Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, situated at the tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, is entering a new phase of development. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced plans to create a long-range plan for this unique park, which combines natural beauty with historical significance according to Michigan Live.
Positioned along Lake Superior, Fort Wilkins offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its two lighthouses and a restored 1844 army military outpost. The fort was initially established during Michigan’s copper rush to maintain order between miners and the local Ojibwa tribe.
From 1939 to 1942, Fort Wilkins underwent extensive restoration work by the Works Projects Administration, a New Deal agency. This project focused on preserving the historical accuracy of the buildings, including the restoration of officers’ quarters, enlisted men’s barracks, and other structures essential to the fort’s operations.
A key attraction at the park is its living history program, typically running from June to August. Visitors can experience life in the 1860s through actors in period costumes, providing an immersive historical experience.
The park’s natural features offer diverse recreational opportunities. Its Lake Superior shoreline, sandy beach at Lake Fanny Hooe, and Lake Manganese provide various water activities. Hiking trails allow exploration of the Keweenaw Peninsula’s rugged landscape, and a modern campground caters to overnight visitors.
The DNR’s new management plan will guide Fort Wilkins for the next 10 to 20 years, emphasizing preservation and enhancing visitor experiences. This plan recognizes the park’s significance to both the local community and tourists, as well as its status as a “Cooperating Site” of the Keweenaw National Historical Park.
Public input is vital to this planning process. The DNR has launched an online survey, inviting park visitors and interested parties to share their thoughts. This approach aims to balance conservation efforts with public access needs specific to Fort Wilkins, considering its unique historical and natural features.
Fort Wilkins’ location in the Keweenaw Peninsula, known for outdoor recreation, adds importance to its management plan. The new strategy will need to consider how the park fits into the region’s recreational landscape, potentially enhancing connections with other local attractions.
These developments at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park mark a significant step in preserving Michigan’s natural and historical heritage while adapting to meet the evolving needs of visitors and the local community. The DNR expects to complete the planning process and finalize the management plan by fall 2024.
Featured image by DNR Michigan via dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails
