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Eagle River became a successful port
even though it lacked a natural harbor.

ANNOUNCEMENTS -- This is a test web site designed only to be seen by KCHS Board members. It is based on the existing KCHS web site, uses the much of the same content as the existing site but has major technical and design changes and additional content. Take the link below to the announcements page for all the details.
All of the KCHS Museums are closed for the 2013 season. We will post the 2014 schedule of activities in the spring.
Check the Sites and Museum Schedule page for hours and locations for all 11 KCHS museums for the past 2013 season.

Press here to see all of the current announcements.

Fresnel lens

The Crestview Casino and resort area
opened in 1909 and operated during
the summers until it burnt in 1925.

Looking out over the broad stretch of sandy beach on the Lake Superior shore near the town of Eagle River it's hard to imagine that this shallow expanse of water was once a bustling shipping port. While it lacks a natural harbor such as those found at Copper Harbor and Eagle Harbor the mines near Eagle River built a series of docks and warehouses that turned the town into a hub of commercial activity.

The Keweenaw County Historical Society, The Keweenaw National Historical Park, and the community of Eagle River have worked together to develop The Eagle River Museum. The museum will focus on four major themes: The Cliff Mine; the town of Eagle River, the neighboring town and mine of Phoenix; and the amusement area known as Crestview which was located between Phoenix and Eagle River. The ceiling height of the first floor of the building was restored to it's original height and new windows were installed before work was begun on designing and installing exhibits, etc.

 

Cliff Mine

An early photograph showing the Cliff Mine
stamp mill and rock pile. Photo courtesy
of the Keweenaw County Historical Society.

One of the first mines that used Eagle River as their port for shipping out copper and bringing in supplies was the neighboring Cliff Mine. The Cliff was the first commercially successful mine in the Keweenaw. While the most productive time of the Cliff was 1844 to 1870 some work continued on and off through the 1930's. During the 1844-1870 period the owners of the Cliff invested $110,000 in the mine and got back more than $2,000,000 in profits. The first major exhibit for the Eagle River Museum, due to open in the fall of 2010, will examine the Cliff Mine, it's importance to mining technology and the relationship of the mine to the community of Eagle River.

Cliff Mine Tour

The KCHS has had tours to the Cliff
Mine site, including this tour of Shaft
No. 3 near the top of the cliff.

The museum is already planning exhibits on the important role Eagle River plays in the history of the Keweenaw, Phoenix and the Crestview Casino and resort area. The Keweenaw Central Railroad built a pavilion and recreation area between the towns of Phoenix and Eagle River in 1909 and called it Crestview. It was designed to encourage the use of the railroad beyond the mines. The Crestview Casino has a kitchen, running water, etc. and was used by individuals and groups seeking to enjoy a nice day in the country. Visitors could either walk to the shore of Lake Superior or take a wagon ride to the beach. It was estimated that over 500,000 people visited Crestview during it's first year in 1909. Though Crestview was called a casino, gambling and alcoholic beverages were not allowed at Crestview according to the brochures published by the railroad..

 

The Eagle River Museum provides a series of exhibits devoted to the history of Eagle River, The Cliff Mine and Clifton, and Crestview. The museum opened on August 25, 2013. During summer-fall of 2013 it will be open on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 12 P.M. until 4 P.M. and will close on October 13, 2013. Donation requested.

Planning your visit

Hours & Admission -The new Eagle River Museum is now open from 12-4, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday through October 13.

Location -The Eagle River Museum is housed in the old Eagle River School House building which now serves as the Houghton Township Community building, along M-26 near the historic waterfall and dam in town. GPS: N 47 24.769 W 88 17.763, Decimal Degrees: 47.412815, -88.29605

Need a map? Click on this small Google Map to open a larger version that will give you complete access to a larger Google map of the area, satellite view, etc. You may use this link to go to Google Maps Help if you are not familiar with Google Maps.

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Related Links - You may wish to explore the following sites for additional information about Eagle River and the neighboring Cliff Mine.

Hunt's Guide to Eagle River

Terry Pepper's lighthouse site - Eagle River Lighthouse

Cliff Mine Archeology Project Blog

Copper Country Explorer - Eagle River