Let’s have a show of hands if fall is your favorite season. It’s that time again to celebrate in grand fashion the most spectacular display of leaves changing color in the Mitten State. You are going to want to head north, way up north to the Upper Peninsula, or the beloved UP. Located at the very top of the Keweenaw Peninsula, this small town in Michigan comes alive in autumn. Here’s more on why you won’t want to pass up on the chance to explore Copper Harbor.

Copper Harbor is the northernmost community in the state. It may arguably have the most vivid display of fall colors as far as the eye can see.
Michigan small town comes alive in autumn
Ed Reschke/Photodisc via Getty Images
Enjoy 9.5-mile Brockway Mountain Drive for sweeping vistas - Copper Harbor and Lake Superior to the left, and Lake Fanny Hooe on your right.
photo by Pam Susemiehl/Moment via Getty Images
Then don’t miss a drive through the Tunnel of Trees - the 11-mile section of U.S. Highway 41, coming into Copper Harbor.
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U.S. 41 apparently goes all the way to Miami, Florida - a sign in town displays the miles to Miami.

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Fort Wilkins State Park is awash in fall splendor, home to the Copper Harbor Lighthouse, built in 1866.
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Admire the 100-foot Manganese Falls, a bonus local waterfall.
Otto Folkerts/AllTrails
It is a short walk from the road. For another divine drive, M-26 runs along the shore of Lake Superior, between Copper Harbor and Eagle River. Look for waterfalls, beaches, lighthouses, and impressive fall foliage.
One more spot where you can see the splendid fall scenery, this time via hiking trails, is Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary.
Michigannature.org
Copper Harbor is also a popular mountain biking destination.
And if you need supplies – food, drinks, clothing, camping and hiking gear, pet goods, or a fishing license – The Gas Lite General Store, or The Genny, is the place to go.
The Gas Lite General Store - The Genny/Facebook
It is the northernmost grocery store in the state, and one of the few businesses open year-round. Maybe you'll see the Northern Lights.

 

I witnessed the awe of autumn in Copper Harbor, as part of a driving trip from Chicago. You won’t know what you’re missing until you get there – the Michigan small town comes alive in autumn. We headed up Brockway Mountain Drive for the jaw-dropping fall color phenomenon, views that can be difficult to capture in a single photograph.

In your Copper Harbor travels, make a pit stop at Jamsen’s, a fish market and bakery on the shores of Lake Superior, and learn more about Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary.

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