The snow thermometer is the world’s largest snow thermometer according to the World Record Academy. It can be found at a small roadside park just north of Mohawk to show just how much snow can fall during the Upper Peninsula winter. The record high snowfall for the area was in the winter of 1978-1979, reaching 32.5 feet (9.9m). The height of the snow thermometer was created to commemorate that seasonal accomplishment.

Waterfalls

The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to at least 15 waterfalls that make for a relaxing hike or beautiful photo backdrops. Many of the waterfalls are easily accessible, with a handful being right off M-26 or other roads. There’s no excuse to not stop and see these! I wrote the perfect Keweenaw waterfall tour guide to help you plan your itinerary.

The Jampot

This boutique bakery is a must-see and well-known stop in the Keweenaw. The Jampot creates a wide selection of homemade jams, jellies, preserves, and fresh bakery and fruitcakes. This seasonal stop is the storefront to the monks of Holy Protection Monastery and all products are made with the finest local, regional, natural and organic ingredient they can find.

Mt. Baldy

If you are up for an adventure, the 6-mile round trip hike to Mt. Baldy boasts amazing views of the peninsula. Although Mt. Baldy is a unique nature area for its treeless peak, rare plant species, and bird viewing, it also has a spectacular mountaintop view of Lake Superior. While bedrock balds are common in the Appalachians and adjacent Canada and New England, Mt. Baldy is the least disturbed example in the Keweenaw Peninsula and the finest example in Michigan.

Brockway Mountain

The views from Brockway Mountain aren’t comparable! The mountain is also a popular fall color viewing spot. Although watching the sunset is our favorite time to visit, there is no wrong time to head up the 4 mile drive to the top. Well, winter isn’t the best time either, unless you have a snowmobile. The drive to the top of the mountain is seasonal and is not plowed in winter. There are a number of overlooks on the way to the top. I highly recommend stopping by the Copper Harbor overlook to get a birds-eye view of one of our most historic towns.

Jamsen’s Bakery

The recently painted mural at Jamsen’s Bakery makes for a stunning photo backdrop! You totally can’t pass up their house-baked goodies while you’re there either. Our go-to items are the Thimbleberry donuts and Pannukakku (a Finnish oven custard-like pancake). While you are at the tippy top of Michigan, be sure to walk around the charming village of Copper Harbor.