The small village of Copper Harbor is nestled near the tip on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, at the end of Route 41 on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. You heard me right, a peninsula on a peninsula. Hey, I didn't name the place. But I really enjoyed riding it.
After a long week at Sturgis, I needed to unwind in a mellower atmosphere. So off I went to U.S. 41, also known as the Copper Country Trail National Byway. It starts from Houghton and ends in Copper Harbor, the site of the first copper boom in the United States. The Copper Country Trail runs through the center of the peninsula, and it has a canopy of trees growing over the roadway that creates a winding tunnel of solitude.
Copper Harbor is the jumping-off point to Isle Royal National park, where a ferry shuttles visitors to the foot-traffic only destination. But if you insist on staying on two wheels, a sunrise ride up Brockway Mountain Drive is the only way to go. You'll find it southwest of the only stoplight in town, but keep your eyes peeled: the condition of the road is pretty bad, and potholes rule here. The vista at the peak is amazing and it's worth the early morning rise. You'll see Lake Superior and the village, not to mention a full 360-degree view. You can drive back the way you came, or continue on until the road meets up with Michigan Highway 26. Head back to Copper Harbor on M-26 along Lake Superior to finish the loop and catch up on your shuteye.
Road Notes
Distance: Brockway Mountain Drive is 9 miles one way. The Covered Drive section of US-41 is 18 miles one way.
Sights: Ride the Royale Queen from Copper Harbor to Isle Royal National Park.
Provisions: There's only one gas station in town. Fill up in Calumet instead, about 30 miles from Copper Harbor.
Eat: Score locally-made ice cream with Thimbleberry sauce at the Berry Patch.
Timing: Peak color on the Keweenaw is typically the end of September into the first week of October.