Welcome to Copper Country!

​

Hello!  My name is Cheryl Ochodnicky and I am the owner of the Keweenaw Agate Shop.  This is my story..

 

Every summer when I was a child, my family would visit my grandparents in Ahmeek MI.  My mom would drive us around the Keweenaw to hike our favorite waterfalls, walk our favorite beaches (and sometimes go swimming in Lake Superior brrr), pick berries and climb our favorite rocks.  Our vacation always included a trip to "the Harbor".  In Copper Harbor, we would browse the shops, go to the top of Brockway Mountain and visit Fort Wilkins.  And every year we would stop in to see my grandparents’ former business, the Keweenaw Agate Shop.  These are some of my favorite memories.  Once I started my career and family, my annual trip turned in to every 3 to 4 years, or more.  But that changed in 2018. 

​

In 2016 I left the world of software development in search of a different way to spend the next chapter of my life.  I wasn't exactly sure what that next chapter looked like, but one thing was certain, whatever I did I wanted it to be a more relaxed pace and allow me to spend time in the great outdoors and just generally doing more of what I love. 

​

In 2017, I was looking for businesses in the Upper Peninsula that were for sale.  Just looking around to see what options were available.  My father and step-mother (Sam & Brenda) loved the Keweenaw and would spend the month of July and a few weeks in October in Copper Harbor.   When I mentioned to them my latest search they reminded me that the Keweenaw Agate Shop had been closed for a few years and may be for sale.  That got my attention...   

​​

My grandmother and grandfather (on my mother's side), Vi and Eino Miller, owned the Keweenaw Agate Shop from 1956 until 1973.  Back then there were also housekeeping cabins on the property.   My mom and aunt use to clean the cabins (the picture is of me, my mom Pat aka "Trish", my aunt Diane and my grandmother Violet).  The idea of having this shop back in the family and being able to spend my summer and fall in the Keweenaw seemed too good to be true.   

​

I set out to purchase the property and figure out what my business would be.   My brother Scott kept saying "The upstairs would make a great vacation rental."  Thanks for the idea, Scott!   I started with a vacation rental in the upper unit, but now that same brother actually lives upstairs (that was quite a Jedi mind trick!?!).  

​

So in 2019, I opened "The Shop".   It's been fun talking with tourists and figuring out what I need to carry in the shop.  Currently the shop has many agates, local rocks and minerals as well as crystals and minerals from all over.  We have all kinds of copper, raw, polished, tumbled, as well as copper plates, pitchers and kettles.  We have many other various items available as well. 

​

So if you are coming to the Keweenaw to walk the beaches, hike or ride the trails, climb waterfalls or kayak the great Lake Superior (my personal favorite of all the Great Lakes), view the northern lights, or just breath the fresh air, swing by the shop and say hello!

   

​

Cheryl