Motorcycling Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Come Experience "The Great U.P."

Cruisin’ Keewenaw County

Keweenaw County is the northern most county in Michigan.  It’s also home to some of the best motorcycling to be had on the peninsula. 

The town of Copper Harbor has always been one of our favorite towns.  It’s a small town that caters to the snowmobilers in the winter and has been a motorcycling destination for many bikers for years.  Still, it wasn’t till recently that the idea of promoting it as a motorcycling destination has taken hold.  

There are probably five or six really amazing scenic overlooks on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Brockway Mountain Drive is one of them.   Any biker making the ride to Copper Harbor needs to ride up to the top of Brockway Mountain for a view of the area.

When you make your ride to Copper Harbor do yourself a favor a stay for the night.  There is plenty to see.  Just up the road is Fort Wilkins Historical State Park and the Copper Harbor Lighthouse.  I also suggest taking a loop ride down to Lac La Belle and then over to the Town of Gay.  Every biker I know stops at the Gay Bar for a cold one and takes a photo of themselves on their bike in front of the Gay Bar sign.

When you leave Copper Harbor be sure your route is Highway US-41.  Hardly anyone who writes about their motorcycle ride up to Copper Harbor mentions this highway.  Every time I ride this little piece of highway headed out of Copper Harbor, I feel like turning around and doing it again. 

Roads

Highway M-26, in this biker’s opinion is probably the number one overall motorcycling road on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  From Eagle River to Copper Harbor, M-26 rolls, twists and turns its way along the Lake Superior shoreline. 

Highway US-41 whether you’re entering or leaving Copper Harbor is one hell of a ride.  You only wish the ride lasted longer as it cuts, and turns through the trees.

Area Sights

Brockway Mountain sits high above Lake Superior overlooking the Town of Copper Harbor.  The ride up isn’t the best due to the poor condition of the road, but it doesn’t stop anyone.  Just be careful because the road is almost single lane in the turns.

Lake Superior Lighthouses follow the Lake Superior shoreline.  There are at least 4 or 5 I’ve been to on the Keweenaw Peninsula.  I think a couple are still Bed & Breakfast’s, but the others are open for viewing.

Historical Copper Mines can be found in many locations in the U.P.  Mines like the Delaware Mine offer inexpensive underground mine tours.

Area Motorcycle Events

The Copper Harbor Thunder In The Harbor, which is actually part of larger event called the Keweenaw Ride-In.  

Biker Discounts Available

Copper Harbor

• Dapple-Gray Bed & Breakfast   (Summer Discount 10%)
• Delaware Copper Mine ($3 Off Tickets)
• Isle Royale Queen IV (25% off Sunset Cruise)
• Mariner North Resort  (10% Off Food & 15% Off Nagamoon Gift Shop)
• Minnetonka Resort (10% Off Lodging & Gift Shop)
• Spirit Of The North Wellness Center (10% Off Massage Therapy)
• The Pines Resort (Free non-alcoholic drink with purchase of meal)

Lac La Belle

• Bear Belly Bar & Grill (10% discount on food)

Eagle Harbor

• Eagle Harbor Inn (10% off apparel or buy a sweatshirt, get 6 free wings)