Island Mine

Overview

Tucked deep in the island’s interior, Island Mine blends a haunting slice of copper‑rush history with true backcountry quiet. You’re walking through an overgrown industrial landscape: water‑filled shafts, trenches, piles of poor rock, a substantial sandstone powderhouse, and a hulking iron boiler left to the forest. It’s remote, self‑guided, and all the better for it—no gloss, just the bones of a short‑lived but ambitious operation.

Getting There

Island Mine sits off the Island Mine Trail in the interior, with foot travel the only way in. The campground is roughly 0.5 miles south of the Greenstone Ridge/Island Mine Trails junction, making it a natural stop for backpackers linking Greenstone segments.

What You’ll See

• Mining remnants: three shaft sites (now water‑filled), trenches, poor‑rock piles, the tramway grade, a large powderhouse ruin, and a massive iron boiler.
• A forest‑reclaimed district: roots, moss, and saplings threading through 19th‑century scars—great for photography if you like texture and details.

Camping & Water

A primitive backcountry campground sits by the historic area, first‑come/first‑served. Expect minimal facilities. Water typically comes from the nearby Little Siskiwit River—filter or treat it, and know it can run dry in late season. Build your plans around that.

Safety & Etiquette

Mines are dangerous: keep clear of shaft openings and unstable walls. Don’t move artifacts—this is a protected historic landscape. Navigation matters here; bring a map and compass and know how to use them.

Who It’s For

History nerds, solitude seekers, and backpackers connecting Greenstone Ridge will get the most out of Island Mine. If you’re expecting a developed exhibit, you’ll be underwhelmed; if you like reading the landscape and imagining the past, it’s a gem.

Best Time to Visit

• Late spring to early summer offers better odds for flowing water in the creek.
• Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends.
• For photos, aim for morning or late‑day light to soften the contrast in the forest understory.

Wildlife

This is classic Isle Royale forest. You might encounter moose, red foxes, snowshoe hares, and a mix of songbirds—keep your distance and give wildlife the right of way.