According to howsmb.com, Baraga County is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is bordered by Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties to the north; Iron County to the east; Marquette and Alger counties to the south; and Gogebic County to the west. The county seat is L’Anse, with a population of 1,541 as of the 2010 census.
Baraga County was formed in 1875 from parts of Houghton, Marquette, and Iron counties. The county was named for Bishop Frederic Baraga who was a missionary priest working among Native Americans in Michigan during the 19th century.
The county has many attractions for visitors to explore such as Keweenaw National Historical Park which features sites related to copper mining in Michigan’s Copper Country; Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park with its 60,000 acres of wilderness area; and Huron National Forest which offers recreational activities such as camping, fishing, canoeing, boating and more. There are also two state parks located within Baraga County: Craig Lake State Park and Lake Gogebic State Park.
Baraga County also has many notable people who have called it home including William G. Mathers who founded Mathers Library at Michigan Technological University; John Voelker who wrote Anatomy of a Murder under his pen name Robert Traver; Thomas Eakins who painted portraits of American figures such as Abraham Lincoln; blues musician John Lee Hooker; singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens; novelist Jim Harrison; and former U.S Senator Carl Levin.
No matter what type of experience you are looking for there is something for everyone in Baraga County. From outdoor activities like hiking or camping to cultural attractions like museums or galleries, there are plenty of things to see and do here.
Climate and weather in Baraga County, Michigan
According to iamaccepted.com, the climate of Baraga County is classified as a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Average temperatures in the county range from around 0°F in the winter months to around 75°F in the summer months. The average annual precipitation is around 34 inches, with most of it falling between June and August.
Baraga County experiences all four seasons throughout the year. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below 0°F and an average snowfall of over 100 inches annually. Spring is mild and often wet, with temperatures gradually increasing throughout the season. Summers are warm with temperatures usually reaching into the 80s during July and August. Fall is also mild and dry, with temperatures gradually cooling off throughout the season.
The weather in Baraga County can be unpredictable at times due to its location near Lake Superior which can cause extreme weather events such as lake effect snow or thunderstorms. On average there are about 35 days per year where severe thunderstorms occur, so it’s important to be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Transportation in Baraga County, Michigan
Baraga County, Michigan offers a variety of transportation options for residents and visitors alike. The county is served by an extensive network of roads, including US-41 and M-28 which connect the county to other parts of the Upper Peninsula. There are also several smaller state highways and county roads that serve as important connections within the county.
Public transportation is also available in Baraga County with Dial-A-Ride services provided by the Baraga County Transportation Commission. This service provides door-to-door rides for those who are unable to access other forms of transportation.
The nearest airport to Baraga County is located in Houghton, about an hour away. This airport offers daily flights to Detroit and Chicago as well as charter flights throughout the region. There are also several airports located within driving distance in Wisconsin and Minnesota that offer additional flight options.
Rail service is also available in Baraga County with Amtrak’s Empire Builder line providing service between Chicago and Seattle via Grand Rapids, Michigan. This line stops at stations in Ironwood, Michigan and Duluth, Minnesota which are both within driving distance of Baraga County.
Finally, there are several ferry services that provide access to Lake Superior from various points along the shoreline including Copper Harbor and Eagle Harbor which are both located close to Baraga County. This can be a great way to explore the lake during summer months when conditions permit safe travel on the lake.
Cities and towns in Baraga County, Michigan
According to Countryaah, Baraga County, Michigan is home to several small cities and towns. The largest city and county seat is L’Anse which is located on the western shore of Keweenaw Bay. This city has a population of about 1,500 people and features a variety of businesses, restaurants, and other amenities.
The second largest city in the county is Baraga which has a population of about 1,200 people. This city was founded in 1842 and is home to the headquarters of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community as well as several other businesses.
Other cities in Baraga County include Skanee, Pelkie, Arvon Township, Spurr Township, Covington Township, and Assinins. Each of these towns has its own unique character with plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy including fishing on Lake Superior or hiking through the nearby forests.
In addition to these cities there are also several unincorporated communities scattered throughout Baraga County such as Alston, Agate Harbor, AuTrain, Chassell Township, Copper City, Ewen-Trout Creek Township, Hubbell Township and more. These communities offer visitors an opportunity to experience rural life in northern Michigan with plenty of outdoor activities available including hunting and fishing as well as access to nearby lakes for swimming or boating.
Baraga County offers visitors a chance to experience life in northern Michigan while still having access to modern amenities such as restaurants and shopping centers. With its unique mix of rural living and urban convenience, this area offers something for everyone who visits.