Color Tour in Copper Harbor — Michigan’s UP at its Finest

Author: Mary S.
Date of Trip: October 2006

Copper Harbor is the northernmost peak of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is a good 6 hours by car once you cross the famed Mackinac Bridge. However, in peak fall colors, the trip is more pleasurable as there is so much beauty to behold.

On our way we saw many novelty pastry shops and had to stop at the campy/kitschy Da Yoopers Tourist Trap, which was hilarious. You must admire the way they taken some of their songs and put them into this tourist trap. The deer and the outhouse (a “two-holer”) was worth the stop itself!

On our meandering trip we fell in love with Munising, an adorably clean town where the Pictured Rocks Boat Tour will take you out on a 3 hour tour. (Theme from Gilligan’s Island running through my head.) Houghton, Michigan — famed home of Michigan Tech and the winter ice sculptures — is another beautiful town with leaves so gold, red and yellow that we almost stopped right there.

The two lane road that led us into the Keweenaw Peninsula with all its twists and turns was a delight. The fall colors mixed with the vistas of Lake Superior were breathtaking! We found our way to the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, which was more beautiful than the website could picture it. A driveway lined with little log cabins and the lodge which is run by the county, is immaculate. After a quick check-in we found our cabin and were in awe with the log interior, large glass/screen windows and great amenities. (No two-holer needed!)

I must also note that we lucked into some amazingly warm weather, it was 74 degrees and sunny, unheard of in October. During our 2 night trip, we witnessed beautiful waterfalls, truly amazing fall leaves, a great breakfast at the Pines, drinks at Mariner’s North and lunch at Slims in Mohawk. Keewenaw Mountain Lodge is where we had Happy Hour and a delicious dinner and breakfast each day. We even ventured to little Gay, MI for a quick drink at the Gay Bar. (Couldn’t resist having my picture taken.)

All in all, our trip to ‘Da UP was such a success we have vowed to come back next year. They might make a Yooper out of me yet!