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Lake Superior Loop
  • Martha Sleutel
  • Martha Sleutel

Lake Superior Loop

A 19-day circle drive around Lake Superior. Fun Facts - Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world, large enough to modify weather. At it's deepest, it is deeper than a 100 story building is tall. Read more
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  • Trip start
    August 11, 2026
    Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    First views of Lake Superior
    First views of Lake SuperiorHazy sky turning blueTwo Harbors LighthouseIron ore dock with ship being loadedThe black and white ship is so huge, it looks like a buildingGooseberry River flowing to Lake SuperiorFirst view of middle fallsMiddle falls with pondUpper FallsJane and Charlie at Upper FallsAnother view of Upper FallsCharlie alongside Gooseberry RiverLovely, magical Gooseberry River

    First Views of Lake Superior

    August 11 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    We flew into Minneapolis yesterday and met up with my sister, Jane, at our hotel there. (I was disappointed that it was 93 degrees and humid when we arrived). Once we got near Lake Superior today, the temperatures were marvelous - 70s! We drove to Two Harbors, a small town with a lovely lighthouse (oldest in the state). At the Two Harbors Bay, we saw the 7-story iron ore docks where taconite pellots were being transferred from the Canadian Railway and onto a massive Great Lakes freighter ship for transport to steel mills.

    We spent the rest of the afternoon at lovely Gooseberry Falls State Park. We strolled along the Gooseberry River and enjoyed views of Upper and Middle Falls. See photos!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    3Split Rock Lighthouse
    3Split Rock Lighthouse2Shoreline view from lighthouse grounds2View back toward lighthouse from rocky beach strollView from Southwest of lighthouse grounds2Charlie and I on rocky beachView from tall cliffs down to silhouetted fishing boat at Tettegouche State ParkView from cliffside trail down to Lake Superior and another set of cliffsMy sister snagged this amazing photo from our cliffside hike!So many lovely views of the forested beach and cliffs along Lake SuperiorPretty inlet at end of Shovel Point TrailCharlie, Jane, and I at end of Shovel Point TrailSea caves and forest viewed from trail

    Split Rock Lighthouse and Tettegouche State Park

    August 13 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    We started our day at Split Rock Lighthouse, which was immaculately maintained, and, of course, had phenomenal views. There had been many shipwrecks due to fog and the rocky coast, including the Edmund Fitzgerald, a day's journey by water from this area. The Edmund Fitzgerald was more modern, in 1975, and was carrying the same type of iron pellots we saw being loaded yesterday. Apparently, wave heights were 25-35 feet tall with hurricane force winds, which is not uncommon for Lake Superior. After visiting the lighthouse, we strolled along the scenic rocky coast before eating a picnic lunch.

    In the afternoon, we drove further North to Tettegouche State Park. The name is a derivation from a French-Canadian word meaning "meeting place". This area has dramatic volcanic cliffs, where we saw several rock climbers with ropes (not for me, thank you very much!). There are sea caves and stunning views of the azure lake. See photos.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Jane on Black Beach, Minnesota
    Jane on Black Beach, MinnesotaLovely trail to waterfallsOne of several waterfalls at Cascade River State ParkMore cascadesFinal view of Cascade River SPMe at High Falls on Canadian borderHigh Falls and valleyJane and I at High FallsFinal view of High Falls

    Black Beach, Cascade River, and High Falls

    August 14 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We started our day at Black Beach, with charcoal-colored "sand" pounded by waves over decades from taconite (iron ore) tailings discarded in Lake Superior years earlier. Now, a scenic and delightful tourist destination, in the 1950s, this industrial pollution led to asbestos-like fibers in the local drinking water. (the rest of the story). All safe and lovely now, but this pollution helped get environmental laws to protect people. Continuing on, we passed Temperance River, which got its name in the 1860's because it has no sand bar (no bar) as it empties into Lake Superior. Ha-ha!

    Next, we hiked the Cascade River trail with several views of waterfalls and cascades as the river drops through a tight gorge down to Lake Superior. After a picnic lunch, we visited Grand Portage National Monument, a historic trading post with exhibits explaining the trade between Native Americans, fur traders, and explorers.

    Our last stop was Grand Portage State Park with the tallest waterfall in Minnesota (also on the Canadian border). We strolled up a boardwalk trail to the aptly (if unimaginately) named High Falls. This waterfall, gorges, and other rapids necessitated an 8 1/2 mile bypass (grand portage) as part of the extremely important trading route from the 1700's-1800's.

