Want to add another day trip to your Keweenaw summer itinerary? For a perfectly packaged family outing that mixes Copper Country history with good food and fun, head to Laurium, Michigan! Often spoken about in the same breath as Calumet due to the proximity of each village, this historic area is worthy of its own dedicated visit. Established in 1895, Laurium was a community meant to house the mine owners and captains. Set away from the hubbub of Calumet, Laurium inspires the feeling of a peaceful Copper Country suburban life.
Laurium, Michigan's Historic Main Street
Situated ever so slightly south-east of Calumet and US-41, a minute long detour in that heading will set you on the path for Laurium’s Main Street. If you’re traveling US-41, keep an eye out for the Visit Keweenaw headquarters on the corner of US-41 and M-26. Our HQ is your cue to turn! Turn right at the light if you’re aimed north, left at the light if you’re headed south.
Signs point the way to the inner heart of Laurium, and this day trip guide leads you on the perfect path to uncovering the hidden gems of this little village. For those families looking to do a little urban exploring on foot, this Laurium itinerary makes for lovely main street and neighborhood strolling. By foot or by auto, this path is best enjoyed at summer's slow and easy pace!
Pro Travel Tip: Stop in at Visit Keweenaw HQ for a Keweenaw Pasty Trail Map! Get your official stamps on this map at local Copper Country pasty pros, and you’ll be rewarded with official VK swag! It’ll be important later in our guide!
Laurium Historic District Walking Tour
A spectacular facet of the Keweenaw is the the accessibility and preservation of historic elements of the area, and the copper boom-era houses within Laurium's neighborhoods are no exception. Originally a mining claim itself, the village of Laurium quickly transitioned in the late 1800s to its own distinct village apart from Calumet. As the dividend checks started pouring in to the Calumet & Arizona Mining Company investors, Laurium's neighborhoods boomed with the mansions and stunning homes of mining elite.
Many of the homes and places of business still stand to this day, their histories recorded in the Laurium Historic District Walking Tour. This guide accompanies our Laurium highlights from the Marta Block (where Copper Country Sweets resides), to the Gipp Memorial, to the Laurium Manor Inn, and everywhere in between.
Looking up through the tree-lined streets at the storied architecture still standing today, you'll begin to notice all the fine details and touches put in during that wild, optimistic time of growth. Now quiet and serene, it's incredible to imagine the big city-feel that once was Laurium. The Walking Guide boasts that by 1906 Laurium had 40 grocery stores, 4 hotels, 10 meat markets, 33 saloons, 11 schools, 6 churches, 4 railroads, 4 theatres, a streetcar line!
Copper Country Sweets
Copper Country Sweet's brick and mortar location is a fine example of the Jacobsville Sandstone Architecture!
Turning onto Main Street from M-26 reveals a row of tall sandstone buildings. Not obvious from the main highway, these historic Copper Country business fronts remind you of the incredible copper boom wealth. Located within one of these ornate red sandstone buildings is Copper Country Sweets, a bakery with daily curated offerings and vintage glam appeal!
Bakery with a view!
A chocolate chip cookie and a little something to snack on goes a long way when you’re embarking on an excursion with the family. Helmed by young entrepreneur Erin Turner, you’ll find delicious baked treats often featuring a seasonal twist! Sit at the picture window and enjoy the sunshine among the whimsical decor, or bid Erin adieu as you take your items to go to the next location!
Early bird gets the pick of the bakery case.
Pro Travel Tip: Take your time looking up before you travel away from the Main Street. The standing buildings here show the ornate and opulent decoration of a community designed for wealth. There are a lot of great photo opportunities here for those with an eye for architecture.
Modern touches on these Copper Country historic buildings make for excellent photos.
George Gipp Memorial Park
Summer brings flowers and the buzz of nature to the George Gipp Memorial Park.
The George Gipp Memorial Park is a sweet little place to enjoy your bakery or stretch your legs in the sun. Fans of American football or the classic silver screen will recognize the park’s namesake: George Gipp. Born and raised in Laurium circa 1895, this Copper Country son went on to be recruited by Notre Dame football and a legend was born. Some of Gipp’s stats for the Fighting Irish still remain unbroken, even a hundred years later. Ronald Reagan went on to play George Gipp in “Knute Rockne, All American”, as the country had become entranced by the tragic story of Gipp’s career and untimely death. After contracting pneumonia, George uttered a heartfelt goodbye to his coach and from there the iconic line was born, “win just one for the Gipper.”
