Eagle Harbor, Michigan, is located on the north shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula, which juts out from the southern shore of Lake Superior. The site is about 135 km southeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and 327 km north of Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is known for its heavy snowfall and is called the snow capital of the Midwest. Isle Royale National Park is approximately 74 km to the northwest on Lake Superior.

The sampling site is located one km east of the town of Eagle Harbor, MI, at a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) boat launching facility, about 100 meters from the lake. There are trees between the lake and the site as well as a few boat storage buildings near the site on DNR property. The nearest residence is about 300 meters to the east.

An unpaved country road serves this site. The surrounding area is mostly wooded with a few summer cabins. It receives moderate use during the tourist season (June through August) and very light use during the rest of the year.

The only sources within 40 km are private residences, small commercial establishments, and two-lane state highways receiving light traffic. The nearest urban area is Houghton-Hancock, located approximately 50 km to the southwest. Sources there include an airport, shipping activities, power plants, copper recycling, and some mining related industry, as well as typical urban sources.