HomeMichiganKeweenaw County

Lake Fanny Hooe

Keweenaw County, Michigan Lake Connected Water
40 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Lake Fanny Hooe Access Map 1 launch
🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Lake Fanny Hooe
Fort Wilkins State Park
Fort Wilkins State Historic Park · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 14 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Garden Brook connects Lake Fanny Hooe to Lake Superior just 800 feet to the north, making it one of the closest inland lakes to the big lake in the entire Upper Peninsula. The lake sits in the Lake Superior watershed at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, with Copper Harbor's natural harbor immediately to the northwest.

Winter & Ice Safety

At 40 feet max depth and 227 acres in the Keweenaw Peninsula, Lake Fanny Hooe freezes reliably and early — this is some of Michigan's coldest, snowiest territory. Ice fishing is possible, though it's not a major destination fishery. Be aware that Keweenaw winters are extreme with heavy lake-effect snow, so access can be challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Lake Fanny Hooe?
Lake Fanny Hooe is 227 acres, roughly two miles long, with a maximum depth of 40 feet. It's a modest-sized inland lake — perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding but not really a big-boat lake.
Where is Lake Fanny Hooe?
It's in Keweenaw County at the very tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, right next to the community of Copper Harbor. The lake sits just off US-41 — literally the end of Michigan's longest highway. Lake Superior is only 800 feet to the north.
Can you kayak on Lake Fanny Hooe?
Absolutely — this is one of the best small paddle lakes in the Keweenaw. The 227-acre size means calm, protected water with forested shoreline and Fort Wilkins historic buildings as a backdrop. Multiple reviewers specifically recommend bringing kayaks or SUPs.
Is there a boat launch on Lake Fanny Hooe?
Yes, there's one public boat launch just off US-41. It's rated 4.4 stars on Google. Several reviewers recommend stopping by the launch for stunning sunset views, especially before heading up Brockway Mountain.
Are there campgrounds on Lake Fanny Hooe?
Yes, several. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park has campgrounds on the shore between Lake Fanny Hooe and Lake Superior. Lake Fanny Hooe Resort and Campground is a private option right on the lake. Trails End Campground is also nearby. The state park sites are the most popular.
Can you swim in Lake Fanny Hooe?
Yes, there's beach access at the Lake Fanny Hooe Resort and along the lake's shoreline. For Lake Superior swimming, Agate Beach and Horseshoe Harbor Beach are both very close by.
Is Lake Fanny Hooe connected to Lake Superior?
Yes — Garden Brook flows from Lake Fanny Hooe to Lake Superior, a distance of only about 800 feet. The two bodies of water are separated by a narrow strip of land where Fort Wilkins State Park sits.
What else is there to do near Lake Fanny Hooe?
Plenty. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park (an 1844 Army fort) is right on the lake. Brockway Mountain Drive offers some of the best views in Michigan. The Copper Harbor mountain bike trail system — one of the Midwest's top networks — loops around the lake. And the Isle Royale ferry departs from Copper Harbor marina.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Lake Fanny Hooe is a 227-acre lake tucked between Copper Harbor and Lake Superior at the very tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula — literally the end of US-41. With a max depth of 40 feet and a roughly two-mile length, it's a small, scenic paddle lake flanked by Fort Wilkins Historic State Park on its north shore. Garden Brook connects the lake to Lake Superior just 800 feet to the north, which means you're camping between two bodies of water in one of Michigan's most remote and beautiful settings.

This isn't a powerboat destination — it's a kayak-and-SUP lake with calm water, forested shoreline, and historic fort buildings adding character to the view. Fishing runs to sunfish, bass, and chub, mostly casual stuff off the docks and shoreline. The real draw is the location: Copper Harbor is the jumping-off point for the Isle Royale ferry, Brockway Mountain Drive is minutes away, and the Copper Harbor mountain bike trail system loops around the lake. People who love Copper Harbor tend to love it obsessively — this lake is a quiet centerpiece of that whole scene.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment