The Jampot is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in the UP! This unassuming cute little shop on the side of M26 is a must stop if you are in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Run by group of Monks, The Jampot is filled with wonderful and taste treats that you can tell are made with love. This place is best known for it's jams. As someone who makes homemade jams and jellies pretty often, I can definitely tell the difference in their preserves. My favorites are the Wild Thimbleberry and Wild Strawberry. The thimbleberry is a local berry that is similar to a raspberry that grows right outside of the Jampot's doors. Although their priciest jam, it is well worth the steep price tag (I believe one jar was $18 the last time I was there). In addition to their jams, The Jampot has tons of other goodies - fruit cakes, homemade truffles, muffins, etc. I have never been someone who loves fruitcake, but their boozy fruitcakes are quite delicious and packed with enough booze that I seriously feel like you could get tipsy off of one bite. In addition to their alcoholic breads, the last time I was there they had some sort of ginger, cinnamon bread without alcohol. It was seriously one of the best sweet breads I have every had in my life. The other items I have tried there have been equally delicious - melt in your mouth chocolates and truffles and huge fresh baked muffins that burst with flavor. All in all, although on the pricey side, stop in and splurge a little because all the items are well worth it! read more

In one of the most remote and beautiful parts of the Michigan UP, as you head down the twisting road that leads to Copper Harbor, you come across a church that seems out of place for the forest terrain. Built in a Byzantine architectural style, it does not resemble the churches or cathedrals we are accustomed to seeing. This is the Holy Transfiguration Skete, run by a group of monks. Across the road is the Jampot, a little bakery that sells their handiwork - custom jams, preserves and baked goods. Their shop works year-round and sells products online all over the country. However, their storefront is open during the summer tourism season. The Jampot monks produce unusual jams like the prized thimbleberry - like a raspberry but much larger, native to the Michigan UP. They harvest the berries, process them and sell the products of their labor. I love their cookies and breads they offer. Around these parts, it's the best you can find. And if you long for the great jams, you can order a jar - or a complete set of jams - online. Pretty high-tech for a group of deeply religious monks. read more

The jampot used to seem to us like an abandoned building. It seemed to be closed most of the time, and I think we were kind of scared to even stop by worrying it was a front for some sort of insane criminal. Eventually we noticed more and more traffic going into the Jampot, and we decided to stop and take a look. This might have been ten or even fifteen years ago. Now we stop by every year. The baked goods are really great, particularly (in order) the cookies (all types), the spice loafs, the German chocolate muffins, and the peanut butter jam squares (I'm sure that's not their official name). The jams are also very good, but you have to pick your spots because they are on the pricey side. Good thimbleberry jam can be had elsewhere in the UP for a lower price, but the cheapest stuff tends to be crummy. If you don't know of another good source you might as well buy here. The wild strawberry is also expensive but really good. I would say take a chance on one of the more unusual berries, and don't buy blueberry or strawberry jam unless the wild stuff is available and you're willing to pay a premium. Be sure to ask which ones are made from local fruits. It makes a difference. The monks are very nice, and have raised a lot of money. From humble beginnings sprang the Eastern Orthodox onion dome that now peaks out over the woods as a beautiful architectural addition to the remote lakefront near Eagle Harbor. Every year a trunkload of purchases is our contribution, much of which I bring back home with me to New York. If I lived in the UP, I'm sure the Jampot would be a rather more expensive and satisfying habit. read more

Oh My! The sweet delicious smell of bakery wafting through the Upper Peninsula woods draws you in. At a tiny roadside shack, monks of the Society of St. John order bake delectable treats and can jellies and jams. Upon walking in, there's a wall of jams and jellies ranging from the usual fare like grape and strawberry jellies. Then, there's some different ones like dandelion, chablis wine, and jalapeno jellies. One of our bikers recommends the jalapeno jelly and stocked up with a case full. I purchased a grape jelly for my husband and another highly recommended item: the apple butter. Now that I got the wall of jams and jellies out of the way, they have such heavenly baked goods (see what I did there!). All of their treats delighted the senses and looked yummy. Since most of the baked goods aren't labeled, it's a point and ask sort of thing. My husband got a tasty cream cheese poundcake muffin. I got a peanut butter chocolate chip blondie with a ribbon of jam running through it. These treats were as good as they sound. If you're in the UP, you should take a mandatory stop to the Jampot for jams and treats. read more

