Copper Harbor
    A Sunset (and more) to Remember

    Is there anyone who does not carry in his or her memory the picture of a beautiful sunset?  We could debate the best spot to capture that ideal sunset or, better yet, travel to hundreds of exotic places for first hand comparisons.  I have toasted Lake Michigan sunsets from the deck of the Bil-Mar in Grand Haven, relaxed to Maui sunsets from a condo patio, savored Panama sunsets from a hotel balcony, and was left speechless as I luxuriated in a sunset on the Isle of Capri that simply left. But no sunset has imprinted itself more indelibly in my mind’s photo album than one spent watching that golden orb slip into the watery horizon of Lake Superior from Brockway Mountain in Copper Harbor. It is the perfect place to bid the day farewell. If you haven’t been there put it on your list of places to visit and, if possible, share the trip with someone you love. You are guaranteed one of the most romantic moments you will ever experience.

    To get there follow the signs from Copper Harbor toward Brockway Mountain Drive (about 3 ½ miles). The steep climb has hairpin turns and several scenic turnouts with views of the most sensational vistas in Michigan. At the top, the 360 degree panorama that surrounds you shows off Lake Superior, the village of Copper Harbor, and the countryside as far as Isle Royale - nearly fifty miles away.

    Don’t be in a rush to leave. When darkness descends you may be lucky enough to gaze upon the magic of the Northern Lights. When you decide it is time to break the spell, you can return to the harbor by retracing your route or continue seven miles down the other side of the mountain along Lake Superior.

    Sunset on the mountain need not be the only memory you take home from Copper Harbor.  History buffs should venture into Fort Wilkins State Park and the Copper Harbor Lighthouse Museum, or tour the Delaware Mine. Fort Wilkins, built in 1844, gives the visitor a peephole into the mid-19th century army life of soldiers and their families. Costumed interpreters explain daily routines as you wander through twenty-one historic buildings.

    The Copper Harbor Lighthouse has marked the entrance to one of the state’s northernmost harbors since pre-Civil War days. You can tour the keepers’ quarters and visit the museum for a bit of maritime lore.

    At the Delaware Mine explore an industry that was vital to the region. Eight million pounds of copper have been removed from the five shafts that reach a depth of 1400 feet with ten levels. You can touch veins of pure copper in the walls of the mine.

    If you want something a bit more active, dive the underwater preserve, or plan a bit of hiking. Bicyclists, canoeists, and kayakers believe this area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is paradise. Rent an ATV for a challenging off-road adventure. If you prefer to let someone else handle the physical exertion, take a tour or charter.  Nature lovers can wander a virgin white pine forest, bird watch, or enjoy the wildflowers. Everyone hopes to catch a glimpse of a black bear.

    Shoppers, too, will find places worth a bit of time. Whether you are looking for local gemstones at Swede’s Gift Shop, seeking regionally made and hand-crafted gifts, showing your children the special corner for them at the Thunder Bird Gift Center, or checking out the interesting merchandise at Traprock Pottery you will find something to stir your consumer urges.

    If your schedule permits, plan to arrive the weekend of the 22nd annual Art in the Park celebration at Grant Park in Copper Harbor. Besides the art, you can indulge your sense of taste with traditional pasties and tempting home-baked specialties. This two day celebration runs August 15 and 16, 2009. This year‘s entertainment will be Whitewater on Saturday and Dale English and the Swing Cats on Sunday. The festival bills itself as “Artwork, entertainment and refreshments all together in one of the most beautiful settings in the Midwest." It is an accurate assessment with little hyperbole.

    While in Copper Harbor eat at the Harbor House, a German-American restaurant overlooking the Lake Superior and the lighthouse. You will find a menu filled with interesting dishes from vegetarian entrees to seared duckling, and from ostrich to bison. The specialty, however, is Lake Superior Planked Style Whitefish. This delicate fish is wrapped in bacon and grilled.

    The only downside to visiting so much beauty in Copper Harbor is that the photos you feel compelled to take will never do justice to what you have seen.

For more information, please see: http://www.copperharbor.org/

All photos courtesy and copyright of Karen Karl, www.aurorastudios.net

Julie Albrecht Royce, Michigan Editor, is the author of Traveling Michigan's Sunset Coast and Traveling Michigan's Thumb, both published by Thunder Bay Press. She writes a monthly column for wanderingeducators.com, entitled Michigan's Small Town Treasures.