You Won't Believe This Town Is In Michigan

Often referred to as the “Great Lakes State,” lakeside towns are nothing unusual in Michigan. At first, Copper Harbor, located on the shores of Lake Superior, might seem no different from the rest. However, this small town on the Keweenaw Peninsula, home to just around 135 year-round residents, is filled with natural wonders found in few other places in the contiguous United States. With the Northern Lights, dense boreal forests, and heavy annual lake-effect snowfall, Copper Harbor might even remind you more of Alaska than Michigan! If you are looking to experience one of Michigan’s most phenomenal towns, Copper Harbor will almost certainly surprise you.

The Rare Boreal Forest

Copper Harbor's far northern location places it within the vast North American Boreal Forest. Spanning 1.5 million acres across the continent, this habitat is particularly unique, as it is one of only five remaining major global forests that remain largely untouched. There are several sanctuaries and preserves near Copper Harbor where travelers can see this tremendous forest for themselves.

One of the most popular is the Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary. Covering roughly 570 acres, this sanctuary preserves the state’s last old-growth white pine stands. Many of the pines here date back between 300 and 500 years, towering over 125 feet tall with trunks that reach between three and five feet in diameter. Over 85 bird species inhabit the area, including hawks, woodpeckers, and red crossbills. Numerous wildflower species, such as baneberry, clintonia, asters, and violets, grow along the forest floor. Fern varieties also cover the floor.

Two trails loop through the forest, the first being the Cathedral Grove loop, which winds past some of the sanctuary’s oldest and largest pine trees. The Bertha Daubendiek trail, meanwhile, passes groves of oaks, maples, and large pines. Both trails intersect, totaling approximately 2.5 miles.

The Joseph and Mary Lizzadro Lakeshore Preserve is another natural area worth visiting, just a 10-minute drive from Copper Harbor. Here, you will find more boreal and mixed hardwood forests, along with lowland swamp and a section of Keeweenaw’s bedrock glade. The Keweenaw Shores No. 1 Nature Sanctuary also offers extensive boreal forest habitat, filled with white spruce, aspen, and balsam fir.

Copper Harbor’s Heavy Snowfall and Winter Sports

Sitting on the shores of Lake Superior, Copper Harbor often gets hit with lake-effect snow. This phenomenon occurs when cold air sweeps across the Great Lakes, gathering warmth and moisture from the water. As the air rises, it forms clouds that can drop two to three inches of snow or more at once. As a result, Copper Harbor receives an incredible annual snowfall average of about 270 inches! Naturally, this heavy snowfall makes the area popular for snow sports.

Travelers hoping to go cross-country skiing or fat tire biking have several trails to choose from. The Fort Wilkins Loop stretches for several miles, featuring one trail reserved for skiers and another designated for fat-tire bikers and snowshoers. Views along the loop include glimpses of Lake Superior and snowy wooded scenery. There are also around 230 miles of snowmobiling trails to explore, with Brockway Mountain Trail being an excellent place to begin. This route takes snowmobilers up the mountain, offering panoramic views of the lake, Copper Harbor, and snowy treetops from the summit.

Copper Harbor has also been ranked as a top destination for ice fishing, with the peninsula’s long winters ensuring solid ice on nearby inland lakes and, at times, even on Lake Superior. Lake Manganese, Lake Fanny Hooe, and Lac La Belle are all wonderful inland lakes for ice fishing, with the most common species to catch including Northern Pike, Walleye, stocked trout, and panfish. As Lake Superior’s surface freezes, many ice fishers focus on catching Lake Trout.

A Hotspot for Northern Lights

Outside of Alaska, Copper Harbor and the Keweenaw Peninsula rank among the best places in the United States to see the Northern Lights. With its small year-round population and its location five hours from the nearest US Interstate, Copper Harbor has exceptionally dark skies. Its extremely northern location, near the Canadian border, makes it an excellent candidate as well. While sightings of the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, certain times of year and specific viewing spots can greatly improve your chances.

Michigan Tech reports that the best time to spot them is between August and April, with April, October, and November being particularly good months. Some of the best places near Copper Harbor, offering unobstructed views of the sky and low light pollution, include Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, Brockway Mountain Drive, and Esrey Park.

While Michigan is undoubtedly filled with impressive lakeside towns, there is something particularly special about Copper Harbor. Not only does it offer travelers the chance to hike through the untouched wilderness of the boreal forest, but it also offers phenomenal winter recreation opportunities and Northern Lights viewing points. As a bonus, you will also find the town extremely walkable! So get ready to see a side of Michigan like never before with a trip to this unbelievable town.