Recreation in the Copper Harbor Area The Gateway to Isle Royale and the Top of the Keweenaw Peninsula Celebrating over 150 years of history
Look for agates or just wander along the Lake Superior shoreline. Take the trail starting from the Copper Harbor Marina parking lot for hours of fun exploring the beaches of Copper Harbor and the rugged shore of Lake Superior, some of the oldest exposed rock formations on earth. Try out the homemade fudge, handmade pastries and wild berry jams (The Keweenaw Peninsula is one of the few places in the nation that the thimbleberry is found). Astor House Museum at the Minnetonka Resort Biking: A great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area is by bicycle. There are many miles of paved highways and rustic gravel roads to take you through the scenic wilderness. Rentals and tours are available. Biking is not permitted on Isle Royale. Brockway Mountain Drive: This scenic road takes you 735 feet above lake level, (1,337 feet above sea level) for a breathtaking view of the mountains and Lake Superior. On a clear day Isle Royale can be seen from this vantage point as well as large cargo ships bound for the Soo Locks or Duluth. Outstanding fall color drive. Clark Mine Old Smokestack and Ruins: From US-41, take Manganese Road just east of the Community Center and follow the signs. Copper Harbor Lighthouse and Museum Copper Harbor Lighthouse excursion starts at the marina and includes a boat tour of the harbor, entry to the lighthouse museum and historical narration. You may want to pack a lunch (pasties and subs are available in town) and spend a portion of the day exploring the shoreline. Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Trails (Map): Copper Harbor Pathway includes groomed ski and showshoe trails through the forest. 20 miles for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers. Trails include Ft. Wilkins State Park, along Lake Fanny Hooe, the Old Clark Mine, and snowshoe trails through the Estivant Pines. Eagle Harbor Light Station and Museum Complex. Maritime Museum, Commercial Fishing Museum, Mining Museum, and Lighthouse Museum. This is a major haunted lighthouse. Read a first hand account by a former resident. Star Route I, Eagle Harbor, MI 49950. (906) 337-1263 Estivant Pines, A walking trail takes you through a quiet wilderness to a stand of virgin white pines, 500-1000 years old. These magnificent trees were saved from logging and are preserved for future generations. Trail maps and markers are visible for individual walks. No motorized vehicles allowed. From US-41 take Manganese Road just east of the Community Building and follow the signs. Half-day or full-day fishing charters for Lake Superior may be found at the dock near the King Copper Motel, or you can fish in Lake Fanny Hooe for perch, walleye, and trout. Fort Wilkins Historical Complex and State Park Isle Royale: Copper Harbor is the gateway to this unique island National Park, an archipelago of wilderness in beautiful Lake Superior. No motorized travel ensures peace for the residents, like moose and wolves, and for the visitor, who can escape to this special place and explore by foot or boat. Camp or stay in the lodge, hike, travel around the island by boat or scuba dive the many wrecks around Isle Royale. Ferry service is available from Copper Harbor. Ghost Towns of the Keweenaw Peninsula Keweenaw Underwater Preserve. Scuba Dive the sunken Mesquite off Keweenaw Point, or the anchor and scattered remains of the John Jacob Astor close to the location where it shipwrecked in Copper Harbor. Charter Boat with experienced diving captain available. 18 shipwrecks in the preserve. Lake Manganese: Clear lake with sand swimming beach and gradual drop off is open to the public. Warmer than Lake Superior but refreshing. Turn south just east of the Community Building on Lake Manganese Road. Turn right to the lake when the main road turns left. Mountain Biking is great fun on the back roads and some of the cross country ski trails. An easy way to get around Copper Harbor. Museums: The Copper Harbor Lighthouse, and Ft. Wilkins State Park bring the past alive. At the Fort, get a look at military life during the 1840's. The lighthouse has exhibits portraying the history of Keweenaw Peninsula shipwrecks. One-Room Schoolhouse: One of Michigan's oldest one-room schools is attended by about 10 children in kindergarten through the eighth grade. Our Lady of the Pines Church: Hand hewn log chapel offers Sunday services. Quaint shops, artisans and craftsmen such as the wood carver, weaver, potters, quilters, a soapmaker and a scrimshaw artist, Drop in at the rock shop to see what you may find on the Copper Harbor beaches. Waterfalls: Visit Manganese Falls just .7 mile south of Copper Harbor on Lake Mangenese Road, or Jacob's Falls, Silver River Falls, and Eagle River Falls on Highway M-26 between Copper Harbor and Eagle River. Wilderness: You are surrounded by beautiful, rugged backcountry, so explore the natural wonders that abound! Naturalist guide services for backcountry trips plus outfitting and equipment rentals available in Copper Harbor. Native Black Bears are in and around town, especially at night. Remember bears are wild animals. Watch the bears from indoors or from your car. Do not go outside when a bear is around. Winter brings heavy snow and great winter sports to the area. Snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing are the most popular sports, the area averages about 20 feet of snow a year. There are 250 miles of well-groomed snowmobile trails and 50 km. of cross country ski trails. Copper Harbor offers a great variety of cross country ski trails (map), and the snowmobile trails are some of the best. Snowmobiling in the Keweenaw Peninsula Snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula
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