Two Harbors Lighthouse was built in 1892 is the oldest one still in continuous operation in Minnesota. The 49.6 foot (15m) tall red brick tower is open to the public for self guided tours with admission during operating hours. The Assistant Keeper’s house, Pilot house and Fog signal building are also open and houses historical exhibits. The Light Keepers dwelling is open year round and operates as a bed and breakfast. An ample parking lot is available and access to the Breakwater Lighthouse.

The Aerial Lift Bridge spans 501.9 feet (153m) crossing over the Duluth Ship Canal. The bridge was built to allow access to Minnesota Point from when a gap was created to establish the Duluth Ship Canal from the St. Louis River out to Lake Superior. It can be lifted to allow for 135 feet (41m) of clearance for water traffic. Watching this bridge raise for large sea vessels as they leave the canal to Lake Superior past the lighthouses is quite an experience. It is the most photographed bridge on the Lake Superior Circle Tour. 

Ontonagon Lighthouse sits on the western shore of the Ontonagon River. The Lighthouse is owned and operated by the Ontonagon County Historical Society and offers historical tours. It was built in 1853 and was in operation until the light was deactivated 1963. This historical lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Brockway Mountain Lookout is located on a scenic roadway just west of Copper Harbor. On a very clear day you can overlook Isle Royale. You have to drive to get to the lookout then hike up Brockway Mountain. Being so far from any city lights, this is the ultimate site for star gazing and possibly catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. There is parking at the East and West end of the scenic drive. 

The Astor House Museum is located in Copper Harbor, Michigan. The museum is a part of the Minnetonka Resort that includes log cabin cottages, gift and antique shop and of course, the Astor House Historical Museum. There you will find unique artifacts and relics of the earliest settlers, copper mining, antique dolls, salvaged shipwreck items, railroad and civil war memorabilia and so much more.

Copper Harbor Lighthouse is located in Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The lighthouse was built is 1866 and helped in the transport of copper from the upper peninsula. The road that leads to the lighthouse isn’t open to the public so visitors can take a boat tour from the Copper Harbor Marina. The grounds are open to the public and tours of the dwelling are available, though the 44 foot (13.4m) tall light tower is closed to the public.

The Portage Lake Lift Bridge spans 1310 feet (399.29m) crossing over the Keweenaw Waterway, Portage Lake. Portage Lake runs entirely through the middle of the Keweenaw Peninsula and this bridge is the only roadway that connects them and the cities of Houghton and Hancock. This lift bridge was built in 1959 and is the world’s heaviest and widest (4 lanes) double deck bridge.

The Soo Locks Visitor Center is fittingly situated in the Upper Canal Park. The Park serves as an excellent place to watch passing boats going through the Locks at the observation platform. The Visitor Center is a great place to stop and ask for information on the Soo Locks, the surrounding area and everything it has to offer. A number of displays chronicle the construction of the Locks as well as thirty minute movie that details the history of this maritime marvel.

Once you’ve caught your breath after experiencing a thrilling 360-degree viewscape at the newly created Nipigon lookout tower, head back down the stairs to have a seat in front of the Moments of Algoma interpretive panel. Learn about the inspiration Frank Johnston took from the Nipigon River and listen to the audio available via the Moments of Algoma app to learn the secrets behind how he marketed himself as a painter.

While in town, head down to the marina area and enjoy a hike along the Nipigon River Recreational Trail access point nearby.  

The scenic harbour and inland islands of Rossport provided inspiration to Lawren Harris and many contemporary painters to the Group of Seven. You’ll find an interpretive installation in Wardrop Park as well as the start of the Rossport Coastal Trail, which winds its way for 1.5 km along Lake Superior to the Roadside Park Rest Area. After visiting the park, stop by the government dock for a view of Quarry Island from a vantage point close to where Harris painted Rossport, Lake Superior in 1921.