With a population of 71 at the time of the 2010 census, Eagle River is the least-populated county seat in Michigan. Despite being unincorporated, the hamlet is the seat of government for Keweenaw County, in the northern part of the Upper Peninsula.
As a census-designated place (CDP), the unincorporated community has defined borders for the purposes of the US Census, although these boundaries may differ from what is locally considered to be part of the community. As an unincorporated community, Eagle River is not an autonomous municipality, but is part of Allouez Township of Houghton Township, as it straddles the two townships. However, only a small portion of the CDP is in Allouez Township, with its population being largely in Houghton Township, in the southern northeastern portion of the CDP, and along the coast. The heaviest concentration of commercial buildings and residences is roughly bordered by the Eagle River and Garden City Creek, along Lake Superior and about five blocks inland. Situated along M-26 and US-41, the CDP is bordered by Lake Superior to the northwest and US-41 to the southeast.
There are five incorporated villages within twenty miles of Eagle River: Ahmeek, Copper City, Calumet, Laurium, and Lake Linden. The nearest cities are Hancock and Houghton, about twenty-six and twenty-nine miles to the south. Unincorporated communities within ten miles of Eagle River include Eagle Nest, Phoenix, Vaughnsville, Copper Falls, Mohawk, and Fulton.
Like other Copper Country communities, Eagle River was founded by the copper industry. The Keweenaw Copper Company acquired several leases in 1843, including land that was later laid out by the Phoenix Company, which platted the townsite and sold it off as individual lots. Copper was discovered at the nearby Cliff Range, and these mining operations became known as the Cliff Lode.
A post office was opened on October 24, 1845, with Columbus C. Douglas as its first postmaster. The community was named for the 2.6-mile river that flows into Lake Superior at that location. The river itself had been named for the many eagles that were in the area.
When Keweenaw County was organized in 1861, Eagle River was designated as the county seat, and has remained as the seat of government. Eagle River's status as a busy shipping port and booming mining town was short-lived, as the area's copper mines began declining around 1870, and Allouez, eleven miles to the south, soon outgrew Eagle River.
Today, Eagle River serves as a quiet retreat for tourists who come to the area, particularly during the summer months. The small community has a beach, miles of shoreline, and a decommissioned lighthouse. Situated along the south side of M-16, as it enters the community, Eagle River Falls is a popular place for tourists. With a height of more than sixty feet, it has upper and lower falls.
Eagle River is also home to the Eagle River Timber Bridge, a wooden arch bridge over the Eagle River on M-26. It was completed in 1990 as a replacement for the historic Lake Shore Drive Bridge, which runs parallel to it, currently serving as a pedestrian bridge.
The focal point of this guide is on the community of Eagle River, Michigan. Online resources for the community itself, or any businesses, industries, schools, churches, organizations, attractions, events, and recreational opportunities are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Copper Country: Eagle River Falls
Situated off the road along M-26 in Eagle River, Michigan, the falls can be viewed from a parking area and pedestrian bridge, as it flows under the old wooden bridge, into the lower falls section, then into Lake Superior. A description and several photographs of the waterfall are provided, as well as a video. Its location is shown on a map, and the site includes a profile of the community of Eagle River, with suggestions on things to do, with an emphasis on outdoor recreational opportunities.
https://www.coppercountry.com/destinations/eagle-river-falls-mi
Created by the Keweenaw County Historical Society, the Keweenaw National Historical Park, and the community of Eagle River, the museum focuses on the Cliff Mine, the community of Eagle River, the Phoenix Mine, the neighboring community of Phoenix, and the former amusement park known as Crestview, which was located between Eagle Lake and Phoenix. The museum sites and cottage rentals are highlighted, a calendar of events is posted, and an introduction to the KCHS is included.
https://keweenawhistory.org/Eagle-River-Museum/
Fitzgerald's Hotel & Restaurant
Remodeled in 2020 and 2021, the hotel in Eagle River, Michigan has been changed from a twelve-room layout down to six larger, more comfortable guest accommodations. The grounds, common areas, and guest spaces are described and shown in photos, and the on-site restaurant is open seven days a week. The location of the hotel and restaurant is provided, along with email addresses, a restaurant menu, links to its online dining reservation system, and a list of features and amenities for the hotel.
https://www.fitzgeralds-mi.com/
Founded by John J. Rader in 1930, the camp functions as a non-denominational organization with tenets holding to baptistic theology. Situated along Garden City Road in Eagle River, Michigan, the camp offers youth camps, family camps, adult fall retreats, men's retreats, and women's retreats, which are featured here, with schedules, program information, photos, videos, registration fees, and online registrations. Volunteer and paid staff opportunities are posted on the site.
https://www.gitche.net/
The five-generation, family-run business has been in business since the late 1800s, selling jams and jellies from am table on the side of the road in Phoenix, Michigan, and has had its storefront in Eagle River since the 1950s, housed in the former Eagle River post office. Currently selling a wide variety of jams and jellies, syrups, and a relish recipe that has been passed down for more than a century, marketed as Chow Chow. Its location, contacts, and online store are available.
https://www.thimbleberryjamlady.com/
