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Hunts' Guide to Michigan's UPPER PENINSULA

JUST OUT! A new edition of Hunts' Mapguide to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Over 300 entries, all conveniently located on maps and chosen because we think they are the coolest things to do in the U.P. (No ad tie-ins!) Great choices for restaurants, hikes, shops, adventures, museums, boat trips, waterfalls, vistas, road trips, and much more! To learn more click UP MAP GUIDE

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COPPER HARBOR
POINTS
OF INTEREST

Fort Wilkins State Park and Historic Complex. This outstanding state park centers on a charming, militarily insignificant army fort from the 1843 copper rush. Living history and period furnishings show peacetime army life in 1869. Campgrounds and trails border Lake Fanny Hooe; more trails are along the harbor. Excellent interpretive displays, a good nature and regional bookshop/gift shop are a plus. ... more

Lighthouse Overlook on Copper Harbor. A spot with a grand view of the lighthouse, especially near sunset, and a trail among cedar and pines. You can sit on the big red rocks by the water and read or sketch. ... more

Copper Harbor Lighthouse. The memorable 1866 lighthouse museum and interpretive trail show the site's importance in geology, Michigan history, and shipwrecks. Part of Fort Wilkins State Park, it's reachable only by boat. ... more

Copper Harbor shops. Some of the U.P.'s most interesting shops for crafts, gifts, minerals, and books are here in Michigan's remote, northernmost village. Jewelry, books, photography, and gifts: stoneware, agates, greenstones, rockhound supplies, bird's eye maple, fleece, and distinctive fashions. Year-round general store and Laughing Loon gifts and books. ... more

Keweenaw Adventure Company and Harbor Kayak Paddle. Gear, guides, lessons, and tours for mountain biking and kayaking in a great setting for both ... more

Sunset cruises on the Isle Royale Queen IV. An inspired 1 1/2-hour cruise out onto Lake Superior, chasing freighters and watching the sun set. ... more

Hunter's Point, Agate Beach & Copper Harbor marina. Copper Harbor community has raised funds and saved beloved Lake Superior point and trail for public access. ... more

Brockway Mountain Drive. The highest highway between the Rockies and the Alleghenies offers glorious sunsets, soaring hawks, and a splendid view of the Keweenaw's rocky shore. ... more

Lake Manganese and Manganese Falls. Near town, a beautiful, clear trout lake with a long, sandy swimming beach, near a striking waterfall in a ferny canyon. ... more

COPPER HARBOR

Hunter's Point, Agate Beach & Copper Harbor marina

The beautiful natural areas that form the west side of Copper Harbor are longtime beauty spots enjoyed by local people and tourists alike. Hunter's Point and the agate beach along its north shore facing the open waters of Lake Superior have been purchased for public access in 2005 from the contractor who had owned them. He was legally allowed to develop this prime site. The adjacent wooded area has been subdivided into large lots along asphalt roads.

A far-reaching grassroots community campaign raised the money to purchase the point itself, with its two frontages facing the open waters of Lake Superior and the sheltered harbor. High points included the teenage daughter of the owners of the Pines Resort, a recent Grand Rapids transplant, raising $7,000 by sleeping in a giant chair for several days.

A deeded right of way will permit foot access from the Copper Harbor marina. The mood of the approach won't be the same, what with the visible subdivision, but Hunter's Point itself has been saved.

For a rewarding hike to a remarkable beach, start at the west end of the parking lot at the Copper Harbor marina and look for the trailhead to beautiful Agate Beach. The trail goes west through an evergreen forest close to Lake Superior's shore. In about 3/4 of a mile it forks. (Right takes you out along a beautiful narrow peninsula that forms the harbor, to Hunter's Point.) Turn left, and you cut across the peninsula's narrow base to come to Agate Beach, covered by pebbles and stones that sometimes include beautiful agates. A good time to find a fresh crop of agates is after storms, and in spring.

Those with no boats can enjoy the harbor from the water by taking the sunset tour of the Copper Harbor Lighthouse (see above) or by taking Keweenaw Adventure's harbor kayak paddle. (No experience required.

Start at the Copper Harbor Marina, north off M-26 at the west end of Copper Harbor. Clearly signed. Marina phone: (906) 289-4966.

The information above is being updated. The revised entries will be available by the middle of July, 2005, if not earlier. So be sure to check to get current prices and hours.

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