Keweenaw Lakes
The native peoples of the Superior region knew all too well the violent temperament and unpredictable moods of the big lake. The size of an obstacle the Keweenaw peninsula represented made it much too dangerous to attempt to navigate around. Fortunately a much safer route had been provided, courtesy of the Portage River at the peninsula's base. By following this river into the connecting lakes and tributaries, early voyagers could make their way across the obstacle quickly and easily, with only a short Portage at the far end to make it back to the great lake. The peninsula became known by the native peoples as "place of the crossing", translated by early explores as "Keewaiwona".
That ancient portage route also gave name to the peninsula's largest lake - Portage Lake. But the Portage is by far not the only lake found along the Keweenaw. More then a dozen large lakes, and several dozen more small ones, can be found hidden deep in the forests and along the rugged interior peaks. Some of these lakes - like Torch Lake - were heavily used by mine companies for shipping and tailings disposal. Others, like Schlatter's Lake and Lost Lake, remain remote and unspoiled to this day. A good deal of others exist today thanks to man's help - having been created to supply the mine companies exhaustive thirst for water.
Sponsors
-
At the Store
Visit Our Other Sites
