Copper Harbor

Copper Harbor is the northernmost city in Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. It is an all-season resort town in northeastern Keweenaw County with a permanent population of 110.

Climate
Summers are warm but rarely hot due to the moderating influence of Lake Superior, while winters are cold and snowy, albeit milder than areas on similar parallels to the west, due to the low-scale maritime moderation. Although winter temperatures are similar to those in Minneapolis, a couple of degrees latitude south-west, the main difference is that April is also a winter month in Copper Harbor, since the marine effects delay spring. The temperature lag effect is so great that March holds the town's record low, and April's record low temperatures are not much warmer than those of December.

By car
Copper Harbor is just short of the northeastern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula and the end of US-41 (from Miami). Take either US-41 or M-26 north from Houghton-Hancock; the two routes share roadway part of the way, with the state road taking a couple of detours. When they split at the crossroads of Phoenix (about 8 miles north of Ahmeek), you have your choice of routes: M-26 meanders along the Superior shoreline, US-41 "tunnels" through a lovely canopy of trees, and Brockway Mountain Drive (accessible at Eagle Harbor from M-26) follows a ridgeline and offers some great views (but is not plowed in winter and has some very steep grades).

By boat
The city is on a harbor of course, but the only commercial service is to and from Isle Royale National Park.

Get around
The city is clustered around the harbor, with most places within easy walking distance. Bicycles or cars will get you further afield.

See

 * US-41 Terminus - Ever wonder what a highway looks like when it just ends? Continue on US-41 north through the town, just past the state park, to the cul-du-sac that marks the northern end-point of a highway that begins in far-off Miami.  It's underwhelming... which is part of why it's worth spending the few extra minutes it takes to get there.
 * US-41 Terminus - Ever wonder what a highway looks like when it just ends? Continue on US-41 north through the town, just past the state park, to the cul-du-sac that marks the northern end-point of a highway that begins in far-off Miami.  It's underwhelming... which is part of why it's worth spending the few extra minutes it takes to get there.

Do
There's a series of trails in the hills outside of town, suitable for hiking and some for all-terrain biking.


 * Hunter's Point is a non-hilly point, running out from the west into Lake Superior. It is a Grant Township park, hosting a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is also a well-known stop for migratory birds.

Buy
There are many local artisan shops and antique stores on the main drag in Copper Harbor, as well as a general store and several fun souvenir shops.

Go next
Copper Harbor is one of the main gateways to Isle Royale National Park over the horizon in Lake Superior. The Keweenaw Peninsula is host to a plethora of hiking, biking, fishing, or skiing opportunities.