    We crossed the border into Canada, and then drove to Thunder Bay, where we will stay for 2 nights.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Kakabeka Falls - first view
    American Redstart from internetKakabeka Falls - first view1Video of Kakabeka Falls from first viewpointTop of falls, walking across bridgeVideo from upstream of falls under bridge to fallsViews along trail, walking counter-clockwise around fallsContinuing on opposite bank from starting viewpointFurther downriverFurthest point away from falls, downriverReturning clock-wise to starting pointView walking across bridge at top of fallsBack at starting overlookFort William Visitor Center artwork - wood carving, painting, and stained glassColorful, amazing artworkNo lawn mowers needed at Fort William Histoircal ParkHistoric buildingsFur building where pelts brought by voyagers and Indigenous trappers were readied for shippingCanoe shed where traditional birchbark canoes are builtMore birchbark canoes, made onsite and shared with museumsRiver where supplies are received and shipped outCharlie and Jane in the drizzle

    Kakabeka Falls and Fort William

    August 15 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Today was drizzly and cool, a nice reprieve from sunny, warmer temps of 75-85. Fun fact - remember the Grand Portage? The trade route Indigenous tribes used from Lake Superior, canoeing upriver, and then portaging to avoid High Falls? After the American revolution and the establishment of America, the Grand Portage area became American territory. The Northwest Company (fur traders) did not want to pay US tarrifs, so they created a different inland headquarters, named it Fort William (after one of the founders), and then created a new portage route/strategy to get around Kakabeka Falls.

    See pics to understand why they needed to avoid the falls. (Hint: it's called the Niagara of the North). We thoroughly enjoyed ambling along the cliffs and forests overlooking the Kaministiquia River and Kakabeka Falls. Stunning! On top of these views, my ever-alert birding sister noticed an American Redstart, a beautiful little bird. It hopped away too fast for a picture, so I'll supply one from the internet. It was so fun to see this colorful bird!

    Fort William Historical Park is a lovely, well-maintained, and very spread-out complex of 50 historical buildings that replicate the North West company's 1815 fur trade headquarters. Workers are dressed in authentic clothing and act the parts. Armed with rain gear and umbrellas for intermittent drizzles, we roamed from building to building, learning A LOT about life in this area in the 1800s. A pleasant and entertaining day!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Charlie and Jane on the Thunder Bay Lookout
    Charlie and Jane on the Thunder Bay LookoutVideo from safe ground close to the cliff edge but NOT on the platformSign explaining the geology of Thunder Bay LookoutJane, traversing rocks, roots, and rutsDense forest along our brookside trail2Me on an easier area of the trail. Yes, scarf and jacket. 62 degrees!Lake Superior view at the end of the trailBig black bear!Ambling away from us

    Thunder Bay to Schreiber

    August 16 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Driving along the northern route of the Trans-Canada highway, we detoured to the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. We hiked along 2 trails that we describe as 3 R's (Ruts, Roots and Rocks) and 3 M's (Mud, Mosquitos, and Moss [pretty]. We have no photos of hike # 1, because we gave up on it (overgrown, slippery, hilly, and no lake views). Enroute to hike # 2, we stopped at Thunder Bay Lookout, with breathtaking views of Thunder Bay and Lake Superior. The lookout platform was suspended high in the air off a deep cliff, with the ground being 300 feet down. I couldn't go out there! I did take a photo and a video. The bright sapphire blue is completely Mother Nature - I did not enhance the color at all!

    The last hike wandered through a beautiful boreal forest, alongside a picturesque brook. At trail's end were views of an inlet of Lake Superior. This hike was notable because I slipped in some mud and fell (we had JUST done laundry the previous night! Of course we had!).

    We drove on through wilderness, skirting spectacular Lake Superior. As we were approaching our destination, the tiny, remote town of Schreiber, I spotted a black bear foraging next to the road. We stopped and watched. He was panting from the heat! (68 degrees). The sun angle highlighted dust coming off his coat. See photos.

