Copper Falls, MI (Keweenaw County)

This historic home set back in a bygone era is located nearby the Town of Eagle Harbor in the former boom town of Copper Falls. Now considered a “ghost town”, this residence is just one of a handful that still remain. It is believed that this house was originally built sometime in the 1870s for the mining company doctor who occupied the home and used it to administer medical attention to the town residents & miners. The mine eventually closed in the early 1900s and as best we can tell, the Padberg family occupied the home from 1902 to 1978. They likely leased the dwelling from the mining company until our earliest records indicate that brother & sister, Henry & Louise Padberg, purchased the dwelling from the Arnold Mining Co. on May 3, 1944 for $50. Henry was part of the Eagle Harbor Life-Saving Service Station, known for their heroic rescue of the crew on the “L.C. Waldo” which shipwrecked in Lake Superior at the tip of the Keweenaw on November 8th 1913. Henry and each station member received the Gold Lifesaving Medal recognizing their good judgment, skill and heroism. Upon Henry’s death in 1957, Louise continued to occupy the home until she sold the property to the current owners in 1978. The current owners have been diligent in keeping the historic charm and beauty of the occupants before them. The home has electricity, but still has no modern bathroom or running water. The installation of a well and septic system could easily make the home more comfortable for those people who love history, but still enjoy the creature comforts of modern facilities. The home has 3-bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room and parlor and sits on 5.10 acres of wooded land. All around the property you will find large berry patches offering an abundant amount of seasonal berries. There’s also a clearing where a large and bountiful garden once was and could easily be reinvigorated. The property has nearly 350 feet along the main paved county roadway and lies on both sides of recreational Trail #130 giving you easy on/easy off access to the many miles of recreational trails that connects the entire Keweenaw. If you are a bit of a history buff, enjoy hiking, love rockhounding and love exploring – then you need to check out this property. Wandering around the Copper Falls area you’ll find great views of Lake Superior, nearly 100-acres of stamp sands to explore, gorgeous Owl Creek & waterfalls and many lakes - Long Lake, Owl Lake, Copper Falls Lake & Meadow Lake. Immerse yourself in the charm and ambiance of Copper Falls and make this historic cottage your destination retreat!