SCENIC DRIVES

No matter the mode of transportation, the Keweenaw Peninsula is filled with breathtaking scenery all year round. But there’s something freeing about hitting the road and experiencing the Copper Country by automobile. Vast bluebird skies and exhilarating views combine with gently winding roads along Lake Superior’s rugged shorelines.  Enjoy panoramic views of the Keweenaw atop Brockway Mountain Drive or flow through tree bough “tunnels” corridors during summer and fall for a secluded drive.   

WHAT ARE THE MOST SCENIC DRIVES IN THE UPPER PENINSULA?

Brockway Mountain Drive

Brockway Mountain Drive is consistently ranked as one of the top scenic drives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  This 9-mile stretch off M-26 between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor is the highest above sea-level drive between the Rockies and Alleghenies.  It offers visitors incredible views of Lake Superior, inland lakes, and is a prime site for Northern Lights viewing in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Copper Country Trail National Byway

The Copper Country Trail National Byway, first designated as a Michigan State Heritage Route in 1994, joined the America’s Byways collection in 2005. Defined by its historic significance, the Copper Country Trail National Byway highlights the triumphs and tragedies associated with copper mining. The 47-mile stretch of US-41 from Houghton to Copper Harbor weaves travelers through the Keweenaw's rugged beauty and connects them with historic sites which portray the region's copper booms and busts. Points of interest along the way include the Keweenaw Waterway, Quincy Mine, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, and more. 

MORE SCENIC DRIVE RECOMMENDATIONS

COVERED ROAD

The first road designated as a Scenic Heritage Route in Michigan was the 18-mile segment of US-41 from Delaware to Copper Harbor. In 2005, it became known as the Copper Country Trail National Byway which highlights the triumphs and tragedies associated with copper mining. The trees on this section of US-41, some as close as three feet from the pavement, form a complete canopy over most of the entire length of the Heritage Route.  A “must-see” on everyone’s fall color tour. This is the "Covered Road" not to be confused with "Covered Drive", listed below in Stanton Township.

SAND DUNE DRIVE

The portion of Highway M-26 between Eagle River and Eagle Harbor is often referred to as the “Sand Dune Drive” because of the sand dunes in the Great Sand Bay and Cat Harbor area.  You won’t want to miss this scenic lakeshore drive that showcases the beauty of the Lake Superior shoreline color tour.

M-26

M-26 runs along the shores of Lake Superior on the north shore of the Keweenaw between Eagle River and Copper Harbor and encompasses parks, beaches, waterfalls, lighthouses, and miles of unsurpassed beauty.

COVERED DRIVE, STANTON TOWNSHIP

Located west of Houghton, off the Houghton Canal Road, the “Covered Drive” is a scenic dirt road with a tunnel of trees that make it look like it was a scene taken straight out of a movie.  Especially beautiful in the fall, this off-the-beaten-path drive will lead you to the ghost town of Redridge, the historic Redridge Dam and Lake Superior.

SOUTH SHORE

This county road (also known at the Gay-Lac la Belle Road) runs between the communities of Gay and Lac La Belle along the south shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula and offers sandy beaches, many roadside parks, and views of the Huron Mountains across Keweenaw Bay. You’ll be able to see the tip of the Keweenaw sticking out into Lake Superior and amazing views of the Keweenaw's mountainous terrain, which is even more spectacular during the fall.