This is one far away bakery that should not be missed. The monks opened the bakery to make money for their church, and I think their success was a bit of a surprise. The money they have raised helped to build their amazingly beautiful church building. My favorite is the almond cookies. Don't bother with the jam, as it's overpriced. read more

They have many different kinds of Jams and sweets. We bought Dandelion Jelly and it is very good. I think the prices are pretty high, but it is a small local place. We bought a bunch of their caramels which were wonderful! Again they were prices at $2.00 each for one individually wrapped caramel 2" x 1" size. We also thought it was strange because although there was a monk collecting the money in the back there were two people who looked like husband and wife cooking and baking and really producing the items that they were selling. I contemplated between 3 and four stars but ultimately went with 4 because it was a cute place that was local and I have never seen Dandelion Jelly and a few of the other offering before. Plus the setting is very beautiful! read more

Man... the goodness of their jams is beyond words. We got two cases of this liquid gold in San Diego from our family in Michigan. My wife has taken to baking bread and coupled with this jam I expect to end up something similar to Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and Chocolate factory. Thank you wonderful Monks!! I hope to come visit some day! read more

I was on vacation in the UP and saw the gold dome and thought what is that.... stopped at the bakery , the monk there was so nice and fun to talk to . I bought a huge muffin that must have weighed 2lbs. And the best cherry jam I've ever had. If I ever get back up here I'm stopping again . Make sure you bring a Thermos of coffee they don't have any ....it makes the monks jittery . Also the Ginger bread pancake mix is heavenly.. read more

A hidden gem you will not want to miss! I had an apricot muffin and my husband had a chocolate chocolate chip muffin with chocolate frosting (more like a cupcake, but they called it a muffin ‍). Both were super dense and absolutely delicious. We also bought raspberry-apricot jam and maple syrup that I can't wait to try! The place is also run by the Society of St. John, which makes it a unique experience. read more

I was here 28 years ago hope to go back this summer and get some thimbleberry jam.

This is a nice hidden gem. The jam is great and the cakes are wonderful. read more

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Nothing short of perfection. My favorite is the seedless red raspberry jam. I get it a case at a time. Once you've had their jams the store bought stuff tastes like plastic. The baked goods are awesome as well. The carrot cake muffins and chocolate are delicious. New favorite this year is the cinnamon breakfast bread. WOW!! You won't believe how good it is. I went back 2 days later and bought 4 more to take home. read more

Everyone should add the Jampot to their list of places while passing through the Keweenaw peninsula! I come here on my annual trip to the UP and this trip we got some jam and brownies. The brownies were even better tasting than expected -so rich in flavor. When stopping here, there is also a waterfall within walking distance from the location that should be checked out read more

Nestled alongside a scenic highway and a waterfall in the U.P., the Jampot is a gem. Good, honest baking, simple recipes and ingredients. The head (?) monk looks like he came straight out of central casting (think Friar Tuck in the Kevin Costner version of Robin Hood, but older), and his gentle humor makes the experience even more enjoyable. The other monks are also very interesting; some of them have a shitload of tattoos, which makes me very curious about their lives before they chose to dedicate themselves to...whatever it is monks do. All in all, a great place to stop and pick up some $12 jam and a couple loaves of $6 bread for a good cause. read more

if you ever find yourself this far up the Keweenaw peninsula don't question what possessed you to travel so far away from cell service/malls/civilization -- go to the jampot. It is baked goods and jam nirvana, complete with monks and everything. Yeah you're dropping like $12 or something on jam, but it's thimbleberry! and you can't find it anywhere else. Oh and the carrot cake cupcake and brownie I had were amazing, too. read more

Good grief this place lures you in and before you know it, you've dropped $60 on a few jars of jam, a coffee cake and a few muffins. But OMG it's totally worth it. Because the monks know what they're doing, using fresh and real ingredients to create treats like jalapeno caramel (fire dance of delicious in your mouth), carrot cake muffin (best carrot cake I've had) and more. I stocked up on the thimbleberry jam they make since thimbleberries don't grow where I live. Still need to figure out what a thimbleberry tastes like and how they differ from blackberries and raspberries, but that's for another forum. Hey, there are like five places to visit when you've made it this far up the Keweenaw Peninsula. Make this one of them. read more

