Mariner North

The Mariner North holds a very large place as the hospitality center in the history of Copper Harbor. First established in the 1920′s, it was called the Pontiac and was a thriving Inn / Restaurant / Bar as Copper Harbor launched its tourism era into a summer resort community with the shuttle service on the Copper Queen to Isle Royale National Park and the establishment of Fort Wilkins State Park. Over 40 years later it changed hands and became known as the Keweenaw Inn North. The fresh air, gorgeous scenery, and the draw of Lake Superior made Copper Harbor a natural escape from the city confines. In 1977 we bought The Keweenaw Inn and renamed it “The Mariner North”. The early days of The Mariner involved the development of the snowmobile program to assist Copper Harbor in its goal as a year round tourism destination area. In the early 1980′s a first floor addition almost doubled the size of the building and 9 new motel rooms were added to the second story. It was fairly short lived as a fire occurring in 1991 completely destroyed the entire complex. In 1994, the main Lodge of the Mariner North was completed and we reopened. In the following two years, the cabins, game room, and motels were built to complete the resort. The energy and enthusiasm at the Mariner North and Copper Harbor in general, remain high as our outdoor recreational activities have increased in the winter months to include Mt. Bohemia, the Midwest’s largest ski-hill located only 15 miles away, and a system of cross country ski trails with breathtaking vistas, which are locally groomed and managed. Our summer season now enjoys the newly expanded Copper Harbor Marina which provide a natural secluded harbor for recreational boats of all size, and the beautiful views and terrain provide a mountain bikers dream. And as always, the fresh air, gorgeous scenery and the draw of Lake Superior will still provide the rugged natural, recreational experience.