Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which sits above Wisconsin and separates Lake Superior from Lake Michigan, is an often-overlooked haven. Its combination of rugged mountains, lush forests, coastal scenery, and rich history make it one of my favorite places to explore. There are hundreds of miles of winding roads – both paved and unpaved – that make the U.P. ideal for motorcycling.
Scan QR code above or click here to view the route on REVER
The Keweenaw, a smaller peninsula extending from the U.P.’s northern shore, is quintessential and fully embodies the character of the region. From its mining heritage to its natural beauty, Keweenaw has much for visitors to explore and enjoy. This is especially true when on two wheels.
The Keweenaw Peninsula is a beloved place for me. It’s where I lived for a few years while finishing my undergraduate degree. It’s also where I took some unforgettable camping trips and where I met and later married my wife. I’m not the only one who holds an affinity for the region; it seems that everyone who experiences the Keweenaw comes away with fond memories.
If you find yourself looking for a weekend getaway, the Keweenaw is a great candidate destination. It’s also a must-visit area during longer explorations of the U.P. For those considering a trip, I recommend reading David Mac Frimodig’s book Keweenaw Character: The Foundation of Michigan’s Copper Country, which offers an interesting history of the region.
Mining is one of the most defining historical influences on the region, literally running right through the landscape. There was a time in the early 20th century when the region, nicknamed “Copper Country,” was the largest copper producer in the world. There are many tours, historical sites, museums, and mines that teach visitors about the technical, cultural, and environmental impacts of this era. The stamp-sand beaches near the town of Gay are collisions of nature and history, where mine tailings remain from the high-volume production.
The sister cities of Houghton and Hancock, which sit on opposite sides of the Keweenaw Waterway in the middle of the peninsula and are connected by the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, are the perfect home base for any U.P. trip. The history and charm of the area are always on display. Hotel options range from basic to fancy, and there are unique bars, restaurants, and shops. Tours of the Quincy Mine, Michigan Tech hockey games at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena, and pizza at the Ambassador Restaurant are just a few of my favorite activities.
From Houghton/Hancock, circling the Keweenaw by hugging the shoreline as closely as possible on paved roads is a 200-mile journey. The entire route is scenic, but the stretches on Gay Lac La Belle Road, M-26 out of Copper Harbor, and M-203 along the Portage Canal are especially enjoyable. Traffic is usually minimal, and road surfaces are predictable.
Starting on the Keweenaw’s western flank in Ontonagon, M-38 takes you east to M-26, a state highway that runs the length of the peninsula. For 37 miles, M-26 winds its way through rolling hills and the Baraga State Forest Area and passes the twin lakes of Roland and Gerald before reaching Houghton. After crossing the Keweenaw Waterway, turning west on M-203 hugs the waterway’s shore as it turns north toward Lake Superior and passes through FJ McLain State Park.
M-203 then turns east to Calumet, a small village that was once the center of Michigan’s copper industry and is another option for overnight stays on the peninsula. For lodging, Rider contributor Chuck Cochran recommends the AmericInn, which has clean, reasonably priced rooms and is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the Keweenaw National Historic Park, which highlights the area’s 7,000-year history of copper mining.
Continuing north on U.S. Route 41 for a few miles to Ahmeek, turning west on Wright Street and right on Bollman Street puts you on 5 Mile Point Road, which runs north for a few miles before hugging the northwest shore of the peninsula and joining M-26 near Eagle River, a former mining community with a lighthouse that operated from 1854 to 1908. The impressive Eagle River Falls are visible from the M-26.
From Eagle River, M-26 follows the shore of Lake Superior, and it’s only a few miles to Jacob’s Falls, another scenic waterfall on the peninsula. Be sure to stop at the Jampot (open seasonally), where monks from Poorrock Abbey sell a variety of all-natural products made from locally sourced ingredients. They were even featured on an episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Uncharted TV show!
Ride a few more miles to George Hite Dunes and Marshes Preserve and then the town of Eagle Harbor. As the Keweenaw Peninsula bends to the east – its overall shape looks like a dolphin’s dorsal fin or a cresting wave – the M-26 runs due east to Copper Harbor, another great destination town near the peninsula’s tip.
See all of Rider’s Michigan motorcycle rides here.