    In this isolated small town, we noticed an interesting accent in some of the locals. A bit typical Canadian/Minnesota mixed with a subtle (maybe) French accent and a bit of a subtle Scottish lilt. All signage is in both French and English, since both are Canadian national languages.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Aquasabon Gorge and River
    Aquasabon Gorge and RiverView of gorge and river to Lake SuperiorBoardwalk Beach Loop - lovely!Lots of driftwood and logsMe at the beginning of the Manito Miikana Trail Note the coat as the weather was cool and breezyWalk on board through mud, then scramble around boulder, over roots, then up endless stepsMe avoiding mud before tackling the boulder and roots.First lookout - great view of Lake Superior2Me and my sister, windblownView before tackling the rest of the trail1Me and CharlieYup, we climbed up there!The trailBack to the beachCharlie walking on the beach

    Schreiber to Wawa and the Obstacle Course Hike

    August 17 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Our first stop in the morning was Aquasabon Gorge and River. This was a lovely lookout at the end of a short, paved trail.

    Driving on, we went to Pukaskwas National Park. We started on the Boardwalk Beach Loop, and continued on the Manito Miikana Trail (they link). The beach was lovely with deep sand (slow walking).

    For the Minito Miikana Trail, Charlie's info said it was an easy 1.8 mile hike. Turns out, the park info described it thusly; "uneven natural surfaces, frequent tree roots. Muddy and slippery... Minimal signage, wayfinding skills recommended. Hiking boots and poles recommended." (They left out the part about numerous obstacles). Jane and I joked that we were one stumble away from a hip fracture, while Charlie easily scampered over boulders and up steps. He waited patiently for us as we slowly, carefully picked our way up, up, and up the trail to the clifftop lookouts. And slowly, carefully back down to the beach!

    After a picnic lunch, we rested and recovered during our drive to our next destination, Wawa. The name derives from an indigenous name for wild goose. In fact, throughout the town, there are giant goose statues.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Sand River Cascades and Falls
    Sand River Cascades and FallsJane photographing Sand River FallsSand River and FallsSign at Agawa Pictograph TrailheadWe walked past this boulder stuck between 2 cliffsView with more of foreground3This is the trailCharlie headed down the long, steep, rocky descent into a deep gorgeJane and I follow CharlieJane and I start back up the rocky, steep gorgeJane and I picking our way SLOWLY to the topContinuing up and up and upAnother view of a younger, fitter hiker with his Australian Shepherd at the topMe posing at the topInternet image of pictograph wall next to icy waterAnother image from internet of start of pictograph wall next to waterView of Lake Superior from our picnic site3Locks in action - tug boat pushing a barge East (toward Lake Huron)Map of the lakes and routes

    Wawa, Ontario to Sault Ste. Marie, MI

    August 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Today started cool and rainy. Our first stop was Lake Superior Provincial Park, where we viewed our proposed trail from the car, as the rain continued. Then we drove on!

    The rain cleared to a cool, gray day by the time we stopped at Sand River Trail alongside a cascading river and falls. The trail was rated, "easy", which meant that Jane and I slowly, carefully picked our way around rocks, roots, and mud up and up through a lovely forest. There were intermittent views of cascades along the way. A challenge for us, as usual, but we managed.

    Our last hike of the day was Agawa Rocks Pictograph Trail, reported to be steep and difficult. We thought Jane and I would only go a little way, while Charlie went to the pictographs. That last part of the trail to the pictographs is onto a narrow, sloping rock shelf at the lake's edge. The pictographs are just above the shelf on the cliff wall. There are warning signs about how treacherous and dangerous that pictograph part is, so Jane and I knew we would not go that far. We did go partway (very slowly and carefully), while Charlie went to the water's edge. He went to the first pictograph, looked at the narrow sloping shelf up ahead, and decided he was done. It's hard to believe there are no rails but with varying lake levels, I imagine handrails are not possible. Our pics are only of the upper part of the trail and the rocky, challenging, descent and ascent through a narrow, steep gorge. No pics at the water's edge.

    After a picnic lunch, we drove to Sault Ste. Marie. I was this many years old when I found out how to spell Sault Ste. Marie (Sault, not Sue, even though it is pronounced Sue or Soo). After checking into our hotel, we walked to the locks a block away and were mesmerized by the ships going through the locks and rising or falling with the changing water levels. So interesting!

