Cities and Towns in Baraga County, Michigan

Founded in 1875, Baraga County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Baraga County was formed from part of Houghton County. The city of L’Anse is the county seat. With FIPS code of 13, Baraga County has a population of 8,215 and area of 1,069 square miles (2,769 km²).

List of all cities in Baraga County, MI alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Baraga, MI	49908	906
Covington, MI	49919	906
Keweenaw Bay, MI	49908	906
Lanse, MI	49946	906
Skanee, MI	49962	906
Watton, MI	49970	906

Major Cities and Towns in Baraga County, Michigan

1. L’Anse

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 2.46 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,874 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 49946
• Latitude: 46.7569° N
• Longitude: 88.4534° W

Location and History

L’Anse, the county seat of Baraga County, is located on the southern shore of Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Bay. The town was founded in 1843 by French-Canadian settlers and named “L’Anse,” meaning “the cove” in French, referring to its natural harbor. The area has long been inhabited by the Ojibwa people, and its location was significant for both Native American trade routes and European fur traders. The town saw rapid growth in the 19th century due to the booming timber and fishing industries, and later, the arrival of the railroad. L’Anse remains a key community in the Upper Peninsula, blending its rich Native American and French-Canadian heritage with outdoor recreation opportunities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

The L’Anse Area Schools serves the community, including L’Anse High School and L’Anse Elementary. Significant landmarks include L’Anse Waterfront Park, which offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior and is a popular spot for community events. Indian Cemetery is an important cultural and historical site, recognizing the area’s deep Native American roots. Falls River Falls, a series of small waterfalls near the town, is a must-see for nature lovers. Keweenaw Bay Indian Community also plays a vital role in the town’s cultural and economic life, hosting Pow Wows and other events.

2. Baraga

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 1.66 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,863 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 49908
• Latitude: 46.7786° N
• Longitude: 88.4890° W

Location and History

Baraga is situated just north of L’Anse on the Keweenaw Bay, part of Lake Superior. The village is named after Bishop Frederic Baraga, a Catholic missionary who worked extensively with the Native American population in the region during the 19th century. Founded in the mid-1800s, Baraga grew as a lumbering community and later became known for its fishing and mining activities. The village’s historical significance is closely tied to the Catholic Church’s efforts to evangelize the Native American communities and the area’s natural resources. Today, Baraga continues to serve as a gateway to the Keweenaw Peninsula and is known for its rich history and stunning natural surroundings.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Baraga is served by Baraga Area Schools, including Baraga High School and Baraga Elementary School. A major landmark in the village is Baraga State Park, located on the shores of Lake Superior, which offers camping, hiking, and beautiful views of the bay. The Shrine of the Snowshoe Priest, a monument to Bishop Frederic Baraga, is a popular historical site. The Ojibwa Casino, operated by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, provides entertainment and employment for locals. Sand Point Lighthouse and the nearby Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Cultural Center are also important cultural and historical landmarks in the area.

3. Covington

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 3.14 square miles
• Population: Approximately 200 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 49919
• Latitude: 46.5400° N
• Longitude: 88.5442° W

Location and History

Covington is located in the southern part of Baraga County, along US-41. Founded in the late 19th century, Covington was initially settled by Finnish immigrants who were drawn to the area’s rich forests and farmland. The village became a logging hub, and agriculture flourished alongside the timber industry. Over the years, Covington has maintained its close-knit, rural atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on its Finnish heritage, which is celebrated through local traditions and events. The village remains an agricultural community with deep connections to the surrounding forests and rivers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Covington is part of the Baraga Area Schools district, though it is a small community. The Covington Township Hall is a central gathering place for local events and functions. The annual Covington Finnish Festival is a major event that highlights the village’s cultural heritage, with traditional food, music, and dances. The Covington Historical Museum preserves artifacts from the town’s Finnish and logging history. Craig Lake State Park, located just west of Covington, is a key attraction for outdoor enthusiasts, offering camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities in one of the most remote areas of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

4. Pelkie

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Not officially incorporated, rural area
• Population: Approximately 400 (2020 Census, estimated)
• Zip Code: 49958
• Latitude: 46.8195° N
• Longitude: 88.6448° W

Location and History

Pelkie is a small, unincorporated community located northwest of Baraga in Baraga County. Originally settled by French-Canadian and Scandinavian immigrants, Pelkie was once a thriving agricultural and logging community. The area was heavily involved in potato farming, which continues to be a part of its identity. Although the railroad was once a significant part of Pelkie’s economy, the community is now more known for its rural charm and scenic landscapes, which include forests, rivers, and wetlands. Pelkie’s history is intertwined with the immigrant experience of the Upper Peninsula and reflects the diverse cultural heritage of its settlers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pelkie residents attend schools in the Baraga Area Schools district. Notable landmarks in Pelkie include the Pelkie Community Hall, which serves as a meeting place for local events and gatherings. The Ojaniemi Homestead, a historical site, showcases the early Finnish homesteading experience. The Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, located nearby, offers hiking trails and opportunities to explore the rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Little Mountain Overlook, though a short hike, provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forests and farmlands.

5. Skanee

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Not officially incorporated, rural area
• Population: Approximately 300 (2020 Census, estimated)
• Zip Code: 49962
• Latitude: 46.8092° N
• Longitude: 88.1361° W

Location and History

Skanee is located in the northeastern part of Baraga County, near the shores of Lake Superior. This unincorporated community was founded by Swedish immigrants in the late 19th century, who named it after a region in Sweden. Skanee’s remote location made it ideal for logging and farming, industries that sustained the community for decades. Its proximity to the Huron Bay and the Huron Mountains has made it a quiet retreat for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. The town’s history is rich in Scandinavian culture, and many of its early buildings and customs still reflect these influences.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Skanee residents also attend schools in the L’Anse Area Schools district. Key landmarks in Skanee include Huron Bay, which is a prime location for boating, fishing, and enjoying the rugged beauty of Lake Superior. The Skanee Historical Museum provides insights into the area’s Swedish heritage and early pioneer life. Nearby, Mount Arvon, Michigan’s highest point, is a major attraction for visitors, offering hiking trails and scenic vistas. Witz’s Marina is a popular spot for launching boats onto the bay, and Huron River Falls is a scenic location perfect for nature lovers.