At the George Gipp Memorial Park in Laurium, you’ll find gorgeous floral landscaping to sit by and enjoy. There’s a large stone memorial and plaques with historical information for those curious about the history and legacy of the Gipp. This spot, with its lush manicured grass is a great spot for little ones to play, and for adults to have a restful moment outside.
The meticulously designed stone memorial in honor of George Gipp, icon of Laurium, Michigan.
Laurium Manor Inn
The Antebellum-style Laurium Manor Inn always strikes a regal pose in the quiet Laurium neighborhood.
From the George Gipp Memorial Park, it’s just a straight shot up Tamarack Street to the Laurium Manor Inn. There’s no missing this palatial estate - the white columns and welcoming wrap-around porch emerge from behind the verdant trees lining the street, a stately icon of Copper Country history.
Take a rest and enjoy the gentle pace of Laurium on the Laurium Manor Inn's gorgeous wrap around porch.
This mansion was originally built for Thomas Hoatson Jr. and his wife in 1908. Hoatson, Jr. was the owner of the Calumet and Arizona Mining Company, the son of the Calumet and Hecla dynasty. Today, the property continues to operate as a historic bed and breakfast delighting guests with its historic charm and incredible morning meals. Within the 45-room mansion, the Hoatson's created a splendor of early copper boom luxury. Today, the mansion lives on as the Laurium Manor Inn, a registered Keweenaw Heritage Site.
A portal through time, exploring the Laurium Manor Inn is full of unexpected sights for all ages.
Excellently maintained in its beauty and opulence, this mansion is a wonderful place to explore and immerse yourself in a life gone by. With so many beautiful paintings, curios abounding, and fantastic (nearly princess-like) bedrooms, even kids find exploring these halls fun and fascinating! Self-guided tours are allowed daily from noon to 3 p.m. Three floors to explore, and a wrap-around porch to sit and imagine you’re among the finely heeled gentry, there’s hours to be spent at the Laurium Manor Inn!
Pro Travel Tip: the Laurium Manor Inn provides a self-guided audio tour through their website to play through your phone so you get get even more in-depth info!
Toni's Country Kitchen
Come on in! Toni's is Keweenaw-famous for their pasties and classic American diner appeal!
After getting your steps in at the Laurium Manor Inn, head to Toni’s Country Kitchen for a bite to eat! This American-style diner is a cozy place to grab some comfort food. Their real claim to fame is their pasty. Known Keweenaw-wide, Toni’s pasties are a Copper Country icon. Crispy, flaky pastry crust wrapped around those classic veggies and protein. There’s nothing more fortifying than a pasty, and this classic pasty is no exception.
Toni's pasty is a taste of Copper Country history.
Pro Travel Tip: get your official Keweenaw Pasty Trail stamp marked on your passport after you’ve enjoyed your pasty!
Daniell Park Summer Concert Series
The Daniell Park Summer Music Series is a fun family-friendly stop on your Historic Tour of Laurium!
The Keweenaw comes alive with live music during the summertime! Fully blossomed awake from a long winter's sleep, nearly every community in the Copper Country hosts musicians weekly to have one extra reason to stay up with the long summer days. Located on the corner of 3rd and Pewabic Street in Laurium, the long running Daniell Park Summer Concert Series is your destination for golden hour jams. Musicians are hosted in an a retro bandshell, and a joyful vibe fills the park as Laurium locals and visitors really turn out for these sessions. The kids can get the evening wiggles out dancing in the park, and maybe you'll feel inspired to do a little groove! This Lauirum live music series takes place July - August - be sure to check our events calendar for exact dates and line-up!
Miller's Recreation
You don't need to be the Big Lebowski to love that classic bowling alley vibe at Miller's Recreation!
Whatever way you enjoy your day in Laurium, be sure to cap it off with an evening at Miller’s Recreation! This spot has been a local go-to spot for bowling, food, and drink since the late ‘40s. Bring a little fun family competition into play with a couple rounds of bowling while the adults unwind with a KBC or some tasty snacks. Miller’s is famous among the locals for their wings - so if you’re craving some crushable bar food, this is the place!
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