Situated in the northern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the village of L'Anse, Michigan is largely along the US-41 corridor, with its residential area extending north along southeastern banks of Keweenaw Bay, an arm of Lake Superior.
The only other incorporated municipality within thirty miles of L'Anse is Baraga, which is across the bay, and accessible via US-41, a five-mile drive. Unincorporated communities within ten miles include Zeba, Assinins, Herman, Bear Town, Alberta, Pequaming, and Keweenaw Bay.
Falls River and Linden Creek flow through the village. Falls River is a 5.1-mile waterway that flows into Lake Superior in L'Anse, while Linden Creek enters Lake Superior just northeast of the river.
L'Anse is the Baraga County seat, and also the location of the township offices.
L'Anse began as a mission to the Ojibwe people who inhabited the area, and a portion of the L'Anse Reservation is within the village. Founded in 1660 by the French Jesuit, René Ménard, the site later became a Methodist mission.
The early inhabitation of the area involved the Ojibwe, and perhaps some other Native American people, as well as French missionaries, and fur traders. Peter Crebassa opened a trading post in 1837, and became the first postmaster on July 2, 1866. A stagecoach line connected L'Anse with Houghton and Marquette in the mid-1860s, transporting passengers, supplies, and mail.
In 1871, the Marquette, Houghton & Ontonagon Railroad made the area a terminus for its rail line, the post office was moved to a new location, but retained the same name. The railroad served the growing iron mining and forest products industries, as L'Anse served as a Lake Superior port. The cove shape of Keweenaw Bay protected ships from the weather, and the completion of an iron ore dock allowed ore to be transported by ship, and equipment to be transported to the region. Once the railroad came, the community grew quickly, as homes and commercial buildings were erected.
The village was platted by S.L. Smith, Charles H. Palmer, and James Bendry in 1871, and incorporated as a village in 1873.
However, the National Panic of 1873 limited further expansion of the village, and many businesses moved out of the area. Those who remained were supported largely by the forest industries, logging, and lumbering operations. In 1896, a fire erupted at the L'Anse Lumber Company, spreading to the ore dock and other structures, but the town was quickly rebuilt.
World Wars 1 and 2 negatively impacted the economy of the village. In 1918, the cost of copper production exceeded its price, signaling the end of the copper industry in Keweenaw Bay.
In 1936, the state began construction of US-41, which followed the shore of Keweenaw Bay, and the improved road system resulted in the dismantling of much of the rail lines in the area. With the start of World War II, many people left the area for the larger cities in order to find work, and the L'Anse area returned to a more rural character.
After a decline in 1950, the village's population increased slightly for the next two decades, but has declined each census year since 1980.
Besides US-41, other routes through the village include Brewery Road and Skanee Road (Main Street).
The focus of this portion of our guide is on the village of L'Anse, Michigan, so appropriate topics include online resources relating to the municipal or county government, local individuals, businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, and recreational and entertainment venues. Informational sites relating to the village are also suitable.
Recommended Resources
Baraga County Catholic Community
Headquartered in L'Anse, Michigan, the Baraga County Catholic Community represents three Roman Catholic parishes, Sacred Heart of Jesus in L'Anse, St. Ann in Baraga, and Most Holy Name of Jesus/St. Kateri in Baraga. Addresses and maps show the location of each of its parishes, as well as links to the Sacred Heart School website. Schedules for Mass, Liturgies, Faith Formation, and other ministries of the church are provided, along with a history, photo gallery, and parish office contacts.
https://www.baragacatholic.org/
With its central offices in L'Anse, Michigan, the public school district offers a PK-12th-grade curriculum through an elementary school and a combined junior/senior high school, each of which is highlighted here, including schedules, administrative and faculty contacts, student handbooks and policies, annual education reports, and an overview of student activities. Also featured are a district calendar, school board meeting schedules, and volunteer and employment opportunities.
https://www.lanseschools.org/
Meeting at its facilities on North Main Street in L'Anse, Michigan on Sunday mornings and evenings, as well as on Wednesday evenings, the congregation's locations and service times, church leadership, and missionaries are highlighted, and recent sermons may be viewed in its archive, which is available by date, sermon series, by the Book of the Bible, and by guest speakers, missionaries, and special events. The congregation's beliefs are outlined, and its position on the Gospel is included.
https://lansebaptist.com/
In business for more than thirty years, LMI serves a variety of industries and product types, including medical device components, investment castings, military, aviation, and heavy equipment. Its products include precision medical components, infrared camera cases, wear pads for heavy industry, and small components. Its location, office hours, and contacts are posted, along with an overview of its capabilities, manufacturing equipment, inspection equipment, and certifications and registrations.
https://lansemfg.com/
The village of L'Anse, Michigan is the only incorporated municipality in the township, although there are some unincorporated communities. Incorporated in 1846, the area was reorganized the following year. The official township website publishes the history of the township, and profiles of township communities and the L'Anse Township Park. Office hours, meeting schedules, minutes, and official notices are posted on the site, and a guide to local attractions and events is included.
https://www.lansetownship.org/
L'Anse Township Park and Campground
Situated two miles north of downtown L'Anse, Michigan, the park offers a view of Lake Superior and Keweenaw Bay, the site of the first trading post and the original townsite of L'Anse. The township park offers thirty sites for tents and recreational vehicles. Campsite reservations may be made, modified, or canceled online. Other resources include a campground map, an overview of its nature trails, pavilion, the park's policies and rules, as well as its refund policies.
https://www.lansetownshippark.org/
L'Anse United Methodist Church
The Methodist missions in the L'Anse, Michigan region began in the early 1830s, and the Church in L'Anse was established in 1872. The history of Methodism in the Upper Peninsula, as well as the L'Anse UMC, Zeba UMC, and Sidnaw UMC are provided. Other features include a calendar of events, and a contact form. Other resources include the United Methodist Women's group, LUMC choir, and music programs, and men's ministries. An archive of messages from the pastor is included.
http://lumc.umcchurches.org/
United Lutheran Church of L'Anse
Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Northern Great Lakes Synod, the congregation meets at its facilities on Mesnard Street in L'Anse, Michigan. Office hours, church office phone numbers, and contacts for the pastor, parish secretary, executive board, and recording secretary are provided, and a map shows the location of the church. Other resources include a photo gallery, a prayer request form, a calendar of events, council minutes, and church newsletters.
https://www.unitedlutheranchurchlanse.org/
L'Anse, Michigan is the county seat of Baraga County and the headquarters for L'Anse Township. The official municipal website publishes village council minutes, a photo gallery, and a guide to village cemeteries, marina, and services. Other resources include announcements of local events, and information and contacts for village utilities and garbage services. Some utilities may be paid online. The village and township joint recreation plan, and the village master plan are provided.
https://www.villageoflanse.org/