    We finished our day next to the locks at a seafood restaurant serving fresh Lake Superior fish. Yummy!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Whitefish Point Lighthouse - notice the street light is shaped like the lighthouse!
    Whitefish Point Lighthouse - notice the street light is shaped like the lighthouse!Lake Superior beach next to light stationLake Superior beachActual bell (now polished) from the Edmund Fitzgerald - Charlie in backgroundLife-sized display of salvage operations for shipwrecksFood truck with fresh Lake Superior fishTahquamenon Falls from walkwayFreshly-built viewing platform for fallsVideo of Tahquamenon Falls from viewing platformThe 3 of us at viewing platformJane and I in front of Tahquamenon FallsConcrete pillars from old steps (marked) and new ramps to viewing platformNew wheelchair-accessible rampsLast view of falls

    Sault Ste. Marie to Newberry

    August 19 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    With cool, sunny weather, we drove to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Whitefish Point Light Station. Both the museum and lighthouse/light tower are part of a complex of buildings on lakeside property. (The lighthouse was built during Abraham Lincoln's administration). Buildings exhibit artifacts from shipwrecks, including the bell from the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank 18 miles from here.  Historic buildings have fascinating displays on the why of the many Lake Superior shipwrecks, and the history of the many rescues. The stories were poignant and interesting.

     Whitefish Point is called the Graveyard of the Great Lakes, with 550 known shipwrecks, most in this area. Another nickname for the area is Shipwreck Coast. Three main reasons:
    1. Lake Superior is the coldest, deepest, and largest of the great lakes, with violent, fast-forming storms with towering waves.
    2. Ships since the 1800's are heavily laden with copper and iron ore/taconite. As the ships go East, all commercial vessels funnel past Whitefish's narrow choke-point, so there are numerous ships in a congested traffic situation.
    3. Poor visibility is common from fog, snow, storms, and fires; leading to many collisions or groundings.

    We stopped for a nearby lunch at food truck, beside the road, seemingly in the middle of nowhere for fresh Lake Superior fish. Delish!!!!

    Our next stop was Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Unlike previous hikes, this one was completely paved and handicap accessible, all through lovely forest. At the end of the paved trail/road, the descent to the falls was a zigzag of newly-built, very long, gently sloped ramps down the cliffside to a large, well-built viewing area for the falls. We enjoyed this stroll very much! There was another viewing area further upriver with no ramps, just 180 steps straight down and 180 steps back. Charlie eagerly tackled the challenge of the steps, while Jane and I ambled at a leisurely pace back to the car. We were all quite satisfied today!!!!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Sandhill cranes
    Sandhill cranesSandhill craneTrumpeter swansIdyllic setting!Jane's picView of Lake Superior from our hotel roomJane and Charlie on the boatGrand Island East Channel Lighthouse, built in 1868Sea caves and colorful cliffsLover's Leap Sandstone ArchKayakers, arch and sea caves in backgroundLittle boat and colorful cliff formationsVibrant cliff pigmentsGrand Portal Point - ships could pass through before partial collapse in 1906Turquoise water and vibrant cliffsUnique inlet into sandstone cliffsBridleveil Falls at Pictured Rocks National LakeshoreSea Caves, arches, and kaleidescope of natureArches and sea caves amidst the cliffsFinal view of arch

    Newberry to Munising, Michigan

    August 20 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Under a dazzling blue sky, we explored Seney National Wildlife Refuge. On this marshland wildlife drive, we saw loons, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, and not one other human! We heard at least 10 other bird species (identified on our Merlin phone apps), but, of course, those birds cheerfully twittered and sang, while hiding in the trees.

    We drove on to Grand Marais for a tasty lunch on the coast, then took stock of the likely rain tomorrow, when we have a sightseeing boat ride scheduled. Charlie hastily found availability at the 4 PM boat tour for today. We checked into our hotel, then hustled to the marina.

    Pictured Rock National Lakehore is a coast of dramatically colorful cliffs and unusual rock formations. Streaks of minerals stain the rock, painting it red (iron), black (manganese), green and blue (copper), and white (limonite). Despite gray skies, the cliffs and coast showed off their vibrant colors as we enjoyed a lovely 2-hour excursion.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Yesterday's view from water of Miner's Castle rock formation. See observation platform at top?
    Me with wheeled logging cart from the early 1900sSign explaining logging cartCharlie, me and Jane at top of logging slide "Devil's Shute"Wider view of Jane and me at the top of 500 foot logging slide down to lakeView from top and side of logging shute (circled - someone in red, trudging up 500 feet of sand)Forest floor with unusual plant. Moss?Au Sable Lighthouse, called, "Big Sable Light", from top of log slide. Actively in use todayApple tree next to our picnic table at lunchSable Falls and cascadesMe at viewing platformCloser view of me and Sable FallsGreat Sable Dunes, viewed from beachLook closely - People struggling to climb to top of duneCharlie and Jane walking next to Lake Superior at Great Sable DunesView from top of observation platform at Miner's Castle OverlookYesterday's view from water of Miner's Castle rock formation. See observation platform at top?Closer view from observation platform of Miner's Castle rock formationView from behind Miner's Castle overlooking Lake Superior

