Last Updated on May 30, 2026
“We’ve watched a lot of kids grow up,” says Julie Sprenger.
Over the past 37 years, generations of repeat guests have enjoyed the 13,000 square foot Larium Manor Inn on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. With such a dedication to hospitality, it’s no wonder that the inn was voted Newsweek’s Best Historical B&B in 2024.
Sprenger expresses her joy when guests return. As I begin my first visit, I can see why so many come back. The last entry in the thoughtfully placed guest book in my room indicated that the previous guests had returned to celebrate 22 years of marriage after having honeymooned at the inn.
A Historical Bed and Breakfast
The Edwardian Era mansion, originally built in 1908, was a gift from Captain Thomas H. Hoatson, Jr., to his wife. Hoatson, owner of the Calumet & Arizona Mining Co., made his fortune in the copper mines of the Keweenaw. Over time and under different owners, the home became abandoned. In 1989, after years of neglect, Julie and David Sprenger purchased and renovated the property with their own finances.
The Laurium Manor Inn joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. The mansion still maintains the original push button light switches and radiator heating. The Sprenger’s interior designs honor the original decorator’s list from 1908.
The mansion’s four floors and 45 rooms are filled with original details. A gilded elephant hide leather wall covering brings elegance to the dining room. Hand painted ceilings and murals speak to the area’s early 1900s wealthy lifestyle.
Upon entering the inn, I was immediately struck by the grand 50-foot hallway with 10-foot tall ceilings and impressive hand carved oak staircase. As you climb to the second floor, vivid stained glass windows frame the view. The windows were restored to match the original design.
Julie and Dave source the antiques throughout the mansion and are constantly looking for the right piece that brings the space to life. They look for bedding and textiles that honor the home’s design and have been known to personally drive furniture from Florida.
I indulged in the lemon poppy seed pancakes on my first morning at the mansion. The manager, Kevin, recommended I try the blackberry lime jam on the pancakes. What a winning combo! Julie makes the inn’s jam and is always developing new recipes.
The mansion has numerous spaces to spread out for a quiet moment or a group get together. The fourth floor ballroom has been converted into a game room with board games and an old fashioned pool table. I enjoyed hanging out with guests by the cozy fireplace on the first floor.
Basecamp for Exploration
Kevin believes the mansion is a good base camp for exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula, and I couldn’t agree more. You’ll definitely need a car to venture out here.
If you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll also need to think about snow. The region received over 300 inches (that’s over 25 feet!) in 2026. Don’t let the snow get you down. The roads are well maintained, and it’s a winter paradise filled with opportunities for snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling.
In the late 1800s, immigrants from as far as Finland rushed to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to mine copper. The Keweenaw National Historic Park (KNHP) weaves together 23 sites that highlight the mining history that shaped the region. The KNHP Visitor Center in Calumet tells the story of life in mining towns through interactive exhibits.
Finnish heritage is strong in the Keweenaw including sauna culture. I enjoyed relaxing in the hot and steamy cabins at Takka Saunas while watching snowmobiles fly along the frozen canal. The indoor and outdoor saunas at Mount Bohemia have a social vibe—great for meeting local residents.
Another remnant from the mining past is a tasty treat, Cornish pasties. Miners brought these savory baked pies filled with meat and vegetables to work because they could be easily eaten with their hands. And hardy they are. My breakfast pasty, overflowing with ground beef and potatoes, kept me full all day. You can find your own favorite along the Keweenaw Pasty Trail.
Exploring Nature
The Keweenaw Peninsula is a year-round destination for nature lovers. Thanks to its location along Lake Superior and its limited light pollution, the region enjoys incredible Dark Skies. While I didn’t witness the aurora borealis or the Milky Way, I did enjoy my first attempt at dark sky photography with photographer Tom Oliver.
There are three reasons I’d love to go back to the Keweenaw Peninsula: leaf peeping, birding, and reaching a hard-to-access national park. I’m told the fall colors are incredible, thanks to dense forests of maple trees. Recently, Michigan Audubon recognized the town of Houghton as a Bird City for its dedication to bird friendly practices. Finally, the Keweenaw is also a launching point for Isle Royale National Park, which opens seasonally and is accessible only by boat.
If You Go
Larium and other towns in the Keweenaw Peninsula are accessible from Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX) in Hancock, which only has two daily flights from Chicago O’Hare.
Note that the Larium Manor Inn does not have elevators due to the property’s historic nature.
