Keweenaw Peninsula

Map
Keweenaw Peninsula and surrounding areas

The Keweenaw Peninsula (/ˈkwənɔː/, KEE-wə-naw) is a peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. Part of the greater landmass of the Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Peninsula projects about 65 miles (105 km) northeasterly into Lake Superior, forming Keweenaw Bay. The peninsula is part of Michigan's Copper Country region, as the region was home to the first major copper mining boom in the United States. Copper mining was active in this region from the 1840s to the 1960s.

The peninsula is bisected by the Keweenaw Waterway, a partly natural, partly artificial waterway serving as a canal. The north side of the canal is known locally as Copper Island. The cities of Houghton, the peninsula's largest population center, and Hancock, are located along the shores of the Keweenaw Waterway. Houghton is home to Michigan Technological University.

The Keweenaw Peninsula is politically divided primarily between Houghton and Keweenaw counties, both of which occupy the Houghton micropolitan area. A small portion of the southeast of the peninsula is part of Baraga County.