"La Roche Verde" Written About in 17th Century French Voyageur Journals

Above is a photo taken near the Copper Harbor Lighthouse looking out into Lake Superior. This is the place where the French voyageurs first discovered the rock known as "La Roche Verde." The rock received its "green" color from copper silicate, also known as chrysocolla, which indicated the presence of copper. Not much remains of the "green rock" only what is seen in the photo. Douglas Houghton, Michigan's first state geologist, discovered this vein of copper in 1840 and wrote a report about it which started the first mineral boom in America.

Views of Copper Harbor

Rainy Sunday! Thinking back to the sunny days spent in Copper Harbor early this summer. I have so many images to share. I only wish that I could capture the scent of the clean air and pass that along too. I can think of nothing better than waking up and seeing Lake Superior the first thing in the morning. It makes one want to start the day and see what surprises it holds. Copper Harbor is a wonderful place to visit. It is very small, but very peaceful, the perfect place to relax and retreat from a busy world.
The first photo shows a series of stop signs and roads in Copper Harbor. There are several intersections that are comprised of four vacant lots. The second photo is another shot of the village of Copper Harbor taken from Brockway Mountain Drive at dusk. The boat that can be seen is the Isle Royale Queen IV. It takes people to Isle Royale National Park located in Lake Superior. The third and fourth photos are views of Copper Harbor, itself. The sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth photos are views of Copper Harbor, a very quaint and beautiful place.

Copper Harbor and the Lighthouse

The village of Copper Harbor, the harbor and Lake Superior beyond the harbor. Taken from Brockway Mountain Drive.
The view from the top of Brockway Mountain Drive.


The Copper Harbor Lighthouse with a sailboat on Lake Superior in the distance.


Copper Harbor is an incredibly beautiful and the place where Douglas Houghton (the state of Michigan's first geologist) decided, in the early 1840's, that copper could be mined economically here. Fort Wilkins was built at Copper Harbor in 1844 to maintain order during the rush to find copper in Michigan. The fort was abandoned a mere two years later and is now an historic site where visitors are welcome. Included as part of this site is the Copper Harbor Lighthouse which is accessible only by boat. The lighthouse was among the first lighthouses to be built on Lake Superior. It began operating during the spring of 1849 and, in 1856, the lighthouse received a Fresnel lens. Today, the lighthouse operates as a nautical museum.

Visiting Copper Harbor is a delightful. Peaceful is a word that describes time spent here. There is very little traffic and life runs at a much slower pace. Local folks are friendly and have many wonderful stories to share. Then there is the view..........magnificent! From Brockway Mountain Drive to Lake Superior the beauty of nature in the Keweenaw never ceases to amaze.

Discussions at Lunch

Copper Harbor
Looking down on Copper Harbor from Brockway Mountain Drive. Lake Fanny Hooe is the lake on the right while the village of Copper Harbor is on the left and beyond that, Copper Harbor, itself, with Lake Superior in the distance.
Copper Harbor Lighthouse
Copper Harbor

I was fortunate to have lunch, today, with friends who had also visited Copper Harbor, Michigan this summer. We had so much to talk about as we recalled the beauty of this place which is located at the top of the Keweenaw Peninsula and surrounded by Lake Superior. It is quiet there and so very peaceful, a wonderful place to unwind.

Snapshots of Summer

Copper Harbor, Michigan.
McClain State Park lighthouse.
The Mackinaw Bridge taken from the Upper Peninsula side.
Ending the day at Lake Michigan.

These are photos of some of my favorite places.

Summer Afternoon

Today is a new beginning for my blog, so here goes.....

The above photo was taken two days ago and the departure of summer is evident. This time of year is both sad and exciting for me. I hate to let go of the warm summer days and the longer daylight hours while, at the same time, I look forward to the cool crisp clear days of autumn. Both seasons are beautiful in Michigan.