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Places We Protect

Helmut & Candis Stern Preserve at Mt. Baldy

Michigan

A bald, rocky hilltop with views of forested hills and a lake in the distance.
Summit of Mt. Baldy View from top of the Helmut and Candis Stern Preserve at Mt. Baldy. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media
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Mt. Baldy is the largest and least disturbed of only a handful of balds remaining in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Overview

Description

Northern bald communities are extremely rare in Michigan and only occur around the Keweenaw from Isle Royale to Gogebic County. Mt. Baldy is unique because it harbors a variety of plant life at its peak, where treeless openings result in rare plant species scattered amongst wind-contorted white cedar and juniper. It also accommodates an amazing array of bird species that pass over the site during their annual migration.

Preserve Views

For sightseeing: take Brockway Mountain Drive between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor; there is a little turn-off on the side of the road, right next to a preserve sign that offers a spectacular view of Mt. Baldy. To experience a spectacular view of Lake Bailey and the summit of Mt. Baldy, drive on M-26 between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Pets are not permitted.

Highlights

Stunning mountaintop views of Lake Superior, rare northern bald communities and an amazing array of bird species

Explore our work in Michigan

In Memory of Nicole Bloom

In 2006, TNC dedicated the main ridge trail as a memorial to Nicole Bloom. Nicole was a Michigan Tech student who was active in many environmental issues but sadly died in a mountain climbing accident the summer after she graduated.

TNC's Work in the Keweenaw

Helmut and Candis Stern Preserve at Mt. Baldy is located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, an area TNC has been active in for decades. The Keweenaw has globally significant opportunities for nature-based carbon solutions and land and water protection, all contributing to the health of one of the world’s largest freshwater systems, the Great Lakes.

Explore the Keweenaw
A common loon flaps its wings in the water.
A green forest of trees in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.
A mink frog rests in the shallow water at Mary Macdonald Preserve at Horseshoe Harbor in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Water from Lake Superior splashes against rocks in the Keweenaw.
Aerial view of the peninsula, showing vast forests and blue water crashing on the shore.

Exploring the Preserve

The activities below will help you explore the preserve and enhance your connection with nature—from the comfort of your home or while onsite.

  • A green illustrated icon of a computer screen and a smartphone.

    Audio Tour

    Our guided audio tour includes stories, fun facts, historical notes, and natural sounds to help deepen your connection to the Helmut and Candis Stern Preserve. You can access the tour from the comfort of your home or onsite as you hike. Learn More

  • A green illustrated icon of a bird sitting on a branch.

    iNaturalist

    Help our scientists and restoration managers keep track of the species in our nature preserves by using iNaturalist. You can record your observations, help others identify species and view other users' identifications. Learn More

  • A green illustrated icon of a river flowing through a forest.

    More Ways to Explore

    We offer a variety of ways to explore including geocaching, webinars, events and volunteer opportunities. You can even request a permit to use TNC lands for scientific research! Learn More

Spotlight on Nature (3:52) Check out our audio tours to explore the Helmut & Candis Stern Preserve at Mt. Baldy virtually.
The view of a forest, bright blue lake, and cloudy sky.
Mt. Baldy in Michigan One of the many views to glimpse of Helmut & Candis Stern Preserve at Mt. Baldy in the Keweenaw. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media

Background

Towering 730 feet above Lake Superior in northern Keweenaw County near Eagle Harbor and Lake Bailey, the mountain offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Superior and the Keweenaw Peninsula.

With a watchful eye and binoculars, you may spot local inhabitants such the black bear, snowshoe hare, peregrine falcon, ruffed grouse, golden-crowned kinglet, black-throated green warbler and yellow-rumped warbler.

Plan Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The preserve is open year round. However, late summer and early fall are the best times to visit to avoid the irritation of the biting insects that come out in the early summer.

  • Hiking boots are recommended for walking the trails and shoreline of this preserve. Insect repellant and full coverage clothing/bug nets are recommended in the early summer months to protect against biting insects.

  • Please park in the established parking lot. From here, hike 1.6 miles to the preserve boundary. It is another 1.4 miles to the top of Mt. Baldy. The hike up Mt. Baldy is a steady, uphill 3-mile climb. It can take 2 hours to reach the summit, but the views of Lake Superior and the Keweenaw Peninsula are well worth it!  

    Because of the thin soils, which cause shallow rooting and harsh conditions, vegetation can be extremely slow to recover or reestablish following excessive trampling. Please stay on the trail.

    • Foot access for hiking, snowshoeing, bird watching, etc.
    • Educational studies, photography, journaling 
    • Hunting (with TNC-issued permit and Michigan hunting license) 

  • For the safety of both the habitats at this preserve and visiting guests, we ask that you please follow the rules listed below.

    • No motorized and non-motorized vehicles, including bicycles
    • No pets
    • No building of new trails
    • No geocaching (see list of TNC-approved geocache sites) 
    • No removal of trees, plants or animals (alive or dead)
    • No removal of rocks, water or other non-organic materials
    • No camping, bonfires, fireworks or other fires
    • No littering

  • The Nature Conservancy allows bow hunting for white-tail deer on this preserve to reduce threats that too many deer pose to our conservation targets and to ensure that the preserve does not become a “refuge” for deer during the hunting season.

    In order to be eligible to hunt at this preserve, hunters are required to receive a permit from TNC, follow TNC hunting program rules and comply with all local, state and federal laws and ordinances governing hunting activities, including obtaining all required government licenses or permits. For more information, please visit our Deer Hunting in Michigan page.

  • Have questions about the preserve? Contact us at miplaces@tnc.org. 

Keep Exploring

From shifting sand dunes to granite bald mountains, explore our preserves and reserves spread across the state of Michigan.

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Find More Places We Protect

The Nature Conservancy owns nearly 1,500 preserves covering more than 2.5 million acres across all 50 states. These lands protect wildlife and natural systems, serve as living laboratories for innovative science and connect people to the natural world.

See the Complete Map

Make a Lasting Impact

You have the power to make a difference for the Great Lakes State and for our planet. Your support will help fund groundbreaking science and conservation activities that protect the lands and waters you love.

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