Copper Country Trail
Michigan
On a rugged and rocky peninsula cradled by the frigid waters of Lake Superior lie the pieces of a story told, not in words, but in the landscape itself, in artifacts and buildings left from a mining past, in the remnants of a great transportation system, and the lives of the people here. The Copper Country Trail tells the story of a society that rose up out of the rock and forest as people of different cultures came together for a shared purpose. Make a trip to Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula and experience the story for yourself.
'Go West, young man, go forth into the country!' Horace Greeley may have had the Keweenaw Peninsula in mind when he made this famous statement. He had visited the peninsula in 1831, and those that followed his call and came to the Copper Country found boomtowns, the largest pure copper deposits in the world, and a new start in America. Thousands of Irish, German, English, Scandinavian, and Italian immigrants came to work in the rapidly growing mining operations, making the Lake Superior Region a center for cultural diversity as well as industry. By the end of the 1840s the 'Copper Boom' had begun.
Get a sense of what it was like to be amongst the energy of the industrial complexes as you explore mineshaft buildings or historic lighthouses that served bustling ports transporting people and copper. The Keweenaw National Historical Park and its cooperating sites put the 'story' back in history with sites, structures, and artifacts ranging from the Upper Peninsula Fire Fighter's Memorial Museum in the Calumet Unit of Keweenaw National Historical Park to the Laurium Manor Inn, a Victorian bed and breakfast. Descend deep into the earth on a tour of the Delaware Copper Mine and see pure veins of copper still exposed in the walls of the mine, or learn what army life was really like through the living history programs at Fort Wilkins State Park.
History buffs aren't the only ones that will enjoy a trip to the Keweenaw. Michigan's Upper Peninsula has long been a destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and an escape from the increasing pressures of urban life. Driving along the Copper Country Trail and its side trip routes, you'll catch glimpses of both picturesque wilderness and geological wonders. Feast your eyes on a ridge of ancient lava flows and the 1.6 billion-year-old bedrock arching out into the largest body of fresh water in the world. Or take time to enjoy the one of the nation's best mineral collections on display at the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum.
Come away with a diversified experience rich in natural wonders and history when you travel the Copper Country Trail. Whether you have a week or only a weekend, you can find plenty to learn and do! Come to the Keweenaw; there's a story waiting for you here.
Travelers to the CCT will find that they leave crowds and heavy traffic behind when they come for a visit. Summer and fall seasons are most popular.
This is a motorcycle ride in the state of Michigan. This motorcycle route has 8 scenery characteristics and other road conditions to help you plan your road trip. This motorcycle map was created by OpenRoadRider in March. Click here to see other Motorcycle Roads by OpenRoadRider
BigTodd says:
The person that submitted this focused on the historical nature of this area, which is no doubt important to Michigan's history, but the fact of the matter is that 41 is about as close to perfect as you can get for motorcycling. Don't miss 26 (Lakeshore Drive) and the other side roads along the way.
I was tempted to move up there after our trip there last summer.
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:10 AM
ronin47 says:
i grew up in the u.p. of michigan & since i lived in hancock most of my life i did some copper country cruising every chance i got. i now live in sun city az. but think of michigan often. the scenery is breath taking especially in the fall, before the snow hits! my favorite stop is brockway mountain, either sunrise or sunset, most spectacular!!! you've got to stop at the Gay bar, not named for sexual preference but because that's the name of the town! the people are very friendly, no prejudices here. you won't see signs about bikers not being welcome, if you have money, you're welcome! seriously, this is one of the best motorcycle tours in the country! when you get to hancock, go out on quincy st towards the hancock canal & when you get to a sharp 90 degree turn, that's where i grew up! enjoy.....
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:09 AM
speedpony says:
It's been years since I've been to Copper Country; the last time was with my family and pulling a camping trailer. The kids are grown, the trailer is long gone, and I recently traded my Deuce for an Ultra. We've been doing some serious riding this summer and are looking forward to touring the copper peninsula as part of our overall loop of the U.P. along with venturing into Minnesota and Wisconsin. Awesomely beautiful part of the country!
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:09 AM