Copper Country

Ashes of the Phoenix

Remains of Eagle River’s Phoenix Hotel

A Beach Alone

The east shore of the Keweenaw might as well be a different planet, as much as most guests to the…

Mining Men

Another Day and Another Dollar at a Copper Country Mine

Welcome to the New Copper Country Explorer

My name is Mike Forgrave and I’ll be your guide through all the remarkable beauty, history, and heritage there is…

Little Powder House Along the Road

A Look at an Ahmeek Mine Powder House

James & Henry

Killed at Copper Falls Mine

A Corner Lost in Time

Head up a block from Lake Linden’s downtown and you will find the start of the village’s residential district. Like…

An Architectural Beauty

By the 1880s it had become apparent that the Calumet and Hecla Mine had become the region’s most dominating company…

A Walk Around East Hancock

A trip across the bridge towards Hancock brings you alongside a steep hillside truncated by a large retaining wall. Peering…

A Modern Mesnard

Heading northward along US41 outside of Hancock will bring visitors alongside one of the region’s most famous landmarks – the…

Allen Philley on Along the Number Five: “This site means so much too me. I am not able to visit Copper Country often enough. Your recent photos and description of the remains in relation to what was there is invaluable. My visits are always bittersweet in that I feel "home" but so much changes. Thanks too you I can be an "Armchair Copper Country Explorer".”
Geoff Z on Welcome to the New Copper Country Explorer: “Great to hear your back. Hope the family and lower Michigan are well. Looking forwards to spending money in the book store!!!!”
Sheri on Welcome to the New Copper Country Explorer: “Thrilled to have you back, up and running! Look forward to what the new CCE brings us!”
Craig Aldinger on A Walk Around East Hancock: “I live in west Hancock now but I remember that area from my first trip here four years ago before I actually moved, did the Quincy mine tour one day and walked the entire neighborhood from the bottom of the tram ride back across the bridge and was duly impressed with the houses. Just wish I'd taken pictures... Thanks, Mike!”
CCE Wannabe on Welcome to the New Copper Country Explorer: “I stumbled upon CCE several years ago and took a great liking to it. I share your interest in the history and beauty of Copper Country. I was disappointed when the site went away but completely understand why you had to do it. Welcome back and I look forward to enjoying CCE-2.0!”
John from the prairie on Welcome to the New Copper Country Explorer: “Thank you for coming back. I haven't been able to make it up north of the lift bridge for a few years now.”
Tim Raich on Welcome to the New Copper Country Explorer: “Great to see you back!”
Brian O. on Welcome to the New Copper Country Explorer: “So cool to to see CCE back. I look forward to more great photos, information and discussions.”