Copper Harbor, Michigan: 15 Best Things to Do at the Top of the U.P.

Tucked away at the northernmost point of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Copper Harbor is where the road ends—and adventure begins. Surrounded by Lake Superior and dense forest, this remote village offers a rare mix of rugged beauty, outdoor recreation, and historic charm. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, kayaking along the shoreline, or catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, Copper Harbor is a destination worth the drive.

Why Visit Copper Harbor, Michigan? A Scenic Gem at the Top of the U.P.

Copper Harbor, Michigan, sits at the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula and offers some of the most stunning scenery in the Upper Peninsula. Known for its unspoiled wilderness, miles of shoreline, and rich local history, it’s a destination that blends outdoor adventure with small-town charm.

Whether you’re hiking forested trails, biking rugged paths, kayaking on Lake Superior, or fishing for trout and salmon, Copper Harbor is the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway or an active escape. With waterfalls, birdwatching, and one of Michigan’s best trail systems, this remote town truly has something for every nature lover.

Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, fun trip idea or simply want to explore the top of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Copper Harbor is the place to go.

Map of Things to Do and Places to Stay in Copper Harbor MI

Once a center of Michigan’s copper boom, Copper Harbor is now a peaceful village with under 100 residents. Perched on Lake Superior and known as the gateway to Isle Royale, it’s a favorite for stargazing, outdoor adventure, and getting off the grid.

1. Take in the Fall Colors in Copper Harbor

It’s especially true in the fall, when Michigan’s amazing fall color lights up the trees in amazing reds, oranges and yellows. With scenic spots of stunning natural beauty like Brockway Mountain Drive and the sparkling Lake Fanny Hooe, Michigan’s Copper Country is a great place to take in fall colors.

Copper Harbor MI isn’t just at the top of Michigan, it’s at the top of most Michigan travel bucket lists.

2. Explore the Delaware Copper Mine

Ever toured a once-operational copper mine? Here’s your chance. The Delaware Copper Mine is located just outside of Copper Harbor and offers self-guided tours of the underground mine.

The mine and area that surrounds it have been turned into a museum, and there is a lot to see here. The mine is set up to try and show how the area would have looked in the mine’s heyday in the 1800’s. Follow the trails to explore the ruins of the two original mine buildings, equipment displays, antique engines, and trains. This is a great experience for anyone who wants to experience some history and learn about how copper mines functioned.

Address: 7804 Delaware Rd, Mohawk, MI 49950

3. Slip into a Sea Kayak at the Keweenaw Adventure Company

Looking to explore Lake Superior? This is your chance to do it. The Keweenaw Adventure Company, offers both single and tandem kayaks, perfect for exploring the wild and wonderful coastline of the third-largest lake in the world.

There’s more here, too. You’ll find all kinds of rental services, from kayaks and canoes to mountain bikes. They also offer guided tours on both mountain bikes and kayaks. They even offer kayak tours of Isle Royale.

4. Visit Isle Royale

Copper Harbor is one of three ports that offers ferry service to Isle Royale. Isle Royale is one of the least-visited national parks in the entire United States. At 45 miles long and nine miles wide, Isle Royale is the largest island in Lake Superior and has been a National Park since 1940.

Wheeled vehicles (other than wheelchairs) are prohibited on the island, and that means you’ll do plenty of hiking to see the six inland lakes on the island. Moose, wolf, fox and other animals can be found on the island, as well as unique flora like the wood lily and prickly wild rase.

The isle offers camping and hiking, along with great views and nature that is almost untouched by civilization.

5. Step Back in Time at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

Built in 1844, Fort Wilkins is testament to the wild times of the Copper Mining era. The discovery of copper in the Keweenaw Peninsula caused a “Copper Rush,” and Fort Wilkins was built as an army outpost to maintain law and order in the area.

It’s a fascinating place and the fort offers an interesting look at what daily life was like in the mid 1840’s. In the summer, you’ll find as many as 40 youth dressed in period clothing, reenacting the lives of real people who had lived at the fort. There are also plenty of buildings including two lighthouses on the grounds for you to explore. There are museum exhibits as well to really help visitors understand the history of the fort.

6. Hike Eagle River Falls and Dam

Just southwest of Copper Harbor, along the Lake Superior coastline, is where you’ll find Eagle River Falls. Set just off the road, this picturesque set of falls features a 65-foot drop that flows into the Eagle River. You’ll want to get your camera out, and head to the wooden bridge over the water for the best pics!

