Visit an original 1850s General Store, an underground copper mine tour, two roadside parks, and beautiful wilderness.
This 27-mile picturesque drive through part of the Keweenaw Peninsula offers the beauty of the Michigan countryside and the luxury of an all-weather, well-maintained and black-topped highway. Starting in the town of Phoenix, this gorgeous stretch of U.S. 41 takes you through a number of recreational, natural, historic, and scenic sites. Along this route you will find an underground copper mine tour, an original 1850s General Store, and two roadside parks that offer a nice perching area for viewing the wonderful surroundings.
About midway through the journey, you’ll experience an eleven-mile stretch of road generally referred to as “the tunnel,” since its heavy overgrowth covers the sky. Copper Harbor is the final stop on this route and offers a variety of sights, sound, and activities. There are two parks in the vicinity of Copper Harbor: Isle Royale National Park and Fort Wilkins State Park, which can be reached by ferry and provide a chance to marvel at the vast wilderness of the Keweenaw Peninsula and surrounding waters. Pay a visit to the Copper Harbor Lighthouse or make this tour last over the weekend with a stay at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, which includes a nine-hole golf course, a motel, and a restaurant.
Starting Point:
Phoenix, MI
Distance of Drive:
27-mile stretch of U.S. Hwy. 41
Must Eat:
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
U.S. Hwy 41, Copper Harbor, MI 49918
Phone: 906-289-4403
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Road is well maintained, so the drive is nice anytime of year.
Points of Interest on Drive:
Copper Harbor Lighthouse
General Store
Ft. Wilkins State Park
Tagged with: Michigan • summer destinations
Filed under: Best Road Trips