Fall Colors
Peak Colors | Planning Tips | Scenic Sites
For many travelers, autumn is their favorite time to visit the Keweenaw. As the summer temperatures wane, the Keweenaw’s landscape experiences a vibrant change from a sea of green to waves of orange, red and gold. The dramatic change happens a little earlier up here than in many parts of the country because of our cooler climate, so pack your best flannel(s) and come experience the Keweenaw in its full fall glory.
When do Fall Colors Peak in the Keweenaw?
Because of the micro-climate created by Lake Superior and the peninsula’s northern location, the Keweenaw’s fall colors usually peak between the last week of September and the first two weeks of October. Specific Keweenaw locations may vary with Copper Harbor and Isle Royale peaking a bit later than areas farther south.
Tips for Your Keweenaw Fall Colors Tour
Take a Scenic Drive
The Keweenaw is filled with beautiful scenic sites, so this suggestion isn’t all that creative. But there are some scenic drives along our highways that will take your breath away. You’ll be rewarded with soul-stirring views of Lake Superior and plenty of opportunities to hop out of the car and explore.
Be sure not to pass on Brockway Mountain Drive between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor. This little road off M-26 winds up 720 feet to the top of Brockway Mountain. On a clear day you can see for miles. The view is one of the best in the Upper Peninsula.
Hit the Trails
Whether its by foot, bike, ATV, or paddle, the Keweenaw’s hundred of miles of recreation trails are a great way to experience fall colors. Choose your preferred form of transportation and grab a map to explore the area.
Chase Waterfalls
Waterfalls are rejuvenated in the fall months thanks to the extra precipitation in September and October. The rushing waters are framed by the beautiful fall colors minus those pesky mosquito that are a nuisance in the spring.

Bond Falls State Scenic Site
Take in a Lake Superior Sunset
Autumn offers all the amazing sunsets of summer, so a lot earlier! While the cooler temperatures may prevent you from sticking your toes in Lake Superior, you can still enjoy a s’more or two along the beach as you watch the sun slip below the horizon. You’ll be amazed as the blue sky changes to deep shades of orange, red, pinks and purples. For the best views, head to the western side of the peninsula.
Go Star Gazing
With earlier sunsets come more stargazing opportunities. Thanks to the Keweenaw’s incredibly low level of light pollution, the night’s sky is much clearer than in many other parts of the Midwest. Combine that with our northern location, you may be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dance across the sky.

Stargazing on Brockway Mountain Drive in Copper Harbor. Photo Credit: @koar.up on Instagram
Scenic Sites and Nature Areas to Explore
Explore a myriad of scenic sites and hiking trails bursting with fall color throughout the Keweenaw.
US Hwy 41 S
Houghton, MI 49931 US
Phone: (906) 482-1700
Region: Houghton
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56641 Osceola Rd
Calumet, MI 49913 US
Phone: (906) 337-1170
Region: Calumet
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Off of the Five Mile Point Road
Ahmeek, MI 49901 US
Phone: (906) 337-0782
Region: Calumet
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18350 Highway M-203
Hancock, MI 49930 US
Phone: (906) 482-0278
Region: Hancock
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Isle Royale, MI 49931 US
Phone: (906) 482-0984
E-Mail Address: ISRO-Ranger3Reserve@nps.gov
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Golf Course Road
Hubbell, MI 49934 US
Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Lake Linden
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Brockway Mountain Drive
Copper Harbor, MI 49950 US
Region: Copper Harbor
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State Hwy M-26
Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US
Pine St
Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US
Phone: (906) 289-4407
E-Mail Address: office@eagleharbortwp.org
Region: Eagle Harbor
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Harbor Coast Lane
Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US
Phone: (906) 289-4292
Region: Copper Harbor
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Conservancy Road
Central, MI 49950 US
Red Brick Road
Houghton, MI 49931 US
Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: marsin@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Houghton
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No. 9 Road
Hancock, MI 49930 US
Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Houghton
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Allouez, MI 49913 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Calumet
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Painesdale, MI 49955 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
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Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Eagle Harbor
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Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Eagle Harbor
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Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Copper Harbor
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Central, MI 49950 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Eagle Harbor
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Smith Fisheries Road
Lac La Belle, MI 49950 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Lac La Belle / Bete Grise
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M-26
Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Eagle Harbor
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Brockway Mountain Drive
Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Copper Harbor
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M-26
Eagle River, MI 49950 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Eagle River
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Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Copper Harbor
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Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US
Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Copper Harbor
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Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US
Phone: (906) 225-0399
Region: Eagle Harbor
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Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US
Phone: (906) 225-0399
Region: Copper Harbor
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51875 U.S. 41
Hancock, MI 49913 US
Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Hancock
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Upper Point Mills Road
Dollar Bay, MI 49922 US
Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Houghton
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Franklin St
Houghton, MI 49931 US
Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Houghton
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Paradise Road
Houghton, MI 49931 US
Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Houghton
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E Sharon Avenue
Houghton, MI 49931 US
15.6 Miles from Gay on the Gay-Lac La Belle Road
Gay, MI 49950 US
Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Lac La Belle / Bete Grise
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Corner of Salo & Wildwood Roads
M-203
MI US
Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
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MI US
Phone: 906-0802
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
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