Overnight in Copper Harbor
YAY!! I’m back with a blog post! Phew… it’s been a minute. Since winter? I’m trying to get back into the swing of things, but I don’t know! I think after… almost 14 years of blogging, a break was inevitable. And honestly content creation is shifting a bit! I love working on TikTok videos more than blog posts these days… and Instagram stories. Plus, I’ve been working with Localhood to create some Upper Peninsula content that has nothing to do with Selective Potential. Just getting out there to travel, and create content so others can enjoy. Win, win! But! I took a solo trip up to Copper Harbor recently to work on content for them but to also knock two lighthouses off my Michigan lighthouses list. Read on for what I did on my way up to the Keweenaw and in Copper Harbor!
SUOMI DINER
A trip up to the Keweenaw isn’t complete to me without a stop to Suomi Diner, which is located in downtown Houghton before you cross the lift-bridge up to the Keweenaw Peninsula! I’ve been several times, and always have to go for their Finnish-style breakfast. I absolutely love the Pannukakku, which is an oven-baked, custard like pancake served with warm raspberry sauce. So delicious! It’s a UP-delight, that’s for sure.
HAVEN FALLS
If you're looking for a picturesque spot for a picnic or to stop and explore, Haven Falls in Bete Grise is the perfect spot. I was pleasantly surprised to stumble on this waterfall on Google Maps! I didn’t even know it existed before. This waterfall is very accessible. The falls are located at the back of a roadside park and can even be seen from the car. There’s a small creek, and a footbridge you can cross to walk right up to the falls. Plus there are pavilions, tables, grills, and restrooms. I loved this little waterfall! Just beware of the bugs this time of year. Mosquitos were gnarly!
MENDOTA LIGHTHOUSE
Mendota Lighthouse, also known as the Bete Grise Light, is a charming lighthouse located in Bete Grise situated at the Mendota channel which used to facilitate travel between Lake Superior and Lac La Belle. Now you can only see the lighthouse from across the channel, as it’s situated on private property, but to view the light, you can drive past the Bete Grise Bay Beach and Roadside Park… until the road ends, and you can park, and take a short walk to view the lighthouse from across the channel. Just beware of no trespassing signs/private properties!
BETE GRISE/LAC LA BELLE
This area is quite small, but worth exploring if you’re in the Keweenaw Peninsula! Between Mount Bohemia, the Bete Grise Bay/Beach, Mendota Lighthouse and Haven Falls… I’d say it’s worth stopping off for an afternoon. And if you’re looking for lunch — there’s a place at the Lac La Belle Lodge called the Bear Belly Pit Stop that serves up hot food items, and lots of convenience store snacks and beverages. They have picnic tables available outside for guests to enjoy. I stopped to grab a drink and to walk around the grounds a bit. They were very welcoming + with not a lot of food options in the area, this is your best bet for a snack/casual meal!
KING COPPER MOTEL
After exploring Bete Grise/Lac La Belle, I headed up into Copper Harbor to finish out my overnight! I booked a room at the King Copper Motel, which is a very quaint motel right on Lake Superior. If you're looking for a cozy and comfortable place to stay in Copper Harbor, you should check it out. Located just a few miles from the lighthouses, Fort Wilkins Park, and right next to restaurants and the shores of Lake Superior, the motel offers a convenient location for exploring the area's natural beauty.
The Beginning of Highway US-41!
COPPER HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE OVERLOOK
One of the must-see destinations is the Copper Harbor Lighthouse Overlook. The overlook offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the Copper Harbor Lighthouse. As you park your car and walk to the overlook, you'll be greeted by a panoramic view of the Harbor and surrounding landscapes. The lush green trees, rocky outcroppings and clear blue water will all be visible. But the highlight of the overlook is the famed Copper Harbor Lighthouse. They don’t have boat tours currently to the lighthouse, but I caught wind they were working to get them back soon!
COPPER HARBOR RANGE LIGHTHOUSES
One of the main reasons I headed back up to Copper Harbor, is because I needed to check off the Copper Harbor Range Lighthouses from my list. I loved these… only because they stumped me. And I love lighthouses that either challenge or stump me. So I drove past… and was like, “Hm, that’s not how it looks in old photos. Just looks like an abandoned church or old house.” And I didn’t realize until I got out of the car, explored the grounds a bit, and found the new rear and front range lighthouses. And then compared the photos to old historic ones… and was like YES! This is it! I was so excited. The front/rear range lights check off… 92/92 out of 135 lighthouses!
Sunset from the King Copper Motel
Sunrise from the King Copper Motel
FORT WILKINS STATE PARK
Fort Wilkins State Park is a unique destination that offers visitors a blend of history, nature, and adventure. Established in 1844, the park is home to a well-preserved military outpost that operated during the mid-19th century. Today, the park attracts tourists and locals alike, who come to explore its historical sites, hike its scenic trails, and enjoy its natural beauty. The park's main attraction is the restored military buildings that once housed soldiers and their families. The fort was established to protect the local copper mines from potential Native American attacks and was in operation from 1844 to 1869. The fort's well-preserved buildings and exhibits tell the story of army life in the mid-19th century, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. It was very fun to walk through and read all about the history of the park and area!
BROCKWAY MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Among all the attractions in Copper Harbor, Brockway Mountain Drive should definitely be on your list. The 9-mile scenic drive is a true gem of the UP, offering some of the most breathtaking views you'll ever see. On the day I went, it was a bit hazy from the recent forest fires in Canada, but beautiful nevertheless. I really cannot wait to come back and visit in fall sometime. At the start of the drive, you may wonder what all the fuss is about. But as you begin to climb up the mountain, the views start to reveal themselves and there are several places to stop and snap photos. One of the most popular stops along the way is the Brockway Mountain Drive Scenic Overlook. The overlook gives you a 360-degree view of the surrounding area — Lake Superior and the surrounding forests and hills. You can see as far as Isle Royale on a clear day!
