Copper Harbor, Keweenaw Peninsula, MI
Do you come here for mountain biking, kayaking, or a visit to Michigan’s only National Park: Isle Royale? Or for the fresh, incomparable trout??
The latter, you can score at the seasonally open Jamsen’s Bakery, which, in addition to delectable baked goods, offers a daily fresh fish selection from the early morning catch hauled in by fishermen. You literally cannot get it any fresher, unless you catch it yourself.
The off-road MTB trails here are second to none in the Midwest, and possibly some of the best in the US. I am not a mountain biker, so I will quote from the official Copper Harbor website:
“The riding in Copper Harbor is REAL mountain biking and really does not compare with anywhere else in the Midwest. This mountain bike destination hosts a series of rocky, undulating ridges and valleys punctuate Keweenaw County and are highlighted with natural wonders such as old growth forests, geoheritage and geology, historic locations, nature preserves, pristine inland lakes and streams, mountain top vistas and rugged Lake Superior shoreline. Singletrack trails wind over bedrock, cobbled rock, rooty, hard packed surfaces with lots of climbs, technical descents, berms, rustic bridges and boardwalks and a total lack of sand. Constant elevation changes provide a Western-like riding experience and some riders have nicknamed it the BC of the Midwest.”
The Copper Harbor area also offers numerous hiking opportunities along the Lake Superior shoreline and inland, kayaking over the cold, pristine waters, and scenic, hilly drives with sweeping views and eagle soaring overhead.
All this, as Jamsen’s Bakery reminds us, among “the purest, most vitalizing air on earth”.
Summary:
Northernmost town in Michigan
Gateway to Isle Royale National Park. The Isle Royale Queen IV takes visitors to the island 50 miles away in about 3 hours.
Phenomenal recreational opportunities, including world-class mountain biking trails, hiking, Lake Superior kayaking, and winter sports
Home to numerous nature preserves
Spring raptor migration route (aka “hawk highway”)
Fresh lake trout!
Area rich with copper mining history
Copper Harbor official website.
Pure Michigan Copper Harbor page