Loved this little place. The monks are super friendly and accommodating. We arrived well after 5pm and they stayed open until after the last customers left. They have a huge variety of interesting jams, jellies, baked goods, chocolate, and history...which they will be happy to tell you. The thimbleberry jam is what they are known for. They also suggested we walk down to the monastery (300ft) and go through their beautiful garden. They have done a great job and I love spending money where people care. read more

We bought the PB&J brownie, carrot cake muffin and COOKIES! Their oatmeal, nut, chocolate, etc. cookies are absolutely amazing!!! We also enjoyed the chocolate chip as well. The PB&J Brownie, also amazing. We would not buy the carrot cake muffin again. It had a strong Crisco taste and too many chunks of fruit in it for us. If I want all those chunks of fruit in my cake, I would buy a fruit cake. We would go back but stick with brownies and cookies. read more

On a road trip in the UP, the Jampot was on our list of places to stop. Right on Hwy 26, it's a compact building filled with delights. Fruit cakes, jams, jellies, muffins, cookies and candies are available. We bought cookies, a muffin, and 2 caramel squares. Caramels absolutely out of this world! The cran-orange muffin was very good, as were the almond sugar cookies. The peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies were amazing. You cannot go wrong stopping in here for a treat or a gift. read more

A great place to pick up sweets from. They make amazing gifts, and my friends rave when I bring a few home from there. On top of all that, the money goes to a good cause. This place is a win in my book, and a must-see for jam-lovers and Yoopers alike! read more

While traveling through this gorgeous area, my family happened upon this great little bakery. I'll keep this short (since much has already been said), but I must say that their cake will banish all fruitcake jokes from your mind forever. Now I get it.... if this is what fruitcake is supposed to be (a blend of tasty fruit, light buttery cake and luscious liquor), then maybe there IS a reason for sending out this Christmas gift! read more

I discovered the Jampot and these industrious, friendly men over 25 years ago. Their business, coupled with their devotion, is so unique and very much worth the trip. A nice ride up 41 to the village of Phoenix (turn left on 26) takes you along the beautiful Lake Superior shore. Everything they make is wonderful and all proceeds go to their beautiful mission of doing God's work. Their jams, cakes and cookies are so good, and they make the best caramels! Be sure to see Jacob Falls right next door! read more

I am so glad I was able to stop in last Friday afternoon. Top notch bakery and awesome human beings that man the store and bakery. Do plan to stop in and support The Monks. Fantastic experience and fabulous jams and baked goods! read more

Highlighted by impeccable baked goods and confections, the yearly seasonal opening of the Jampot brings joy to many. From spirit soaked fruit cakes (Jamaican Black Cake is amazing) to caramels, muffins, and cookies, everything is well above average. The Almond Cookies cannot be passed up. I've purchased jam only once, to have it quickly cover in mold, which is the one reason I chose to pass on a fifth star. Prices are fair for such a quality product. I would pay well more than the $6 they ask for a sleeve of cookies and a rum brownie. Exemplary and outstanding, a fitting model for local bakeries. read more

This place is just awesome! Anytime we take a trip to copper harbor we make a mandatory stop here to stock up on the amazing jams and baked goods! The monks are always so friendly and helpful every time we go, unique place in the keewenaw with amazing jams and goodies! read more

This little popular place is a must-visit for tourists to the Keewanaw peninsula. For me, hearing about this place was THE reason I went to vacation in the Keewanaw peninsula at all. The Jampot fulfilled all my expectations. It's a peculiar outlet run by my monks. There was a line when I visited. I stocked on the jams and pound cakes. Already tried two cakes, I think the dry fruit cake is the best and simply delicious, while the abbey cake is too heavy on bourbon whiskey. I haven't tried the jams yet. read more

If you're visiting the Keweenaw, do yourself a favor and stop in at the Jampot for the best treats in the UP! It's the one spot that I always visit when I come to Eagle River. read more

A friend describes this as "the fabulous bakery run by the monk dudes". Correct on all points. It's your best option in the pursuit of the elusive thimbleberry. (Next best, the thimbleberry sundae at the Thimbleberry Shop in Copper Harbor). The baked goods are warm-from-the-oven fresh. A brief walk around the garden helps get you in the mood for a contemplative breakfast, as food prepared with this kind of care should be savored... read more

When you have been in the woods for days, it is great to have a cookie! I also order from the holiday catalog. It is exquisite.

