Fort Wilkins Historic State Park - Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Jean K

2023-09

This state park is something you will remember forever. You tour all of the buildings and see amazing historical artifacts. They have people dressed in costume who answer all of your questions as if it is back in time. Beautiful setting. All ages will love it. It's quite the long long drive to get way up there, but if you plan your stay accordingly and maybe stay over in the area a few days you will find so many other beautiful things to also explore. It is beautiful in this area. It will lift your spirits to be up here in fresh air, nature, near many trails and lakes, and friendly people. I have attached some photos.Restrooms: Large clean bathrooms.

Michele Elliott

2023-10

We stayed two nights in May of 2023 at the East Campground. Showers were older but clean. Same with bathrooms. There were 5 other campers in the campground so perfect time to visit. Great experience, Short walk to the fort from the campground and also short walk from the fort to Copper Harbor to see the lighthouse in Astor Shipwreck Park. If you like history, this is the place to take it in.

Amanda Sorensen

2023-09

I brought my kids to Fort Wilkins just like my parents brought me. My kids loved it. We stopped for ice cream, adventured around the fort, interacted with staff dressed in the era costumes. It was wonderful!

Barbara Czapla

2023-05

If you are anywhere near this state park, please make an effort to stop. The Museum is mega informative regarding the life of the soldiers 150 years ago that lived on the beaches basically of Lake Superior. Getting a glimpse of how they lived was amazing. If you take your time and visit all of the open buildings and read the information that they post, along with a video or 2, you will leave there mesmerized by the fortitude of those that lived there back in the day.

Michael Conway

2023-09

Great visit after many years away. Excellent condition, especially quartermaster. Nice to have interpreters on their last day. Beautiful view of Lake Fanny Hooe.

Jessica S

2021-05

We absolutely loved it here. We went in early September, arrived on Labor Day. Our camp spot was facing a beautiful view of lake Fanny Hooe and we stayed a couple of nights. Everyone was super friendly (other campers, etc). There is a very nice hiking trail that leads across to Lake Superior. It is a short hike through the woods, across a roadway, and then all of a sudden it opens up into Lake Superior and is absolutely beautiful. The trail follows along the shoreline and has some very nice rock beaches along Lake Superior. Going in 2020 and after some of the holiday traffic had died down worked out well because it was pretty quiet and we were able to have the beaches pretty much to ourselves.

Jemry Marie

2023-05

Beautiful campground with spacious sites, quite a few pull thru sites as well. We stayed on site 178, which we would not have picked during the busy season..the site directly behind us was very close. We had views of Lake Fanny Hooe across the street. She's a big, quiet and gentle lake. The bathrooms and showers were clean and had good water pressure. There are only 2 showers available, both men and women's. There's a foot trail that walks right into Fort Wilkins, Fanny Hooe Creek, and to the lighthouse lookout. The Fort is very educational and has some original buildings. We were within an hours drive of a lot of scenic destinations. Make sure to make the 7.5mi drive out to the Keweenaw Rocket launch or High Rock Bay. It's an off-road adventure we're glad we took, the sites are breathtaking. Definitely our best stay yet, a must visit when you can.

Brent Bloomingdale

2023-05

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Lori Davies

2023-10

A hidden gem! Nice and quiet on the day of visit. No large crowds. Buildings were open to walk through and learn the history

Plum Health DPC

2021-05

The Greenfield Village of the UP - basically a time capsule back to the late 1800’s when the UP needed a fort to protect its financial and territorial interests. You can walk the grounds and view the soldiers’ barracks and also have wonderful views of Lake Fanny Hooe (a real beautiful body of water). Easy parking on the way in, they have a gift shop and nice bathrooms as well. Worth the stop and the visit if you’re up in Copper Harbor.

Thomas Hegewald

2023-05

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is located near the very tip of the Keweena Peninsula. (Nearly across Highway 41 is the overlook for the Copper Harbor Lighthouse.) Take a tour at your own pace (and interest) of the the various cabins and buildings that comprise the fort complex. The cabins, where married soldiers and their families lived, line the walk into the main fort area. A host of other buildings: kitchen, hospital and company & officers' quarters surround the parade grounds - open area in the center.The fort was in operation in the mid 19th century. The rooms/buildings are set up to recreate what daily life was like in that specific setting. Compare the size of quarters and quality of belongings of the single men, to married, to officer's. Life was rough and rustic in this fort - informational boards and images portray even more - rate of pay, daily duties, etc.The fort (and grounds) have a stunning, unobstructed view of Lake Fanny Hooe. Though at the time, it's probable the lake was used for unitarian purposes and may not have been as pristine, especially along its banks.

