With leaves ablaze in fiery reds and golden yellows, crisp air that invigorates the soul, and the unmistakable scent of autumn wafting through the historic downtown streets of the Keweenaw Peninsula, it's the perfect time for a culinary adventure. As you explore this picturesque corner of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, we've compiled a delectable guide to satisfy your taste buds, warm your body, and fuel your adventures. From cozy bakeries to scenic dining spots, coffee havens to outdoor beverage hideaways, and exciting fall events, let's fall into flavor!

Bakery Bliss

With the cool starry nights and warm golden days of the Keweenaw fall, waking up on a misty morning is made for our local bakeries. Indulge in freshly baked pastries, bread, pasties, and the locally beloved Finnish nisu. A warm smile and a bit of something flaky and delicious await you whether you’re gearing up for fall color adventures or simply treating yourself (you deserve it)!

Add to the Bucketlist: 

Nisu Bakery and Cafe: Hancock, MI

  • This much lauded new location on Hancock’s main street is a go-to for nisu, chocolate croissants, cardamom coffee and many more daily delights! 

Roy's Pasties & Bakery: Houghton, MI

  • With a perfect patio view of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, head to Roy’s for your breakfast pasties and cronuts.

Family of three sitting on Roy's patio eating donuts.

Roy's Patio offers fantastic views of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and is right next to the Houghton Waterfront Trail.

Ramona's Bakery: Calumet, MI

  • Inside a perfectly vintage former gas station on 5th and Elm, Ramona’s is a tasty spot for donuts, pies, and all manner of tasty treats. 

Jamsen's Bakery: Copper Harbor, MI

  • Thimbleberry Donut. Must we say more? Fall color road trips north on US-41 should end right at the dockside bakery in Copper Harbor!

coffee and thimbleberry donut at Jamsens bakery on Copper Harbor's waterfront

Enjoy a thimbleberry donut and hot coffee along Copper Harbor's waterfront when you visit Jamsen's Bakery. 

Dining with a View

The Keweenaw is home to a wide variety of truly delicious and inventive restaurants, but one cannot deny the added dash of exceptional fall ambiance enhances any scrumptious meal. Whether offering a panoramic view of the unfolding fall colors, or dining seated in view of Lake Superior’s varied autumn moods, immersing your self (and taste buds!) into the nostalgic ambiance of a Keweenaw fall deepens your dining experience. 

Add to the Bucketlist: 

The Den Restaurant: Houghton, MI

  • A cozy outdoor patio dining area with a killer view of the Portage Canal is an excellent spot to enjoy a drink or a wood-fired dinner on fall days still tinged with summer's glow. 

Drone shot of The Den's new patio overlooking the Houghton waterfront in downtown Houghton.

The Den opened a new outdoor patio during 2023.

The Library Restaurant: Houghton, MI

  • Brewing craft beers here for over 20 years, this classic downtown Houghton restaurant has panoramic views of the fall colors across the Portage!

Harbor Haus: Copper Harbor, MI

  • For a touch of elegance, and a full dose of golden and crimson fall colors along the way, head to the Harbor Haus! German-inspired dishes in full view of Lake Superior’s glory. 

  • Don’t Miss Out: Last day of Harbor Haus’s season is typically mid-October! Be sure to check their social media for updates. 

View from window of Harbor Haus of Lake Superior

The Harbor Haus offers incredible waterfront views while you dine.

4 Suns Fish and Chips: Hancock, MI

  • Taste the bounty of Lake Superior in full view of the Quincy Mine surrounded by fall color. Famous for their fried whitefish, don’t miss out on the Whitefish Chowder or many of their other fresh fish dishes!

  • Don’t Miss Out: Last day of 4 Sun’s season is typically mid-October. Be sure to check their social media for updates. 

Coffee Chronicles

The Keweenaw is well known for its java appreciation. Stop into any cozy cafe on Main Streets or along your leaf peeping adventures and find a spiced seasonal beverage to give you that little extra bounce in your step. Expert level coffee drinkers won’t forget their thermos to fill for a little warm-up on the trails!

