Chassell Township deeply honors its place in Copper Country history and natural beauty. Community partners in Chassell and the Keweenaw region have worked together to increase accessible recreational opportunities throughout this diverse natural landscape.
Nestled up to the shorelines of Pike Bay and Portage Lake, Chassell's Sturgeon River and Sloughs have provided awe-striking access to the lush Keweenaw wetlands. This smooth-flowing water system makes for great paddling, kayaking, and canoeing... and now with the addition of an ADA accessible kayak launch, the Sturgeon River's beauty is available to all who seek it.
For those interested in learning about Chassell and the Sturgeon's intertwined lumber legacy, folks can immerse themselves in the Chassell Historic Trails. Here interpretive signage offers educational connections between nature and the Copper Country lumber days, all along a maintained trail and boardwalk system.
Chassell Recreation
The Sturgeon and Beyond
Peaceful and calm, paddling the Sturgeon River and the Sloughs provide immersive connection to nature.
Chassell Township was established in the late 1800s, and eventually became the home of the Sturgeon River Lumber Company. Here, lumber was logged, milled, and transported thanks to the close proximity of woods to water. Today, these histories come alive thanks to the efforts of the Chassell Historical Organization and many other community partners. Explore Copper Country nature and history on a trip to Chassell:
Paddle the Sturgeon River and the Sturgeon River Sloughs: Launch from Otter Lake for a half day float trip. Looking for something a little closer? Launch using Chassell's new ADA accessible kayak launch which can be found on the north side of US 41 bridge which spans the Sturgeon. Located nearby, you'll also find interpretive signage funded by the Visit Keweenaw Destination Development fund.
Walk the Chassell Historic Trails: Interpretive signage offers insight, along with QR codes that link to a children's book for the kiddos. Pair with the Keweenaw Time Traveler for even more immersion!
Visit the Chassell Heritage Center: A former schoolhouse, The Chassell Heritage Center is open to the public during the summer months and features several exhibits that offer a glimpse into Chassell’s past. Check out their website for weekly events!
Enjoy the local events: Farmers markets and the classic annual Strawberry Festival are excellent ways to enjoy modern-day Chassell!
Recreating Responsibly in Chassell's Sturgeon River and Historic Trails
Love The Keweenaw, in all the different ways you play and explore within the wealth of recreational opportunities in Chassell. To Love The Keweenaw means to respect and preserve the nature and history of these lands that we explore. By making concerted efforts to respect the river, the sloughs, the trails, your fellow visitors, and the abundant wildlife, we can all ensure lifetimes of access and appreciation for these lands. For insights on how you can be a good steward, visit LoveTheKeweenaw.org.
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