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Copper Harbor, MI

Living on the Keweenaw Peninnsula Part 1

05-20-10
Walt Fish
Walt Fish: Inspector in Marquette, MI

In truth, the Keweenaw Peninsula is really an Island. It is surrounded by lake Superior on three sides and requires crossing the Portage Canal on the other side.

This area has so much to offer, I won't be able to do it justice in one article, so will write a short series, this being the first.

Primarily a tourist hot spot, the Keweenaw has some breathtaking mountains, world class biking trails, awesome ATV and Snow Mobile trails, and some of the best Cross County ski trails you'll ever find.

Today, I am going to focus on one small community on the northern tip called Copper Harbor. You can googleinformation on how this community was founded. Though many of the residents are seasonal, it is open in the winter and is a final destination for many Snow Mobilers.

copper harbor

The Harbor is sheltered, as you can see in the above picture.

Light House

Tours are given throughout the summer at the old lighthouse. There are a number of world class mountain bike trails including the Staircase to Heaven, which starts in Copper Harbor and runs up Brockway Mountain to the Keweenaw Mountain Lodgefive miles away. It should also be noted that drive along Brockway Mountain is the highest between it and the Rockies.

from the top

On a clear day, you can see Isle Royale 48 miles away.

Copper Harbor

There are several nearby lakes including Fanny Hoe and Manganese. Fanny Hoe has a park with RV hookups. Yes, you can fish in these lakes as well as in the harbor.

Fort Wilkens state park is another interesting destination. It is occupied by actors who show us what life was like in the past.

More secluded, but worth the dirt road drive, is Estivant Pines. This is about 80 acres of land that has been preserved due to some 50 or so old growth White Pines that are over 200 years old.

Me and a White Pine

If you are considering moving to Copper Harbor, my view is that it's a great place in the summer, but quite isolated in the winter. It does have a one room schoolhouse, but the kids are bussed to Calumet most of the school year. It is a wonderful place to vacation and would be well located for a summer home.

Regarding Real Estate, yes, there are a few good deals in Copper Harbor right now as there are thoughout the peninsula.