Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
The sturgeon river has done a lot to build the town of Chassell. The river was used as a primary route for moving timber from the forest to Portage Lake to be shipped around the state and country. These days, the river does not carry nearly as many logs, but certainly carries visitors paddling the river in a canoe or kayak. Earlier this week the Chasseell Historical Organization, with help from some local partners, was able to install a brand key kayak launch just outside of town.
“This is a notch in the Sturgeon River constructed by DP Construction here in Chassell. And basically its been cut back here, to protect the gangway and dock, from things coming down stream in the current. But all of this was made possible by three funding sources, the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation, our Chassell Recreation millage, and a destination development grant from Visit Keweenaw.” – Kieth Meyers, Vice President, Chassell Historical Organization
The Launch also has two historical plaques at the site describing some of the river’s usage during the peak of the Upper Peninsula’s logging industry, and descriptions of local wildlife one might see while on the river. The location is connected to the nearby centennial park’s Chassell historical trail, though establishing a waterway trail for paddle sports. Each location includes interpretive signs to explain some of the area’s history.
“During the lumbering times, it was used to transport logs, down to the sawmill. Ad right now we are working hard to bring it into the Chassell Historical Trail down in Chassell showing the old ruins of the Worcester Sawmill. And so this is really nice addition to that, because you can see the cut, a part of the river was dug through, to make it easier to transport the logs to Pike Bay.” – Matt Moore, Curator, Chassell Heritage Center
The site of the new paddle boat launch has long been used by locals to put in at the river. The project additionally included work to outfit the area as ADA compliant, allowing those in wheel chairs a chance to get to the river’s edge.
“I mean we’re on the old US-41 right of way, basically. And overtime its become this informal canoe and kayak launching spot, but it really wasn’t easy to use. The bank was really steep and you had to be very careful about getting in and out of your boat. And with what we are bringing in today, with this dock that’s designed by Feighner Boat Lifts and Docks, it’ll be a lot easier. There’s going to be a roller ramp, that you’ll put your kayak onto, and then roll it right into the water.” – Kieth Meyers,Vice President, Chassell Historical Organization
The new kayak and canoe launch is located just east of Half Moon Lake Road and US-41 intersection, at the bridge that crosses the river. Heading out of the river, west along Pike Bay, paddlers can reach the nearby Cenntenial Park’s Chassell Historical Trail. Check out the articles for each of the historical plaques on Keweenaw Time Travelers website here.
