Michigan’s Copper Harbor was on my photography bucket list for several years. Until now. Spending several days in this area filled with autumn colors and fresh air, a return trip is in now my future. A great location for camping, glamping, hiking, biking and of course photography.
Like many Michigan destinations, it’s a slice of blue heaven up here. My biggest recommendation is don’t be in a hurry. When you see something that interests you, take the time to stop, look and take it all in.
Nestled on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, it’s the northernmost part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (aka “The UP”). Roads, woods and Lake Superior fill the eyes with color and more color. Plus there’s plenty of trails to hike, mountain bike and waterfalls too ooh and ahh over!
Seriously, the road between Houghton and Copper Harbor is like taking a chill pill. The winding, blacktop roads guide you through hardwood forests filled with dappled light. The longer you drive, the lower the heart rate. And, when you get there? There’s so much to see and do combined with just taking it easy.
Michigan’s Copper Harbor: What to See & Photograph
Before traveling here, I never really thought about the reason behind the name. The name of the village, Copper Harbor, harkens back to the use of its harbor as a port for shipping copper back in the 19th century. Today, the beaches glow and gleam a rich coppery-red hue from the rocks and pebbles.
The sapphire, clear blue waters of Lake Superior, lap along the pebble beaches. The air feels fresh to the skin and senses.
Sunrises and Sunsets:
In October, the amount of daylight continues to rapidly decline until the Winter Solstice. The good news for those of us that only sleep well when it’s dark, is there’s a bit more snooze time. But, when light of day begins, grab the camera. Each day brings a bevy of color change.
A favorite spot is Brockway Mountain. A tree-lined, winding drive carries you to a 360 view at the top. Plus, with various lookout points along the way, it’s a great place to take in the complete views of Copper Harbor, Lake Superior and the vast, colorful landscape.
Michigan’s Copper Harbor: Beautiful Beaches and Waters
A wide variety of rocks await the rock hunter! Hunter’s Point Park south of town includes an easy trail that takes you along the waters edge and into the woods. The loop trail distance is short, the enjoyment factor makes it long. Various lookout points are worth sitting down for a while and enjoying the views. At sunrise, the morning light intensifies the rich red rocks.
North of the village, the Mary MacDonald Preserve at Horseshoe Harbor, protected by the Nature Conservancy is another wonderful wooded trek. With a brief walk through the woods, we were quickly rock gazing along Lake Superior’s shoreline. At the southern end of the harbor, climbing the large basalt peninsula offered another blue view of Lake Superior.
As both beaches are quite rocky, the small pebbles are easy to walk on with sturdy shoes.
Photo Tip: If photographing midday, a circular polarizer reduces glare and maintains color saturation.
Waterfalls
I was surprised at the sheer number of waterfalls throughout the peninsula. Many of these are easy to access and view from the roads. The drive between Copper Harbor, Eagle River and Eagle Falls takes you along winding, colorful roads with waterfalls and streams right beside the road.
My favorite waterfall though was Montreal Falls. It’s a significant investment of hiking time and the journey is just as sweet as the waterfalls flowing into Lake Superior. The driving and hiking directions are on Montreal Falls Site.
An additional note: the drive ends at an area that is gated. Park outside the gate. Then, walk down the road on the other side of the gate to access the trail. Our total time hiking and the falls was roughly three to four hours.
Tip: Bring your lens wipes in the event of the wind blowing the waterfall mist.
Trails and More Trails: Hiking, Biking and ORV Trails
As this trip was centered on photography, our time covered trails, beaches and waterfalls. Three days in Copper Harbor whetted the appetite for more adventure. For biking and ORV enthusiasts, check out Copper Harbors’ website Adventure section.
Camping in Michigan’s Copper Harbor?
As we travel with our nuCamp Tab 400 Boondock in tow, we reserved our site this year at Fanny Hooe Campground. With convenient access to the village and main roads, it was an easy decision. Our site had full hookups – water, electrical and sewer. Other connection options were also available. (Lake Fanny Hooe is my blog’s featured image at the top.)
Next year, we plan to camp at Fort Wilkins State Park for a few days. The park is heavily wooded, rustic, with good space between sites and next to hiking trails.
Foodies Take Note
Photography and hiking burn calories. With calorie burn comes the need for food!. In addition to grilling in our camper, we enjoy exploring local restaurants and markets in Copper Harbor and the surrounding areas. Here’s a few of our recommended spots:
- Jamsen’s (Copper Harbor) – This seriously is one of the best pastries I’ve ever eaten. The mixed berry cream cheese pastry was simply mouth-watering good. Dave and I had one each and then went back for seconds. Then again the next day!
- The Mariner North (Copper Harbor) – Our one night to order take-out! We ordered their Mediterranean pizza and it was delicious. Thin crust with cheeses, olives, tomatoes with an olive oil base. Their menu looks absolutely yummy. Bon Appetito!
- The Genny – A great local market with a large variety of groceries, snacks and travel supplies.
- Jampot, Home of Poorrock Abbey (Eagle Falls) – During our waterfall drive, we found the Jampot. What an experience into something unique and special. The line was out the door for this bakery and we now know why. Muffins, pound cakes, caramels are just a few of the sweet confections available. A must see and taste.
A Journey and Destination
Traveling to Copper Harbor reminds me of vacationing as a kid. The pace is slower, a bit more calm. Cell and wifi access? Well, it’s a bit unpredictable and slow. At times, we were completely disconnected. What do you do when that happens? Keep on exploring!
