What's happening: This summer the Copper Country Trail (CCT) National Byway celebrates 30 years of historical preservation and cultural significance. In conjunction with the milestone, the Western UP Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR) is in the process of reinvigorating community involvement in
the Byway initiative by revisiting needs for signage and marketing.
About the Copper County Trail National Byway: The byway stretches 47 miles along US-41 from Houghton to Copper Harbor. The byway traces its origins back to a time when the Keweenaw was the heart of America’s copper boom. The Copper Country Trail was first recognized as a Michigan State Heritage Road in 1994, officially acknowledging the region’s rich mining history and its profound impact on the local and national landscape. In 2005, the CCT was designated as part of America’s Byways collection, further cementing its importance as a historical treasure.
What they're saying: “WUPPDR has been honored to be the coordinating organization for the Copper Country Trail Quincy Mine stands tall along the Copper Country National Byway over the past three decades,” said Jerry Wuorenmaa, WUPPDR executive director. “CCT is one of just three national byways in Michigan and the only one in the Upper Peninsula. The Byway is a key driver of the visitor economy, serving as a showcase for the dozens of unique scenic and historic assets in the Keweenaw Peninsula.”
The experience: Visitors can explore the rich history of Copper Country by touring key sites along the Copper Country Trail. The Quincy Mine in Hancock offers an authentic underground mine experience, complete with a ride on the original tram used by miners in the 1800s. The Laurium Manor Inn, once the home of
Thomas Hoatson Jr., vice president of the Calumet & Arizona Mining Company, now serves as a luxurious bed-and-breakfast, providing guests an immersive glimpse into the opulence of the past. Calumet’s historical district includes many buildings, materials and layouts preserved to look much like they did during the height of the mining boom.
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