The Enchanting Town In Michigan Is One Of The Best Places To Enjoy Autumn
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published November 10, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
If there’s one thing Michiganders can be proud of, it’s our stunning autumns. Every year, when the leaves start turning, thousands of Great Lake State aficionados pack up their cars to sight-see Michigan’s spectacular foliage. But if you’re looking for the best fall day trip in Michigan, consider visiting the Keweenaw Peninsula. This picturesque area is the perfect setting for your autumn adventures.
Start with a visit to the Copper Harbor Light. This historic lighthouse hugs the harbor shore and has been a fixture of the area since its construction in 1848. Now included on the National Register of Historic Places, Copper Harbor Light is an iconic building and a must-see for fall visitors.
Of course, to see this idyllic lighthouse, you'll have to visit Fort Wilkins Historic State Park. First established in 1923, this former military base has become a remarkable public viewpoint of Lake Superior and boasts other fascinating buildings from the fort's not-so-recent past.
To see more of this stunning region, take the Brockway Mountain Drive. This nine-mile scenic route curves along the crest of the Keweenaw Fault, curling visitors up the Brockway Mountain, a 1,320-foot-tall volcanic land formation that affords you jaw-dropping peninsula views.
Named for Daniel D. Brockway, one of the area's first European inhabitants, this vantage point was developed through a 1933 Depression-era work program. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Isle Royale from the peak!
For even more al fresco fun, check out the Estivant Pines Wilderness Nature Sanctuary, a 508-acre preserve popular for its well-maintained trails and gorgeous foliage.
To truly get in touch with the landscape, learn to forage from a local expert. The Keweenaw Peninsula is renowned for its mushrooms, just make sure you go out with a group and identify your finds correctly.
To put a button on a perfect fall day, go for drinks at a Copper Harbor institution. Brickside Brewery has delivered mouth-watering craft brews to the area since 2012. Supporting small businesses is a great way to give back to the vibrant Keweenaw Peninsula community.
Have you been looking for the best fall day trip in Michigan? Look no further than the Keweenaw Peninsula. This picturesque destination is the perfect backdrop to lifelong autumn memories and overflows with fantastic outdoor adventures that bring you to the best of a Great Lake State fall. Bundle up and book your excursion. The Keweenaw Peninsula awaits you.
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