Winter Weekend in the Keweenaw
If you’re looking for a way to escape the ordinary and explore a scenic winter wonderland… consider a weekend getaway to the Keweenaw in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I recently took a trip there with Bugsy, and we had an amazing time. We stayed at Fitzgerald’s and spent time a lot of time exploring the outdoors and watching the wintry scenery from the amazing view in our room. From Fitzgerald’s cozy lodging and some of the best food in the U.P. to waterfalls and lighthouses, there was no shortage of activities to keep us adventuring around. In this blog post, I’m sharing with you all what we experienced on our unforgettable winter retreat!
FITZGERALD’S
The first stop on our trip was to settle in at Fitzgerald’s in Eagle River. This charming inn is located right on Lake Superior, offering a breathtaking view of the lake and its surrounding area. We stayed in one of their cozy rooms while we were there—it was the perfect place to rest up after long days of sightseeing! Each room has been recently renovated and includes a comfy living area with modern furniture that’s perfect for lounging, and a single king bed for when you’re ready to settle in for the night. We loved the peace and quiet, and being able to hear the wind and waves from Lake Superior. I loved curling up on the couch with their Pendleton blanket and watching the lake change in ice formations (which happened literally overnight!)
DINNER AT FITZGERALD’S
I can honestly say… this is one of the best meals you’ll have in the Upper Peninsula. I’d drive from Marquette to Eagle River anytime to relive this meal. The restaurant in Fitzgeralds is located in the same building as the inn, so it was amazing to get ready in the room and just walk downstairs and down the hall for a meal. Perfect for a cold wintry night. Bugsy and I ordered two cocktails — they accomodated a delicious mocktail for me during Dry January! And both were great. For dinner… I had the beef brisket, which is smoked fresh daily. Bugsy had the Nashville hot chicken, and both were incredibly delicious. We loved the cozy vibes of the restaurant, and talking about our adventures of the day. If you’re planning to come here for a meal, be sure to make a reservation!
SLIM’S CAFE
Boy… did we have an adventure on our first morning in the Keweenaw. I’ll spare the story here, but if you watched my stories on Instagram, you’ll know we (ahem, B, ahem) crashed into a snowbank and we had to walk for help in bleak temperatures. So our first meal after that was to Slim’s Cafe. 😆 I was so grateful for hot coffee and good food. We sat at the bar, warmed up, and laughed about the morning together. Slim’s is located in Mohawk, and they serve up meals and pastries to go! A great place for a traditional diner breakfast experience!
KEWEENAW SNOW THERMOMETER
Did you really visit the Keweenaw without a stop to the Keweenaw Snow Thermometer? The Keweenaw Snow Thermometer is a unique roadside attraction located on US-41. This towering thermometer records information about snowfall in Keweenaw County and has markings like a thermometer that mark total snowfall in feet. It's an impressive sight, measuring over 200 inches of snowfall each season! The thermometer is located 3 miles north of Mohawk and is a great spot for tourists to take pictures and learn more about the area's winter weather. Definitely worth checking out!
SUNRISE AT BETE GRISE BEACH
The sun rises over the Keweenaw Peninsula, casting a golden light on the shore of Bete Grise Beach. It's a sight that takes your breath away - the sparkling waters of Lake Superior and icy blues from the changing ice formations. If you're looking for a peaceful morning stroll along the shore, Bete Grise Beach at sunrise is sure to leave you feeling inspired.. or just tired, like I always am during sunrise. 😆 Afterwards, we took a little trip to the end of the street and I was pleasantly surprised to see the Mendota Lighthouse! I had been here before maybe 5-6 years ago… but it was lovely to see again.
BRUNCH AT FITZGERALD’S
On Sundays, Fitzgerald's in the Keweenaw is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious brunch. Start your morning off right with their incredible blueberry pancakes or if you're looking for something a bit heartier, try their biscuits and gravy or one of their other breakfast favorites. (I really wanted to try the breakfast poutine too!) And don't forget to pair your meal with some of their freshly brewed french press coffee from The Jampot! With its stunning views of Lake Superior and cozy atmosphere, Fitzgerald's is the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend brunch.
EAGLE RIVERS FALLS & ARCH TIMBER BRIDGE
Eagle River Falls in the Keweenaw is a stunning sight, especially in winter. The falls cascade over a concave bowl of bedrock and are framed by the impressive Timber Arch Bridge. This 152-foot long bridge is supported by two side-by-side arches spanning 74 and 79 feet, and stands 50 feet above the Eagle River. The bridge is primarily made of timber, with connecting components fabricated from steel. Visitors can walk out onto the old bridge to get an up close view of this beautiful natural wonder. One of my favorite sights in Eagle River!
JACOB’S FALLS
Jacob's Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Eagle Harbor. This 20-foot high roadside waterfall can be easily viewed from the road and is a popular destination for visitors year-round. In the winter, the falls freeze over and create an even more spectacular sight. The nearby trails provide scenic views of the area and are perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter months. It’s a completely different experience seeing this waterfall in winter than it is fall or spring! That’s why I recommend checking out the waterfalls in every season if you can!
EAGLE HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE
Bugsy and I had a great time visiting the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. We were amazed by the beauty of Lake Superior, with its icy blue waters and strong winds. We were able to explore the grounds of the lighthouse and learn about its history from signage from the Keweenaw County Historical Society at the light station. We also got to take in the breathtaking views of the harbor and surrounding area. It was an incredible experience that we will never forget! I loved standing on the viewing platform and experiencing the wind!
EAGLE HARBOR REAR RANGE LIGHTHOUSE
As Bugsy and I were driving through Eagle Harbor, I spotted a “historical marker” on the map… and was like, what’s that?! And little did I know, I had the pleasure of driving past the Eagle Harbor Rear Range Lighthouse. I was amazed to find this lighthouse, as I had no idea it existed until then. I couldn’t wait to get home to research it and check it off my lighthouse list. 😆 The lighthouse was built in 1851 and is an octagonal brick tower with an attached dwelling. It stands at 34 feet tall and has a focal plane 29 feet above mean high water. The rear light is displayed on a range lighthouse while the front light is located on the beach. It's truly a sight to behold, especially as it was all encased in ice!
SUNRISE AT MOHAWK MINING COMPANY STAMP MILL
Our final excursion on our way out of town was to Gay, Michigan to sunrise at the old Mohawk Mining Company Stamp Mill. I think Bugsy’s excitement level was a bit more than mine… on this specific adventure, especially as we parked on the side of the road and ventured through deep snow to find the old stamp mill. Thankfully it wasn’t too far of a walk, and I was able to follow in his footsteps, but with the overcast and snow, I was mostly just interested in seeing the few remains of the stamp mill and Bugsy was amped about the entire experience. I was like, let’s get out of here. 🤣 It's a sight to behold though… and I’d love to see what this place looks like in summer!
As you can see, a weekend trip to Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula is sure to be packed full of adventure! From hiking around waterfalls to exploring lighthouses and enjoying some delicious local cuisine, there are plenty of things to do—even during wintertime! So if you're looking for an exciting getaway or just want to take a break from your everyday routine, plan your next trip today. And be sure to stay and eat at Fitzgerald’s. I promise that it'll be worth it! Bugsy and I both had an amazing time on our trip to the Keweenaw this winter...and I'm sure you will too!