R button

2023-09

Incredible park, all the building from the fort that you can enter. The fort and most of the buildings. Great views and camping. Hiking and biking too. Check it out.

sandra

2023-11

Excellent place to camp & explore the history of the Fort and surrounding areas!Restrooms: Campground with showers. Very clean.Dog-friendliness: Dogs are welcomed.

Jennifer Mansfield

2023-09

First time with my family and we had a great time looking at all the things of our past. So beautiful there too 😍Picnic area: Campground there and I noticed a little place to picnic right up by the gift shop and restrooms

Patrick Schmitt

2023-08

Decent place but my biggest gripe is the fire pits are almost 3 feet high. We dragged the picnic table close and sat on that to get higher to feel the heat from the fire on a chilly night. Can't think of why they would do that. Wifi only at the bathroom? They make extenders for that. Had a sick relative in the hospital we were trying to keep tabs on.

Mike B

2023-05

A beautiful park to stay at. We stayed a week in the west loop. We had a back in lot with a paved pad. Lots are very private with trees between each lot. Great hiking/biking path along the lake and into town. Park has a small store on site. Wi-fi around the bathroom. Wildlife walk thru the park and swimming in the lake seen daily. Great location for a lot of activities in the area.

Patrick Gilliam

2022-05

Fort Wilkins state park is a must if you're a fan of nature and history. I just sort of wandered in by accident trying to find the lighthouse viewing platform and ended up walking around the fort reading all of the information panels.

Nici Mauch

2020-05

The campground is perfect. The camp hosts were super nice. The staff was very friendly. I would've loved to extend my time here. Fort Wilkins was pretty neat. We visited here the day after we visited Fayette and enjoyed the authenticity of Fayette a bit more.

Jessica “SnowDogs” Hatch

2020-05

This is a beautiful State Park, and it is Pet Friendly! Dogs are not allowed inside the buildings of course, but even just to walk around this beautiful area is great! There are many paths that go through the park. The buildings, when open are worth spending time going into and reading about the history of this are. We visit every time we are in the area, and we always seem to find something new to enjoy!

David Lehman

2023-11

It was a great place to stay very friendly staff, nice and clean park, nice shower’s, overall great experience!Thank You

Charlie Franklin

2023-05

If you are a fan of history you may well love this place. Lots of exhibits to explore among the 20 or so buildings. Don't forget the ice cream shop in the visitor center!

Janee Gerding

2023-09

Lots of interesting information and artifacts to look at. The kids enjoyed talking with one of the officer's wives about the things they had learned in school about the history of the time.

Jon Swedin

2023-11

Awesome stop for kids and history buffs. The buildings are well preserved, and the self-guided tour of the fort is filled with interesting artifacts and information. The campgrounds are also well maintained, and there is great access to rocky beaches on Lake Superior.

Nicholas Tapler

2019-05

The first time I visited Fort Wilkins State Park was in the 70s, and I have camped here since the 80s. From the get go I have always stayed in the west campground, which is more beautiful and private.The whole complex is quite interesting and fun to visit. The fort itself has a lot of exhibits, and you can go into many of the buildings. I always look forward to coming here.

Amanda Davis

2023-07

Great for a day trip if you live close. Definitely worth a weekend at least to see the history inside.

Rebel Rousers Car Club

2023-09

Very nice state park with lots to see. The harbor, fort and end of Route 41.

Lana Kanitz

2023-11

This was an unplanned visit and a wonderful surprise on our Copper Harbor loop tour. The fort & self guided tour was full of amazing information and displays. Seasonal camping is available. Park staff were most helpful & personable.

Lindsay Miller

2020-05

Great for kids & older folks clean too many spiders in the bathrooms for how nice the campground was. Campsites very close-quiet time is all time-wildlife -family oriented

Chuck Voelker

2019-05

Fort Wilkins has to be one of the top State Parks in Michigan. The historical fort, nearby Copper Harbor, Lake Superior, boating, biking and hiking trails. It all adds up to a great place if you are willing to drive this far north! Just be prepared for whatever weather mother nature throws at you.

Shannon Yoder

2019-05

Very best place in the world. This is the second time we have gone. We will go again. Beautiful area, nice camp hosts. Really crowded over the 4th of July.