Map Of Dollar Bay Michigan
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Discover Dollar Bay Michigan: A Homebase for U.P. Adventures

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Nestled on the shores of Portage Lake, the historic community of Dollar Bay lies in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Though it has a tick more than 1,000 residents and a total area of less than five square miles, in some ways Dollar Bay is in the perfect U.P. location.

It sits on the edge of Portage Lake on M-26, which separates the Keweenaw Peninsula from the rest of the U.P., and is less than two hours from Copper Harbor, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and Marquette, making it an easy starting point for many exciting U.P. day trips.

Dollar Bay
Dollar Bay | photo via mattlandia

Getting to Know Dollar Bay Michigan

Officially known as the Village of Clark, this small yet vibrant community in Houghton is named for Dollar Bay, a small inlet of Portage Lake.

The naming of Dollar Bay is shrouded in local lore and speculation. One popular theory suggests that the name originated from a bay shaped “round as a dollar,” while another narrative credits Captain Dollar, a lumberman who reportedly set up a sawmill by the bay.

Dollar Bay boasts a rich history that intertwines the region’s early trading and mining activities with the copper boom era of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Founded in 1887, Dollar Bay can be traced back to the mid-19th century, a period marked by the rapid development of the mining industry in Houghton, Baraga, Ontonagon, and Keweenaw counties. This era saw the influx of diverse groups who contributed to building towns and cities in the region that eventually became known as Copper Country.

Map Of Dollar Bay Michigan
Where is Dollar Bay? | screenshot via Google Maps

Dollar Bay became a pivotal location for industrial activities, particularly with the establishment of the Dollar Bay Land and Improvement Company by Tamarack and Osceola Mines officials. The company played a crucial role in shaping the community’s future, spearheading efforts to establish copper manufacturing plants and other enterprises to capitalize on the area’s rich natural resources.

Dollar Bay is officially recorded as the “Village of Clark” and is recorded that way in the office of the County Register of Deeds – the name was chosen to honor Joseph Clark, who assisted in the development of the Tamarack & Osceola Mines.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were transformative years for Dollar Bay. The community saw the construction of 10 log houses in 1887, marking the beginning of its development as a new settlement. The establishment of a copper rolling mill, a sawmill, a wire mill, and a smelter further cemented Dollar Bay’s status as an industrial hub.

The closure of the Lake Superior Smelting Company after WWI, followed by the economic downturn of the Great Depression, led to significant changes in the community’s industrial landscape. Dollar Bay continues to embody the essence of a close-knit community proud of its heritage.

Quincy Mine-Hancock
Quincy Mine | photo via perkinshouse

Things to Do Near Dollar Bay Michigan

Because of its location, Dollar Bay is the perfect starting point for further adventures in the U.P.

Tour the Quincy Mine

Located a short distance away in Hancock, Quincy Mine remains a significant U.P. tourist attraction that offers a look into the region’s copper mining history. The mine is open for seasonal tours — both above-ground and full tours. The personalized full tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

Houghton, Mi
Houghton | photo via gopya

Explore Houghton and Hancock

Houghton, the “Gateway to the Keweenaw Peninsula” offers lots to do and is a favorite among those on the way to Isle Royale. Houghton offers public trails, family-friendly public parks, and museums, and is the home of Michigan Tech University.

Hancock, which is just across the way from Houghton via the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, is home to the Quincy Mine and fun spots like Gitche Gumee Ciderworks.

Marvel at Steve Farm Nature Area

Located south of Dollar Bay, the Steve Farm Nature Area is home to an extensive wetland ecosystem and upland forest habitats that the public can enjoy. Donated by the John Steve family, it’s a beautiful span of wilderness that’s popular for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking.

Chow Down on a Pasty

A trip anywhere in the U.P. feels incomplete without sitting down to enjoy a pasty meal. Whether you’re a longtime pasty enthusiast or enjoying one for the first time, there’s nothing quite like this tasty mix wrapped in a flaky crust. Roy’s Pasties and Bakery and Suomi Restaurant are two great spots to find these delicacies.

A.e. Seaman Mineral Museum-Houghton
A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum | photo via forestry.major

Visit the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum

Located on the Michigan Tech campus, the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum is considered one of the best rock and mineral museums in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. The museum holds over 40,000 specimens and displays more than 4,000 every day. It’s also home to a 19-ton world-record copper slab.

Nara Nature Park-Dollar Bay
Nara Nature Park | photo via drmseguin

Relax at Nara Nature Park

This all-season respite stretches over 100 acres and is a favorite community space where residents can relax, explore, and connect to the Michigan Tech trail system. During warmer months, it’s a favorite for kayakers who explore the Pilgrim River, and in the winter, it’s a popular choice for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Travel to Scenic Waterfalls

The U.P. is home to dozens of beautiful waterfalls and Dollar Bay is within an hour’s drive of many of them. Grab your camera and travel to spots like Gardner Falls, Tabacco River Falls, Jacob’s Falls, and O-kun-de-kun Falls, where the rushing rapids spilling over rock creates a peaceful soundtrack to an incredible scene.

Dollar Bay
Dollar Bay | photo via reeltorealron

Explore the Beauty of the U.P. Around Dollar Bay Michigan

With its picturesque setting on Portage Lake, historical significance, and enduring sense of community, Dollar Bay is more than just a dot on the map — it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who call it home.

Whether you’re passing through Dollar Bay on M-26 to other spots or using Dollar Bay as a starting point for a road trip, you won’t be disappointed by what the Upper Peninsula’s Copper Country has to offer.