Michigan's Picturesque Gateway To Isle Royale Is Just As Gorgeous As The National Park

Way out in the middle of Lake Superior is one of America's least-visited national parks: Isle Royale. Lake Superior has roughly the same surface area as South Carolina, which is why it's difficult to explain the size and gravity of the Great Lakes to those who haven't seen them. Isle Royale is an archipelago of 450 islands and is famously one of the least-visited parks because it's one of the hardest national parks to see. It is world-class and breathtakingly beautiful, but its remote location means Isle Royale receives less than 1% of the average visitors to Yosemite.

Great for a multi-day hiking, canoeing, and camping adventures, the only way to get to Isle Royale is by private boat, seaplane, or ferry. One of those ferries, The Isle Royale Queen IV, takes three hours to reach the national park and departs from the quaint Copper Harbor, Michigan. This tiny hamlet at the tip of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula is a gateway to Isle Royale and a picturesque nature destination in itself. Driving the winding, tree-covered road into Copper Harbor is like entering a vortex to a forgotten corner of America's past. There's little to no cell phone service, no national franchise storefronts, only 135 residents, and everything moves slowly. The few quiet streets feel frozen in time since they're lined with lakeside rental cottages, generational family homes, old fashioned gift shops, and restaurants, many of which date back 50 to 100 years. These days, more and more visitors are making their way to this corner of Michigan and the magnificent shores of Lake Superior to disconnect, breathe the pure Michigan air, and put their feet in the cold, rejuvenating water.

The Upper Peninsula is nearly 30% of the landmass of Michigan but has only 3% of the population, which means it's 16,452 square miles of mostly rugged lakeshore, wild forests, and some impressive waterfalls on this awe-inspiring Michigan road trip. Copper Harbor is located at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, which reaches out into Lake Superior on the western end of the Upper Peninsula. The only way to get there is by car. There's a small airport an hour south with car rentals available, or Copper Harbor is an eight-hour drive from Chicago, seven hours from Minneapolis, and three hours from the slightly larger airport in Marquette, Michigan. A perk of driving from Minneapolis or Chicago is that you can stop on the way at the must-visit Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park for beautiful landscapes.

The best time to visit is from late spring, when the trees finally bloom, to mid-autumn, when the green rolling hills transform into breathtaking fall color touring. The main industry is tourism, so there are hotels and vacation rentals available, but the town is small, so accommodation is best booked early. Camping is also an option at the nearby Fort Wilkins State Park.

Once in Copper Harbor and out of cell service, it's all about disconnecting, both literally and figuratively. Take a gentle cruise in a canoe, hike through the forest, grab a coffee and pastry from Jamsen's (a fish market and bakery), take in the expansive views from Brockway Mountain, spend an afternoon at a nearby beach, and return to the quaint village for a warm, casual dinner before sitting on a dock and watching the sun set behind the largest of the Great Lakes.

While known for its peaceful lakeside scenes and quiet forest hikes, Copper Harbor has made a name for itself in the world of mountain biking. The Copper Harbor Mountain Bike Trails are internationally recognized for their quality and feature 38-plus miles of single-track trails. New features are constantly being built: In 2026, the 30-mile backcountry Keweenaw Point Trail will finally be completed. Bring your own bike or rent one from the Keweenaw Adventure Company, which also has kayaks, canoes, shuttles, and guided kayaking trips.

As the name suggests, the town is situated on a Lake Superior harbor that is perfect for a relaxing paddle. On dry land, an easy-access trail system provides many opportunities for casual nature strolls. The town is only 10 blocks long by three blocks wide, so it's very walkable. Its main street is lined with gift shops, a microbrewery, and plenty of restaurants, such as The Mariner North or the German-themed Harbor Haus Restaurant (and everything is locally owned).

Take a short drive outside the town and you can find more quaint villages, such as Eagle Harbor or Eagle River. The views from Brockway Mountain are a must-see. The backcountry ski resort, Mount Bohemia, is close and has a Nordic Spa, which is open all year for a relaxing evening. The drives along the Lake Superior shoreline are also unforgettable. There are plenty of roadside parks to stop and have a picnic, while the Great Sand Bay and Bete Grise beaches are each an untouched oasis on sunny days. Stop in Copper Harbor on your way to Isle Royale or make the tiny town the center of your trip to the natural wonders of the Upper Peninsula. It's just as gorgeous as Isle Royale National Park.