Although home to only 136 residents, Copper Harbor is an all-season tourist and adventure town that caters not only to motorcyclists but also to hikers, mountain bikers, boaters, anglers, snowmobilers, skiers, birdwatchers, and rockhounds. It’s also a launch point for boat trips to Isle Royale National Park. The village has shops, restaurants, a microbrewery, and a general store. The Mariner North is a full-service resort in Copper Harbor with a lodge, motel, cabins, restaurant, and game room.
Near Copper Harbor is Brockway Mountain Drive, a favorite road that gives an accessible window onto the unique landscape of the U.P. Claimed to be the highest above-sea-level drive between the Rockies and the Alleghenies, this nine-mile road along the ridge of Brockway Mountain climbs to 1,320 feet above sea level, which is 720 feet above the surface of Lake Superior. Popular among sightseers and birdwatchers, the road was built in the early 1930s as one of President Roosevelt’s public works projects to provide employment at a time when the local mining industry was in decline and the Great Depression had the economy firmly in its grip. The Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps adopted the project, and the results are still enjoyed today.
See all of Rider’s Midwest U.S. motorcycle rides here.
To complete the shoreline loop, from Copper Harbor take U.S. 41 south to Guy Lac La Belle Road, which goes south to Mount Bohemia, a 1,465-foot peak that’s a popular place to snow ski, and Haven Falls, a small waterfall that’s surrounded by picnic tables, making it the perfect place to stop for lunch. The road hugs the shore of Lac La Belle and passes through the Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve on its way to the southern shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula. At Traverse Bay, Rice Lake Road takes you to Torch Lake and then M-26 at Lake Linden for the last few miles back to Hancock.
Crossing the Portage Lake Lift Bridge again, U.S. 41 follows the southern shore of the Keweenaw Waterway, which includes Portage Lake. It then runs along the edge of Keweenaw Bay to L’Anse.
A tour of the entire Upper Peninsula takes several days or longer. There are many more miles of riding along the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, extensive state and national forest areas, unique destinations such as the Pictured Rocks National Seashore and Tahquamenon Falls State Park, and vibrant cities such as Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie, and Escanaba.
The Keweenaw is a special place to me. Its geographic location lends itself to striking scenery and landscape. Getting there in a few hours is possible from larger Midwest cities like Minneapolis, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Duluth, and Grand Rapids. Its history gives it character, a culture entirely unique that still emanates from its communities. The memories I’ve been fortunate enough to make there are some of my most cherished. It’s no wonder why it’s such a great place to be on a motorcycle. I hope you can experience it from behind your handlebar. Maybe you’ll fall in love with the Keweenaw too.
See all of Rider’s motorcycle rides here.
Michigan Motorcycle Ride Resources
- Michigan Tourism
- Upper Peninsula Tourism
- Keweenaw Tourism
- Keweenaw National Historical Park
- Copper Harbor Tourism
- The Mariner North (Copper Harbor)
- AmericInn (Calumet, Iron River)
A Midwest-based motorcycle enthusiast and freelance author, Joel Komurka combines a passion for classic bikes with storytelling. Specializing in writing about motorcycle culture, travel, and history, he brings a unique perspective to the world of vintage motorcycles through his engaging articles and personal experiences.
I will definitely checkout this area on my Triumph Tiger 900. My favorite motorcycle was my 1986 VFR, like all motorcyclist I wish I still had it!
Hey Glenn I too had an 86 VFR750 that I had purchased new in 86. Loved that bike but sold it 3 years later. The guy who bought it from me still has it to this day. I still bump into him every few years at area bike nights.
Thanks for the article and the great bike pix! In the 90s I rode a 500 interceptor that I picked up cheap after it dropped a valve with Honda’s known issue in that regard. We lived in Indiana at the time and made frequent trips to Michigan, including the UP, but never on the bikes. Would love to do a tour like that one day but chances are more remote now that we’ve been in Colorado for 27 years!
Me and the misses have been wanting to ride up there on our snowmobiles but, haven’t had an opportunity yet. It’s gonna happen though.
Looks like a cycle ride in the area would be just as enjoyable!
Love that 750 Interceptor too! I used to ride a 500 Interceptor right out of high school.
Wonderful info about the area. By the way, It is part of the tour around Lake Superior, about 1400 miles loop. And free maps, itinerary’s and info, and videos can be found at http://www.ridelakesuperior.com. ( called a Epic Motorcycle Journey). Im doing it this summer.