    Munising, MI - Pictured Rocks, Dunes, Log Slide

    August 21 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    One of only four national lakeshores, PRNL is 42 miles long on Lake Superior's coast with more than just the 15 miles of vibrantly colored cliffs. Today, we explored the 5 miles of massive and ancient sand dunes, a waterfall (of course!), some forests and boardwalk trails, and a lighthouse.

    Our first stop was the Log Slide Overlook Trail. In the 1900s, cities were growing and needed lumber. (By 1920, the timber supply was depleted, so this logging boom was short-lived). Loggers built a long wooden chute on the 500-foot dune slope to slide logs down into Lake Superior where they could be floated to saw mills in Grand Marais. Fast-moving logs sometimes caught the wooden chute on fire, or worse, out-of-control logs injured or killed workers. I guess that is why it was called, "The Devil's Slide". We trudged through deep, soft sand a short distance to the overlook. Pictures couldn't really capture the steepness of the slope!

    Our 2nd stop was Great Sable Dunes. Sable means "sand" in French. The Great Sable Dunes are a rare kind of dune called a "perched dune", found in only a few places worldwide. Since heat radiating off the dunes causes intense fog, this part of the lake is treacherous. Hence the nearby Au Sable Lighthouse, still in use. Just to the East, Sable Falls cascades 75 feet over stone ledges and boulders as it flows to Lake Superior. The Sable Falls Trail is mostly boardwalk and 168 steps through scenic forest to the beach.

    Our last point of interest was Miner's Castle Overlook Trail with 2 viewing platforms. This famous rock formation is an iconic part of PRNL, best viewed from the lake, but the overlooks from above the rocks was also dramatic.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Lighthouse at Presque Isle Park
    Lighthouse at Presque Isle ParkCharlie and Jane exploring Presque Isle Park trailsMassive ship headed for Marquette Upper Harbor Ore DockMarquette Upper Harbor Ore Dock with ship ready to load iron oreRevered union labor leader Annie ClemencBronze stature honoring Annie Clemenc

    Munising to Calumet, MI

    August 22 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    We've been in the UP (Upper Penninsula) for 4 days (since Sault Ste. Marie). Today, we continued Westward onto Keweenah Penninsula jutting into Lake Superior. This area is also called Copper Country, with Calumet considered the heart of it. More on the copper story as our journey continues.

    Enroute to Calumet, we stopped at Marquette, the largest city in the UP, nestled on the shores of Lake Superior. We walked through several coastal trails on Presque Isle Park, a public park of natural forest, rocky outcrops, secluded coves and beaches.  We watched a cross country skier gliding along on her practice (wheeled) skis. A dog swam in the lake, joggers and bikers whizzed by, and we were enchanted by this idyllic setting.

    We pondered a massive steel structure on the shore, connected to a railroad, and watched a huge ship slowly ease in place alongside it. This was Marquette’s Upper Harbor Ore Dock, and, unfortunately, we didn't stay long enough to watch iron ore pellets loading onto the freighter.

    We arrived at Calumet mid-afternoon, got settled in our Air B&B 3 BR house. Next up - The Calumet Visitor Center. This is not just any city visitor center. Nope. It is part of the Keweenah National Historic Park, staffed by the National Park Service. In the impressive historic building (1889 and lots of gorgeous oak)., there are three floors of exhibits, films, and activities about what life was like 100 years ago during the copper boom. In a fluke of timing, the city was celebrating the installation of a bronze statue of Annie Clemenc, a social activist instrumental in the fight for worker's rights during the 1913-14 Copper Miners' Strike in this town.  I'm in awe that the whole town turned out to honor this historic female leader!