7. Buy Homemade Preserves at the Jampot

One of Michigan’s best-kept secrets is this tiny bakery and jam shop run by the Monks of the Society of St. John. Located in Eagle Harbor, this amazingly simple and sweet spot has been operating almost 40 years.

That’s a lot of muffins, cookies, chocolates and sweet preserves, made from locally grown fruits like thimbleberry, chokecherry and golden raspberry. This is a must on any trip to the Keweenaw Peninsula. Bring an appetite and room in your cooler: you’ll want to take some treats home with you.

8. Take a Sunset Cruise

Hop on board the Isle Royale Queen IV an hour before sunset for a sunset cruise. Since 1972 the same company that offers ferry rides to Isle Royale has offered sunset cruises that go out into the Lake Superior shipping lanes offering both a breathtaking view of the sunset and the Keweenaw Peninsula. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Watching a sunset in Michigan is beautiful now just imagine it from Lake Superior where it looks like the water goes forever. Sign me up.

9. Take a Scenic Drive Along Brockway Mountain Drive

Known as one of the prettiest drives in Michigan, this almost-nine-mile stretch of highway just west of Copper Harbor climbs 1300 feet above sea level.

You’ll find amazing panoramic vistas of Lake Superior, Copper Harbor and pristine forests of hardwoods. If the weather is clear, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Isle Royale, some 50 miles away in Lake Superior.

10. Hike the George Hite Dunes and Marshes Preserve

You’ll find a stunning network of hiking and cross-country ski trails in this 340-acre preserve, part of the Keweenaw Land Trust. You’ll want to spend at least a day hiking here, exploring the Lake Superior coastline and coastal dunes, marshes and Owl Creek, which empties into Lake Superior.

11. Visit the Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary

Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary offers two trails through the beautiful nature preserve.

This is the largest set of old growth Eastern White Pines preserved in Michigan, and the views are stunning. With tons of unique flora and fauna to see in the preserve, this is a great way to spend a day outside. You’ll see things that you don’t often get to see, so be sure and bring your camera.

The giant white pines are the stars of the show here, though, with the oldest as tall as 125 feet and around 300 years old. This is a very cool place to check out on your trip to Copper Harbor.

12. Catch a View of the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, scientifically called the Aurora Borealis, are collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun entering the earth’s atmosphere and seeing them in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are sometimes visible in Michigan, and a place like Copper Harbor is an ideal place to view them. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Northern Lights this could be your chance. You can find more information in our Guide to Where and When to Catch the Northern Lights in Michigan.

13. Jacobs Falls
Sand Dunes Dr, Eagle River, MI 49950

Another beautiful waterfall just east of Copper Harbor, you can view Jacobs Falls from the roadside on M26. It’s about a 20-foot drop, and this is the last of a series of falls along Jacobs Creek as it rushes to Lake Superior.

14 and 15. Explore the Lighthouses

The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to a lot of lighthouses, many of which are still functioning. These are cool buildings to see as you travel the Upper Peninsula, and a great destination for a day trip when you stop in a place like Copper Harbor.

Cooper Harbor Lighthouse

The Copper Harbor lighthouse is located on the grounds of Fort Wilkins. The Copper Harbor Lighthouse was built in the year 1848 with the intention of aiding the transportation of copper ore mined in the Upper Peninsula.

Ships would gather the ore and head east through Lake Superior and down into the lower Great Lakes, where the ore would be refined and processed.

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse

At the western entrance to Eagle Harbor, the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse continues to operate, helping to guide ships around the Keweenaw Waterway.

Built in 1871, this is one of several lighthouses constructed in the area to manage the shipment of ores during the Upper Peninsula’s copper mining boom of the mid-late 19th century. Today the lighthouse is now part of the Keweenaw County Historical Society’s Light Station Museum Complex and is open for the public to visit.

Plan Your Trip to Copper Harbor, Michigan

Copper Harbor, Michigan is a truly unique and special place. With its breathtaking scenery, abundant outdoor activities, and rich history, Copper Harbor is the perfect place to visit for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous vacation. I hope this guide has helped you plan your trip to Copper Harbor.

Don’t forget to use our Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Copper Harbor to help you find the best accomodations for your visit.

Be sure to check out the website of the Copper Harbor Tourism Bureau for more information on events and activities happening during your visit,