A Weekend in the Copper Country
In our opinion, you truly can’t beat summertime in the Copper Country! There are so many special things about this beautiful place we call home, so we wanted to create an itinerary for someone who is visiting for the first time! But, even if you’ve visited before or are local, you might find some hidden gems you didn’t know about.
This is the perfect blend of activities. A little relaxation next to Lake Superior, some hiking, great food and sight-seeing. I hope you enjoy these suggestions, and head over to this blog post by Hawke Design Shop, “The Ultimate U.P. Road Trip” for more adventure ideas!
Friday
YAY! You’ve made your way to Houghton, MI, we recommend start your day off with grabbing a coffee and delicious açaí bowl from Camp Coffee Co.
Next, head up the road to Urban Rustics and browse the home decor shop filled with a variety of goods from local vendors.
Time to go on a little adventure to Hungarian Falls in Hubbell, MI! Hike from the bottom if you want a bit of a workout, or drive to the top for a shorter walk to the waterfalls.
Make your way back to Houghton for lunch at 5th n Elm or Roy’s Cafe.
Take a stroll in Downtown Houghton and check out all the local shops! Our home and clothing shop is located in downtown, so be sure to stop by and say hi to us at Grace + Gather.
After you’ve done your shopping, take a walk down by the Houghton Canal and check out the famous Houghton Lift Bridge.
Check into your hotel and freshen up for dinner! We suggest staying at the gorgeous and newly opened The Vault Hotel!
Enjoy a relaxing sit-down dinner at one of our favorite spots (depending on what you’re in the mood for): The Den, Ambassador, Gemignani’s, Pilgrim River Steakhouse.
End the night by catching the sunset out at McLain State Park!
Saturday
Wake up early and pack up your things to head north! Drive up to Calumet, MI and make a stop to see the Quincy Mine.
Enjoy a filling breakfast at Cafe Rosetta with a yummy treat (they have GF & vegan options!) to-go, then say hello and grab a coffee from our friends at Keweenaw Coffee Works!
Take a stroll down the Main Street of Calumet to check out the local shops and stop by the Farmers Market.
Continue your journey to the Keweenaw and feel free to stop by any of the historical, scenic, or gift shop spots, there are quite a few on the way up.
You’re going to take the scenic route along Lake Superior, so make sure to go through Eagle River. And while you’re there, check out the Eagle River Falls.
Next stop at Jacob’s Falls or grab some Jam and bakery for later from The Jam Pot! Then you can check out Great Sand Bay!
You’ve got to be hungry by now, get some lunch at the Eagle Harbor Inn.
Enjoy your drive on the windy but scenic route to Esrey Park and then check into your Airbnb! We suggest to stay at the gorgeous True North Cabin if it’s available or the new Fresh Coast Cabins!
Time to check out the known and loved, Brockway Mountain.
Head down to Copper Harbor and play tourist for a little while. Take a nice walk, do some shopping, and eat ice cream!
Make your way back down and eat at our personal favorite, Fitzgerald’s Restaurant for dinner! (Make a reservation for this one)
Watch another sunset on the beach right next to the restaurant.
Sunday
Wake up early for an epic hike! Bare Bluff has the most spectacular views so you won’t want to miss it.
Now you’ve definitely worked up an appetite, so drive on up to Copper Harbor (make sure to enjoy the drive, it’s a good one). Grab some food from the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.
Take time today to do some adventuring around Copper Harbor. Here are a few things worth checking out — Hunter’s Point Park, Estivant Pines, Horseshoe Harbor, Copper Harbor Lighthouse, Fort Wilkins State Park, Devil’s Washtub. If you’re a mountain biker, there are tons of trails in CH, so you could spend the day doing that as well!
Whether you’re staying another night or heading back down, you could eat at the Harbor Haus, or check out The Michigan House in Calumet, MI for dinner!
Of course, we hope you will stay for more than just a weekend, but in case you only have a few days to visit, we hope you enjoyed your stay and this quick weekend itinerary!
Have you visited the Copper Country before? What was your favorite part of your trip?