The Devil's Washtub: One of Keweenaw Peninsula's Little Secrets

Devil's Washtub is a favorite place to get away for the lucky few who know about it.

Along the shore of Lake Superior near the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, this natural volcanic rock formation is a blowhole that is a sight to see when pounded upon by Superior's massive waves. Nicknamed the “Sloshing Whatnot”, Devil's Washtub is not off-limits to visitors but there are no signs, no directions, no walkways, no nothin' to tell you its whereabouts.

When Superior's waves are calm, this is an awesome place to go swimming. You can swim into the blowhole and under the natural limestone arch.

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There is some parking along the road but not many spaces. Just look for the Dapple Gray Bed & Breakfast just 2 ½ miles west of Copper Harbor. Just before M-26 turns south, there's a small trail across from the B&B that will take you to your destination. No, there is no souvenir or gift shop...to remember this place, you'll have to take photos or video.

When the waves are good-sized and crashing onto the shore, it's probably not a good idea to go swimming...wait until it's not as wild to keep yourself safe. Also, it is not a good idea to dive into the hole itself, as it's shallow...jump into the lake first, then swim into the blowhole.

The Devil’s Washtub is part of the volcanic Copper Harbor Conglomerate with many cool things to see along the coast. The gallery below features images of Devil's Washtub and they just may be enough to coax you into a visit...