The community of Eagle River was a copper mining boom town dating back to the 1840's. Copper was discovered in the cliffs nearby in 1845 (known as the "Cliff Load"), although the mines were on the decline by the 1870's.

This photo of Eagle River Falls was taken from the Michigan State Historic Eagle River Bridge, which carried traffic over Eagle River into the community from 1915 until 1990. Photo by Dave Alexander.