Copper Country Trail National Byway
Copper Country Trail National Byway is a National Scenic Byway in Michigan. Within Michigan it covers roughly 50 miles. The map below shows its route. Use “Plan a drive” to open it in the Road Sorties route planner — already routing along Copper Country Trail National Byway with scenic roads turned on, ready to add your own stops.
US-41 runs up the Keweenaw Peninsula, the rugged arm of Michigan's Upper Peninsula that juts into Lake Superior and was the heart of America's first great copper-mining boom. The trail passes mine ruins, the preserved towns of Calumet and the Keweenaw National Historical Park, and ends at remote Copper Harbor. Boreal forest, Lake Superior shoreline, and brilliant fall color line the way.
- Keweenaw Peninsula
- copper-mining history
- Calumet & Copper Harbor
- Lake Superior
- Keweenaw National Historical Park
Designated for its historic qualities
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Places to stop along Copper Country Trail National Byway
Portage Lake Lift Bridge
The world's heaviest and widest double-deck vertical lift bridge, joining Houghton and Hancock at the byway's start.
Quincy Mine Hoist
A giant steam hoist that once lifted ore from nearly two miles down, with tours that ride a cog tram into the mine.
Keweenaw National Historical Park
Calumet's visitor center for the copper boom's heritage sites, in a historic downtown of red sandstone.
WebsiteCalumet Theatre
A 1900 opera house built with copper money, still hosting performances.
Phoenix Church
A restored 1858 church that served miners at a long-vanished copper town.
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
A 1934 log lodge built as a Depression work project, with cabins, a dining room, and a golf course.
Brockway Mountain Drive
A ridge road climbing high above Lake Superior near Copper Harbor, with sweeping views and raptor migrations in spring.
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
An 1844 Army post on Lake Fanny Hooe, with the Copper Harbor Lighthouse reached by boat.
Where to Stay along Copper Country Trail National Byway
No campgrounds are listed close to Copper Country Trail National Byway yet, but there are rooms near the route.
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Photos of Copper Country Trail National Byway
What is a National Scenic Byway?
National Scenic Byways are roads recognized at the federal level for at least one outstanding quality — scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological or recreational — that gives travelers a reason to seek them out rather than just pass through.