The Petroglyphs in Copper Harbor, Michigan Remain a Mystery

Traveling and exploring the Upper Peninsula – particularly on the west side – you have probably sought out some of the old copper mines. There are plenty of ‘em, believe me. There are many old mines that are available for tours, others are abandoned with no tours, and some remain hidden...but more and more are being found.

Aside from abandoned mines, the U.P. has some other things that are of extreme interest to anyone who is into Michigan history: petroglyphs and stone carvings, left hundreds of years ago.

The Keweenaw Petroglyphs lie at the tip of the Keweenaw, one of them depicts a vessel that appears to be a sailing ship. Was it a Viking ship? Did Vikings visit the U.P.? If so, then they would have been here sometime between the years 793-1066 A.D.

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Aside from the ship etching, is that of a bear...and it’s a good one, as you’ll see in the gallery below.

It’s not an easy task to find these historic petroglyphs, but if you make it through the underbrush, rough terrain, and bugs, then treat them kindly. Don’t be like some inconsiderate morons who are inclined to vandalize and ruin a thousand years of history.

It is advised to not touch the glyphs, as natural body oil can ruin them over time.
Do not use tools to alter or chip away a souvenir.
Don’t attempt to ‘clean’ the area; leave any lichen, soil, or mossy substance alone.
Do not try to highlight the carving lines.
Do not geotag.

Damage has already been done by those who don’t understand how to preserve history. It is also advised to not even walk on any ground lichen or moss.

Now take a look and see them for yourself...