PHOENIX

Region: Keweenaw Peninsula

Approaching Phoenix from the south, a succession of dramatic rock cliffs emerge, the product of volcanic eruptions over a billion years ago.

Here the volcanic crust fractured along the Keweenaw Fault becomes a dramatic, sheer rocky precipice. These cliffs loom over the Eagle River, which cuts through the Cliff Range at Phoenix and tumbles down to Lake Superior. In 1844, the Cliff Mine near Phoenix became the Keweenaw's first mine to earn big profits. North of here to the Keweenaw's tip at Copper Harbor, copper deposits were closer to the surface, and in smaller amounts. Mining boomed early, in the 1840s, and played out soon.

Now called the Church of the Assumption, this stately Catholic church was built in 1858 for Irish miners. It is now an historic site. From the entryway you can see the colorful interior.

The picnic table next to the Church of the Assumption is a fine place to sit and take in the view of river valley and rocky cliffs. The simple wood Catholic church was built in 1858 to serve Irish workers at the Cliff Mine. Later it was moved east a couple of miles to here. The Keweenaw Historical Society maintains it as a historical site. Visitors can see the interior through plexiglass. The church is sometimes rented for weddings. It's on U.S. 41 near M-26 junction, and it's viewable by visitors from mid-May through color season, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Donation requested. Handicap access: 3-4 steps.

The Keweenaw Historical Society maintains this old blacksmith shop. Inside you can see the realistically disheveled workplace of a 19th-century smith at his forge.

If you turn west onto M-26, you'll be following the road to Eagle River. About 300 yards past U.S. 41 to the right, you'll see a red frame building. This is the Bammert Blacksmith Shop, donated, complete with tools, to the Keweenaw Historical Society. It too can be viewed from behind plexiglass. It's open from mid June to early October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Donation requested. Wheelchair-accessible.

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