Scenic Drive from Copper Harbor to Eagle River
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| Great Sand Bay, between Eagle River & Eagle Harbor |
While the final stretch of US-41 to Copper Harbor through the overarching tunnel of trees is one of Michigan's most celebrated scenic drives, the parallel route of M-26 from Eagle River to Copper Harbor is arguably a far finer journey. It goes through two historic, still quite active villages (Eagle Harbor & Eagle River), past the legendary Jam Pot & Jacbos Falls, and best of all along an amazing Lake Superior Shoreline. From many points one looks down on stunning Great Sand Bay and its huge beach. There are turnouts where you can stop and take in long vistas. At one point you can see the monk's golden monastery peeking out of its forested surround miles down the coast. North of that great bay there emerges the ancient dark volcanic rock shoreline which collapsed sharply to create a bowl that resurfaces at Isle Royale.
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Return to Copper Harbor
POINTS OF INTEREST
• The Mariner North restaurant & motel has wi-fi. 245 Gratiot/US-41. Open year round.
• Brockway Inn has wi-fi in summer. 840 Gratiot/US-41. Open Tues-Sun 8-4.
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Fort Wilkins State Park and Historic Complex. This outstanding state park centers on a charming old army fort from the 1843 copper rush. Living history and period furnishings show peacetime army life in 1869 . . . ... more
Scenic Drive from Copper Harbor to Eagle River. Good candidate for the most wonderful summer drive in Michigan is this Lake Superior stretch between Eagle River and Copper Harbor. ... more
Studio 41. A stunning gallery highlighted beautiful works in copper and wood ... 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 & 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. An exceptionally delightful walk takes you out the rocky northern side of Hunter's Point and back along the bay side. ... 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
Estivant Pines. 300-500-year-old white pines abound in this never-cut 500-acre sanctuary with a 2.3 mile hiking trail ... more
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula
• 13 detailed U.P. maps
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