    To sum up what we learned - the copper industry BUILT Calumet and the entire Keweenah Penninsula, turning a remote wilderness into a global mining powerhouse that produced half the nation's copper in the late 19th century and sparked a massive immigration boom (more on that later).    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Mining Company Headquarters, now the Keweenaw National Historical Park Headquarters
    Eagle River and fallsBundled up against the breeze on the new bridgeOld bridge from 1915Eagle River lighthouseWaves from wind and Eagle River lighthouseFriendly local, showing off Northern Lights picsRuffed Grouse next to mountain roadView down to Lake Superior from top of mountain road. Note shipFort Wilkins at Copper HarborWaves at Hunter's Point Park at Copper HarborCharlie on the beachView of waves at Hunter's PointJane and I brave the chilly breezeRussell railroad snowplowMining Company Headquarters, now the Keweenaw National Historical Park HeadquartersKeweenaw National Historical Park Headquarters BuildingPreviously, a library and bathhouse for works and families, now the Keweenaw History CenterPreviously a Catholic church, now the Keweenaw Heritage center

    Keweenaw Penninsula

    August 23 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    Brrr! Today was windy and chilly, hovering between 50-57 degrees with a brisk wind. Our goal today was to explore the Keweenaw Penninsula, driving from Calumet to the tippy top of the penninsula at Copper Harbor and then back. Our first stop was Eagle River and Falls. We stood atop the new bridge erected next to the old wooden one from 1915. And hustled out of the wind to the car. Back on the road, just beyond Eagle Harbor, we stopped at a roadside view of the Eagle Harbor lighthouse across the bay. A friendly man came out of his house to guide us to a better view hidden in the trees at the waterline. He regaled us with stories as we shivered in the wind (he had no coat and seemed impervious). He showed us Northern lights pics on his phone, and, when we parted, we lamented that we never got his name.

    Next, Charlie navigated us up a mountain road, higher and higher through forests, until, at the top, we finally had a view. Even more windy up there, we looked around and jumped back in the car!

    The furthest point for us was Copper Harbor, population 6,000. We walked through Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, a restored 1844 military outpost from the copper rush era, abandoned in 1844 due to the Mexican-American war, then briefly reactivated after the Civil War. It has been a Michigan state park since the 1930s. Before heading back, we went for a stroll along a rocky beach, admiring the spectacular scenery before hurrying back to the car and out of the wind.

    We returned back to Calumet, where we did laundry, and visited interesting buildings and sites we had noticed yesterday. These included
    1. Red stone buildings (common in town) - locally quarried Jacobsville sandstone from Lake Superior's shores. These historic buildings in Calumet were constructed from 1885-1910
    2. Mosaic stone and brick buildings, formerly copper company headquarters. This architecture features a multi-toned mosaic exterior of field stone, a mix of light and dark mine waste rock (basalt), red sandstone, and red brick trim, laid by Italian stone masons. It is eye-catching and unique.
    3 Abandoned buildings. We saw several old, empty, dilapidated buildings that seem to show Calumet's copper mining boom and bust cycle. The area had a peak population of 40,000 in 1900 with the city population of almost 5000. Now, it is 600-700!
    4. A massive railroad snowplow! Clear rail lines were essential for copper production (moving people, equipment, and supplies for the mines With up to 300 inches of snow each year, a steam engine pushed the Russell snowplow through snowdrifts.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    3Today's sunset over Lake Superior - unedited
    Abandoned building outside the mineBuilding over mine shaft with wheels for cables connecting to hoistWorld's largest steam-powered hoist (9,300 feet long)Charlie and others walking in long mine shaft - original tunnel size less than 1/2 of this - 5'x4-5'Side tunnel in mineLarge pieces of copperJane with push cart on rails used to move rocks and suppliesRailroad engine and cars outside of mineAmidst the heavy equipment, a stand of sweet pea-type flowersJane, walking along the shore of Lake Superior outside our hotelBeautiful lake views from hotel3Today's sunset over Lake Superior - unedited

    Calumet to Silver City

    August 24 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    We had a very informative copper mine tour today. The Quincy Copper mine opened in 1846, closed in 1931, and reopened to supply copper during WWII before closing in 1946. Our tour guide, Kyle, is a geology major at Michigan Tech, and shared more details than we could possibly absorb and appeciate. Here are the highlights:

    1. The Quincy mine has the world's longest mine shaft (1.75 miles)
    2. It has the world's only remaining and world's largest steam-powered hoist (for hauling men, material, and rocks up and down the mine shafts - 6 tons or more per load).
    3. The hoist is on the largest concrete slab ever poured, and is housed in the world's largest concrete reinforced building (at that time - 1918)
    4. The cog railroad to transport us to one of the vertical mine shafts for the tour is one of only 3 in the US - Pike's Peak, Mount Washington in NH, and here at the Quincy mine
    5. The mining industry here brought in tens of thousands of immigrants to work, particularly Cornish, Irish, German, Croatian, Finnish, and Italian. Cornish miners were highly sought because of their mining knowlege and skill.
    6. Unsafe conditions - one miner died each week, and the mortality rate for miners was 33%

    We viewed and learned about the massive hoist and I only took one photo (extra wide angle, cuz it's so big), not realizing that you can't tell how big that thing is in the picture! It weighs 880 tons, and is 60 feet long! Outside, on the mine grounds, are historic buildings and equipment. This includes the tall building over the mine shaft where massive cables connect to the hoist.

    Our guide showed examples of "reading the rock", demonstrating aspects not visible to us that were dangerous, or indicated stability, or would or would not yield copper. He talked about how these workers were considered highly skilled labor for this expertise. He described at length the tenacity and hard work of these foreign workers and their families. Deaths were frequent and often (they worked by candlelight, many decades after better types of lighting was common. And oh, yes, they had to bring their own candles, expensive at the time)

    In the afternoon, we drove to Silver City and checked into our hotel. I was surprised to see we had a Lake Superior view from our window. The three of us walked along the water, admiring the view and wonderful weather!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Starting on our boardwalk trail to Lake of the Clouds overlook
    Starting on our boardwalk trail to Lake of the Clouds overlookLake of the Clouds - you can see that rain is coming!View of the harbor from our Bayfield lunch spot (fresh whitefish)Jane and me on the nature trailBlack currants on the bushBlack currantsBlueberries - Now THESE are fat, juicy blueberries!!!Richard showing Jane his blueberriesRichard, Jane, and big blueberry bushesRichard and his blueberry field of bushesEating our dessert of toast with FRESH jam of currants and blueberries

    Silver City, MI to Bayfield, WI

    August 25 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    Porcupine Wilderness State Park is Michigan's largest state park. We hiked up a mostly boardwalk trail through beautiful old-growth forest to an overlook of Lake of the Clouds. In another area of the park, we drove to the trailhead for Summit Peak, the highest point in the park. However, as we arrived, the gray skies unleashed torrents of rain. It quickly subsided, but the skies looked threatening, and we were dissuaded from our hike by the prospect of a) muddy trail, b) another rainstorm, and c) the description of rocky, root-covered paths and steep steps.

    We drove on to Bayfield and got settled into our VRBO, a cute, old, 2-story house with ample room for us. After lunch, we replenished our grocery supplies at a local store, and began to explore this area.

    Our first stop was an easy stroll through Beaver Hollow Nature Trail at Beaver Hollow Nature Preserves, a well-designed boardwalk through wetlands. We listened and watched for birds, and enjoyed the relaxing environment. On our way to the nature trail, we passed several orchards, and were perplexed by some fields of unidentified fruit. Blueberries? Too large. Plums? They grow on trees, not bushes. Grapes? Well, the sign said winery, so after the nature trail, we drove up to the farm to check it out. A few folks had picked substantial amounts of blueberries (big boxes, 15 pounds each) and, as we asked around, an older bearded gentleman, Richard Dale, began answering our questions. Richard was the founder and retired owner! We wanted to know what currants were, since we saw a sign about them. Boy, howdy, did we get a lesson! Here is the summary:

    Red and black currants are VERY common in Europe, but are not currently (pun) in the US because the lumber industry got them banned in 1911 (fear of a fungal disease that might spread to white pines). That ban lifted in 1966, but the knowlege of farming currants got lost from a generation of immigrants. Richard climbed in our car and took us on a tour of his field of currants and fields of blueberries. (The massive blueberries were what we saw from the road). We picked and tasted and delighted in his stories. Here is an example. Jane asked about wildlife eating his produce (since this area is wilderness). He explained about his electrified fence and said that before he put it in, he'd find 7-8 bears EVERY MORNING, having eaten their fill, and ready for their nap!

