COPPER HARBOR, Mich. (Michigan Back Roads) – It seems like Copper Harbor is on everyone’s “bucket” list, but when you get there, it can be a bit overwhelming. So planning for more than one day is a must.

Copper brought early explorers to this remote location. While there isn’t much mining activity, there are both modern mines and even some prehistoric mines available for exploration. Most people who travel to Copper Harbor these days are interested in the wilderness and the outdoor activities. The scenery is incredible, the air is clear and pure, trees and water beckon from every direction.

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This preview will help you get the most out of your “Michigan Back Roads 3 Day Getaway.”

Day 1 : Around town.

Copper Harbor is only a few blocks long, but there is a lot going on. Lake Superior and the harbor are just 2 blocks north of the main thoroughfare. Most of the shops, restaurants, and some of the lodging establishments are all in this compact area. It is easy to stroll all over town while planning a lighthouse boat tour or an easy hike on the breathtaking shoreline of Hunter’s Point Park.

A mile east is Fort Wilkins State Park and a sign marking the end of Route 41. The other end of Route 41 is at the southern tip of Florida. A half mile to the west is the beginning of the Brockway Mountain Drive and the Copper Harbor Overlook. The welcome center has the essential maps and guides needed for exploring those awesome trails and locating the incomparable scenic overlooks.

Day 2: Natural wonders.

Everywhere you look around Copper Harbor, natural wonders abound. From Lake Superior and Lake Medora, and beyond to the nearby waterfalls and abundant wildlife, visitors will find nature serving up something for every interest.

On almost any night, the Aurora Borealis may appear, painting the sky above the harbor, with scintillating curtains of light.

Day 2 continued: favorites to add to your list.

Estivant Pines. According to the brochures, the “Estivant Pines Sanctuary is a 377-acre stand of old growth Eastern White Pine growing in a mixed hardwood forest.” This is a truly beautiful spot unlike anything else you will find. If you want to see virgin pines in a wilderness setting, this is the place. There are no improvements here and the going can be rugged. I am in good shape and these trails are a handful. If you go, dress properly and take water with you.

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Hunter’s Point Park. This marks one of the real treasures in Copper Harbor. The point juts out into the harbor and is visible from downtown. There is excellent parking at the trail that gives access to the point and the Lake Superior shoreline. A handicap accessible boardwalk leads from the parking lot to a Lake Superior viewing deck.  The trail on the point is a natural walking trail. The forests and lake views are spectacular. It is hard to believe that you are only a quarter mile from town. The unusual rock formations are volcanic in nature creating a wild scenic landscape. When a lake fog begins to roll in, the shoreline and forest take on a magical appearance.

Lake Fanny Hooe. This is just a couple of blocks from downtown and has a fishing pier and boat launch. Some say that the view of Lake Fanny Hooe from the Brockway Overlook, rivals that of the Lake of the Clouds. During the color tour season, it is not to be missed.

Raptor Migration. The Keweenaw Peninsula is a major route for migrating birds. Brockway Mountain and the Copper Harbor Overlook are also known as “hawk highway”. From the overlook, the hawks and other raptors are sometimes at eye level.

Day 3: Unique historic destinations.

There are mines, lighthouses and cemeteries to explore. Along with those, consider visiting these special places.

Fort Wilkins. This is a restored frontier army base. It was built in the 1800s to protect the port and harbor during the copper boom. The fort has been fully restored. On site reenactors bring the pioneer and mining days to life during the summer months.

Isle Royale. The island lies 50 miles away out in Lake Superior. This national treasure is still protected in near pristine condition. Hiking, backpacking and kayaking are popular as are the ancient copper pits that are scattered across the island. When planning a trip to the island, weather conditions are a major factor.

The Brockway Mountain Drive. Gear up for a really gorgeous ride. It is the highest paved road from the Rocky Mountains to the Allegheny Mountains. From the Copper Harbor Overlook where you are more than 700 feet above Lake Superior, to the summit of West Bluff is less than 10 miles. Yet, it may be the most beautiful ride on the Keweenaw. If you plan to ride Brockway by bicycle, be prepared for some extremely steep hills and strong winds.

Other day trips.

Eagle River Scenic Drive Route 26 is a must see. As you leave Copper Harbor you are on Routes 41 & 26. These roads make a loop at Eagle River so, whichever way you go, you can see it all and make your way back to Copper Harbor after a great day trip. Eagle River has a waterfall, lighthouse, and places to get food. On the way is the Jam Pot, run by monks, down on Sand Bay. It may be the most expensive place to shop on the Keweenaw, good jam though.

There is more near Copper Harbor that is unique. Far out on the furthest point of the peninsula is the old rocket launch site. That is where Michigan first launched a rocket into space. There is the prehistoric Delaware Mine and the hidden Cliff Cemetery.

Trails and winter fun.

In addition to the trails at Hunter’s Point and the Estivant Pines, hiking, biking, ATV, and snowmobile trails abound. Local outfitters have all the equipment and supplies. They and the visitors center have trail maps available. The Keweenaw ATV Trail System is the largest in the state on private land. The Mountain Bike Trail System is Silver Rated.

Winter transforms Copper Harbor into another kind of wonderland.  The trails, lakes and forests are magnets for winter sports enthusiasts. The Snowmobile Trail System, at 240 miles, is the largest in the State of Michigan.

For more information and details check the Copper Harbor pages here.