Beautiful location, next to waterfall and gorgeous fall colors. We waited in line for twenty minutes, and would have waited longer. Best cookies ever, we bought enough to freeze for later. Other baked goods were also wonderful, but make sure you also buy plenty of cookies. read more

The price is up there, but totally worth it! The monks that work there were super-friendly, but their products sell themselves. The sweets, cookies, jams and preserves are all fantastic, but my absolute favorite are the rum-soaked cakes. They are one of the best desserts I've had in my life, and I've been around more than my fair share of the world. If you make it anywhere near the Keweenaw Peninsula, this is a must-see! read more

We go to the Jam Pot every year when we go to the U.P. It is one of the must places to stop at--Love their Cookies, always get some and take them down by the lake and have one with a cup of coffee, It doesn't get any better than that. And it is a given we get some to take home with us..Can't wait until next Summer. read more

Incredible and amazing! We went to the Jampot last week on the way home from the Keewenaw. We bought some of their cashew soft caramels, 4 kinds of fruitcake, a couple of jams and preserves and some cashew brittle. The cashew soft caramel was melt in your mouth oh so good! My husband especially enjoyed the cashew brittle. I waited till we arrived home to sample the fruitcakes, we tried the traditional that is soaked in rum, oh wow!!!! Party in your mouth! I will be ordering this for Christmas! I have yet to sample the abbey cake, lemon pound and other flavor, but I'm certain they'll be wonderful! The prices are as follows: 3 lb fruitcake loaf is $50. The smaller sizes are $15. The cashew brittle was $15. The soft caramels were $1/each and the jams ranged in prices from$7-12. Prices are high, quality is excellent and you get a good feeling supporting the ministry of the order of Monks that run this establishment. Highly recommended! read more

Awesome muffins. Had heard about this spot and drove the extra milage up the pen to stop here 2x. Bought our share if jams to bring back to friends. Can't wait to eat thimbleberry jam. read more

On the shores of Gitchee Gumee, the Jampot is one of our coveted destinations. We have sent many prayer requests over the years, always answered. Granted not perfect, but hopes achieved through prayer. Yea,they also have awesome truffles (dark chocolate and thimbleberry are a must)' but the work done there goes beyond the mundane daily striving for cash. read more

I'm glad I don't live closer to this place. Their muffins are huge and very tasty. I tried the jalapaeno caramel - it was HOT but good...It's easy to spend a lot of money here but they offer very unique items that make great gifts. A must stop whenever you're in Copper Country. read more

my humble quest for finding awesome food places in remote places of Midwest continues :) This is like one of those jam/jelly places that I read about in english rhymes in school...those tiny little shops in obscure villages that makes the world's best food and only few people get to know about them.... well this is one such place....I am not a religious person, but I thinks the monks in this monastery have special spiritual super powers to make things taste soooo good. Try their rum cake and brownie. they marinade the fruits in rum for a long period of time before they put them in the cakes, which I think makes them so amazingly good. I had their peach jam and jalapeno jam...and I don't think I will ever be able to go back to my regular store jam :( The place is so far away from "civilization"..that is their only shortcoming. If you are making a trip to Upper michigan around the Porkies, you may consider stopping by here to try out the jams :) read more

Amazing baked goods! A little pricey - 2 muffin and a dozen cookies cost $20 but the cookies were out of this world!

The monks do a fabulous mail order business too. Their sugar-free jams are most satisfying and a tasty option for the diabetic clients. And the ginger snaps - ah, without equal. We are most grateful for their prompt attention to our 'foreign' requests! (We've been to the Jampot and sadly couldn't visit this year.) read more

I still think about this place even though it was two years ago. The whole peninsula is something special, and the Jampot is a must see. Don't do what I did and decide against the thimbleberry jam because it was $14. Just go for it and enjoy because you don't find thimbleberries just anywhere. Went with plum butter instead which was still delicious. So hard to decide! read more