    Richard gave us 2 pints of fat, juicy blueberries, plus we had a few handfuls of currants from the field. When we got back to our VRBO, I made an improvised jam of just 1/4 cup blueberries and the few currants we had. We had that with toast after our dinner. Delish!!!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    First views of sea caves
    First views of sea cavesMe on the boatCharlie and JaneKayakers weave in and out of arches at Devil's IslandWaves crashing inside sea caves at Devil's IslandSculpted by natureAnother area of sea caves with kayakersPillars, arches, and sea cavesDevil's Island LighthouseRaspberry Island LighthouseCharlie on the Frog Bay Tribal National Park LoopLake Superior Beach at Frog Bay Tribal Park Loop

    Bayfield, WI, Day # 2

    Aug 26–Sep 3 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    We had a busy day today, starting with a boat tour of Apostle Island National Lakeshore (Part of National Park Service). There are 22 islands in the Apostle Island group, and no one knows how or why they got their name. The main attraction of the tour is Devil's Island, the furthest point North in Wisconsin, with a long coastal area of dramatic sandstone sea caves, arches, and passageways carved by waves over 1000s of years. The name is thought to come from indigenous people who heard thundering and booming from waves crashing in the caverns. We cruised past 10 other islands and saw old growth forests, 2 eagles, and a few lighthouses.

    In the afternoon, we explored a 1.8 mile loop trail at Frog Bay Tribal National Park. (It is the first tribal national park in the US, created to protect ancestral lands from private development). The trail wanders through a boreal forest of hemlock, cedar, maple and oak down to a sandy beach. It was a lovely final day in Wisconsin!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Minnesota State Capital
    Minnesota State CapitalView from rotunda 1st floor upward to domed ceilingIt is 142 feet to ceiling. Chandelier (barely visible) at top is 6 feet in diameterOrnate stairwayView from 3rd floor down to floor. Star is MN's state symbol, representing the North StarChariot and horses representing progress. 23 carat gold leafVideo from floor of rotunda

    Bayfield to Minneapolis - Saint Paul

    August 27 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    We checked out of our lovely VRBO and drove to Minneapolis. We stopped at the Minnesota State Capital and went on a tour of the building. It was completed in 1902, and in the style of the time, had European and Victorian influences. Pictures don't capture the interior, so I included a video at the end of the pictures. The dome is the 2nd largest self-supporting marble dome in the world. Our tour took us throughout the building (as expected), and then on the roof to see the city view and the four magnificent gold horses. The sculpture group represents the progress of the state. The horses, women, charioteer, and chariot are covered in 7 layers of 23 carat gold. Outside, we enjoyed the late summer weather (70's) and dazzling blue sky.Read more

  • Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    3Minnihaha Waterfall
    3Minnihaha WaterfallBridge over Mississippi with reflectionRed sign on building says Pillsbury flour (see narration for explanation)View from Stone Arch bridge across Mississippi with dam/spillway/waterfallCloser view of Mississippi dam/spillwayLocks on left for ships to bypass dam/spillway/waterfallBonsai plant at Conservatory - It's a bougainvillea!Japanese garden at Como ConservatoryJane's pic of me at the tropic plant area of the ConservatoryView of stone arch bridge, locks and Mississippi River

    Minneapolis - Saint Paul (Last day!)

    August 28 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    We spent this beautiful, sunny day exploring Minneapolis - Saint Paul.

    First, we visited Minnihaha Falls (Lakota word meaning laughing water), a 53-foot waterfall that flows onward to the Mississippi. We walked along the creek, and ambled through the Minnihaha Regional Park.

    Next, we walked across an old stone railroad bridge over the Mississippi, viewing the falls/spillway, the upper dam and the locks that allow ships to bypass the falls/spillway. (Video at end of pictures). Walking across the (really long) bridge, we could see the Pillsbury Mill (now a National Historic Landmark) and the Gold Medal flour mill signs. Minneapolis was a flour mill powerhouse in the 1860s - 1960's, using the power of the St. Anthony waterfall on the Mississippi River. I overheard a National Park Ranger say that at one point, these mills produced flour for approximately 20 million loaves of bread. They closed down over time because technology provided other sources of energy for mills, and they could move closer to wheat fields.

    After lunch, we went to the Como Park Conservatory to see tropical plants and the Japanese Gardens. We were surprised at how crowded it was (hard to find parking), and discovered that the Minnesota State Fair just opened nearby. Great last day in Minneapolis! We fly home tomorrow.    Read more

    Trip end
    August 29, 2026