Situated on the north shore of Lake Michigamme, Michigamme, Michigan is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in the Upper Peninsula.
Having defined borders due to its status as a CDP, Michigamme is in southwest Michigamme Township in Marquette County, bordering on Spurr Township in southeast Baraga County to the west. The historic community is surrounded by Craig Lake State Park and sections of the Nicolet National Forest.
Michigamme is accessed by US-41, which runs concurrently with M-28 in this section. US Highway 41 runs from Miami, Florida to Copper Harbor, in the extreme north of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
The only incorporated city or village within twenty-five miles of Michigamme is Ishpeming, which is just over twenty-three miles to the east, although the unincorporated communities of Imperial Heights, Beaufort Lake, Three Lakes, and Nestoria are all within ten miles of Michigamme.
Like many northern Upper Peninsula communities, Michigamme was a mining town after Jacob Houghton discovered iron ore there in 1872. Originally known as Mt. Shasta, the Michigamme Mine began operations that year but closed in 1901. Early operations were in seven open-pit mines, but the mining company soon reverted to underground mining operations, establishing at least ten production and ventilation shafts. After its closure, the shafts were filled in with waste rock from the mining operations.
The area was once a popular location for rockhounds who collected what was known as black diamonds. More properly known as Almandine garnets, these were the most frustrating waste products to miners, as they were abundant and they tended to get caught up in the mine's rock-crushing equipment, often damaging it. However, as highway crews worked to straighten US-41 in the area, they placed the extra boulders on top of the site, effectively burying them.
The town's first building was a log cabin built on the shore of Lake Michigamme, then known as Great Lake, for use by mining engineers. The Michigamme Mining Company platted the townsite in 1872, and settlement began almost immediately as workers came to work in the mines. A post office was established on January 20, 1873, with John C. Powle as postmaster, and Michigamme was incorporated as a village that same year.
However, as mining operations declined, the town dwindled. Although the village unincorporated, the Michigamme post office continues in operation, serving a much larger area than its CDP, particularly north and west of the lake, including portions of Michigamme Township, Republic Township in Marquette County, and Spurr and Covington townships in Baraga County.
Today, the community's mines and supporting industries are gone, but the region has reverted to its original beauty, and enough of the town exists to meet the needs of its resident population of about three hundred, as well as tourists, vacationers, and passersby on US-41.
Michigamme is home to the Michigamme Historical Museum, which is filled with local memorabilia and antiques from the area's heyday, as well as a restored log cabin, a circa 1900 American LaFrance horse-drawn, steam-powered fire pump, and a Model-T firetruck.
The focus of this section of our guide is on the community, census-designated place, and former village known as Michigamme, Michigan.
Recommended Resources
Opened as the Michigamme Methodist Institute for Methodist Youth in 1922, the campground attracts campers from the Upper Peninsula, North Michigan, and Northern Wisconsin, each building on the campgrounds has a history. An overview of the facilities, activities, and camp schedules are set forth, and youth and adult/family registrations are available online, with an overview of the process, volunteer and employment opportunities. A wish list and an online facility for contributions are included.
https://campmichigamme.org/
Situated on twenty acres, and featuring more than six hundred feet of shoreline on Lake Michigamme, the resort's guest rooms offer a thousand square feet of living space, with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, living room, and bathroom. There are also two pet-friendly rooms. Photographs are displayed, with a list of amenities, resort policies, and information about area activities and bike, jet ski, and snowmobile rentals. Contacts are featured, and reservations may be made online.
https://mapleridgeresort.net/
The civil township in Marquette County borders Arvon, L'Anse, and Spurr townships in Baraga County, and Champion, Powell, and Republic townships in Marquette County. It includes the community of Michigamme, a census-designated place. The official township website presents a profile of the township, along with township hours, contacts, news, announcements, and a calendar of events. Meeting schedules, agendas and minutes, ordinances, and a list of elected officials are included.
https://www.michigammetownship.com/
In business since 2012, the restaurant specializes in pizza but also features soups, sub-sandwiches, salads, and desserts, as well as weekly specials. Located on Max Street in Michigamme, Michigan, the restaurant is a carry-out facility that promises only fresh ingredients, including sourdough crust made fresh daily. Its address, seasonal hours, a menu, and pizza kit directions are offered on the site, including the use of a conventional oven and cast iron. Contacts are included.
https://www.moosedropinn.com/
The licensed electrical contractor and master electrician serves the entire Upper Peninsula, offering more than thirty-five years of electrical experience, and, as a Generic authorized dealer, the company offers sales, service, and installation of General products. Based in Michigamme, Michigan, an email address and telephone number are posted, estimates may be requested, and available deals and promotions are highlighted. Some of its recent work is highlighted in photos.
https://www.powerhousegeneratorservice.com/