Add to the Bucketlist: 

Camp Coffee: Houghton, MI

  • Stop in this cute cafe for a creative cuppa on your Downtown Houghton shopping strolls!

Coffees and pastry at Camp Coffee

Camp Coffee is located in the heart of downtown Houghton and offers cute aesthetics to go with your cappuccino. 

Keweenaw Coffee Works: Calumet, MI

  • Flavor-forward and always innovating, the widely regarded coffee house on Main Street Calumet is a must-stop for your fall caffeine craving. Keweenaw Coffee Works also is a roasterie, so be sure to grab a bag to take home!

View of a latte with swirls

Keweenaw Coffee Works roasts their own coffee in Calumet, MI.

K.C. Bonkers: Hancock, MI

  • Part toy shop, part coffee house, absolutely all magic! Finely crafted brew awaits at KC Bonkers - plus, Keweenaw playing cards and other imaginative ways to enjoy your travels can be found here!

Outdoor Beverage Spot for Warm Fall Days

On those days when the sun shines golden and warms your face in that particular way only autumn can, you’ll find us seeking a perfect patio spot. Hang your flannel on the back of your seat, and sit back and soak in the crisp fall air as it dances through the autumn trees.

Add to the Bucketlist: 

Keweenaw Brewing Company: Houghton, MI

  • Enjoy the expansive views of the Portage Canal from the KBC’s double-decker patio deck!

Gino’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge: Hancock, MI

  • Gino’s famous Patio Pails still rock the fall scene! Enjoy a sip with friends in this intimate, private patio space.

Girls sitting at Gino's patio having a drink.

Grab a Patio Pail and kick back on Gino's outdoor patio. 

Shute’s 1890 Saloon: Calumet, MI

  • Did you know that this historic bar also has a perfect patio for outdoor drinks? Order from the ornate Brunswick bar, and then head outside for some clean Keweenaw air!

The Fitzgerald: Eagle River, MI

  • Exquisitely crafted cocktails and Michigan craft beers on an outdoor deck situated right exactly on the lapping shores of Lake Superior. Any closer and you’ll be in it! 

Fitzgerald’s Eagle River Inn and Restaurant

Watch the sun go down as you sip on a glass of wine at the Fitzgerald's Restaurant. 

Events to Sip and Savor

Embrace the spirit of a Keweenaw fall by joining in the plethora of autumnal events happening around the local communities. These events are announced annually, so check our Events Calendar to find exact dates!

Add to the Bucketlist: 

Cider Pressing at Central Mine | Central, MI

  • Join the cider making festivities at the Central Mine Historic District and savor the flavor of freshly pressed Keweenaw apples among the historic remains of the mining community. (Late September/Early October)

Fall Fest  | Houghton, MI 

  • At Fall Fest indulge in fall flavors while soaking up the autumn colors, small town vibes, and fun family events on the Houghton Waterfront Pier. (Early October)

Plaidurday | Houghton, MI

  • How many folks can wear plaid at once? Let's find out! Plaid flannel (red and black or any variety of color!) is the officially unofficial uniform of Upper Peninsula adventuring, and this event celebrates its spirit. The first Plaidurday was invented by Bugsy Sailor of Marquette, Michigan. All are invited to congregate wearing their plaid at the Houghton High School for official counting! (Early October)

Oktoberfest at the Harbor Haus | Copper Harbor, MI

  • Enjoy German & Austrian dishes, polka, and dancing at The Vue events center located at the Harbor Haus! (Late September)

As you explore Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula during the enchanting fall season, let your taste buds be your guide. From delightful bakeries to scenic dining, coffee hotspots, outdoor beverage hideaways, and exciting fall events, this culinary adventure promises to be a feast for all your senses. So, grab your appetite and embark on a playful journey through this northern wonderland. Your taste buds will thank you!