Copper Harbor Michigan Road Trip: 7 Surprisingly Cool Things To Do


Copper Harbor Michigan Road Trip | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan

There are so many things to do, see, eat and explore in the Copper Harbor Michigan area!  Do you like tasty ribs? Duhh, of course you do. What about shimmery waterfalls or a monastery owned bakery? How cool is that?!  Well, read on my Michigan travel friends, we have some serious exploring to do!

Just to get your bearings, the Eagle River area is west of Copper Harbor in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  See the inset below.


Copper Harbor Michigan Map

Eagle River Falls and Dam are Close to Copper Harbor Michigan

Eagle River Falls and DamEagle River Falls and Dam


Eagle River Falls and Dam is just breath-taking and is located quite close to Copper Harbor Michigan.  Listening to the roar of the water as it surges over the rocks is one of my favorite things as it is both relaxing and exhilarating. 

This breathtaking view of Eagle River Falls was taken on the beautiful wooden bridge suspended over the water.  It is definitely a Michigan Waterfall you don't want to miss!


The Fitzgerald-Home of Incredible Views and Ribs!

Front St, Eagle River, MI 49950

Chris, my husband, grew up in the UP so he knows all the area secrets. 

So here we are, exploring the Copper Harbor Michigan in an off road vehicle, and a fellow off roader strikes up a conversation with us. 


He says, "Hey, if you haven't eaten yet, be sure to stop by the Fitz!"  Chris says, "OH Yeah!  I love that place!" 

Well I'm new the area so of course I have to read some reviews and wow!  It's a definite place to check out. 

So we pulled up to this restaurant and hotel on the shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Needless to say, the setting is outstanding. They specialize in barbecue, craft beer and whisky so I had high hopes.  Let me just say, the menu had me drooling.

Reubens, cubans, burgers and hardwood smoked bbq.  DANG!  Food was awesome.

Oh and check out our matching Fitzgerald Sweatshirts below!! Chris wasn't terribly pleased that we were matchy-matchy but I loved it!  (He'll get over it!) lol.

Jacob's Falls


Leaving Eagle River, drive three miles east on M-26 to Jacob's Falls. You can see these pretty falls from the road! So, if it is cold or rainy when you reach these Michigan waterfalls, there is no need to leave the comfort of your vehicle.  

HOWEVER...If it's a lovely day and you are feeling the need to get moving...

For the less agile, the view is great from the road but for the adventurous types, climb up the hill next to the falls and hike the path.  It's a fun half hour hike near the falls.  And a good excuse to get a little dirty.  Who doesn't like that?!


The Jam Pot and Monastery

The Jampot, Photo: HourDetroit.com


6500 State Highway M26, Eagle Harbor, MI 49950.  

The Jam Pot is a tiny store run by monks!  I mean that in itself is super cool.  The parking lot is massive, so you can fit your RV if that's your mode of travel. 

The inside area is tiny-but the shelves on the right and left walls are full of baked goods and preserves.  You'll be hard pressed not to purchase some bread and preserves for snacks along the road.  Behind the counter are friendly monks willing to answer any questions.


If you continue east along 26 just a short bit (It's less than a mile) you'll spot the Holy Transfiguration Monastery on the left.  It's closed to the public but still neat to see from the outside as the structure is quite grand.

George Hite Dunes and Marshes Reserve


We were lucky enough to be passing through this area when a dense fog was just rising off the water.  It was breathtaking. So much so, that I about launched out of the car while it was still moving so I could get a photo.  (There might have been some concerned griping from the driver).

Keep looking and you will see a wooden staircase that leads down to the beach.  The last 3-4 steps were missing at the bottom when we were there so be careful.


Eagle Harbor Lighthouse


670 Lighthouse Rd, Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 After leaving George Hite Dunes, continue east until you reach Eagle Harbor.  Head to the tip and check out the pretty lighthouse.


Copper Falls


Drive along the Eagle Harbor Cutoff Road, bearing right on Copper Falls Loop (the second dirt road east of Copper Falls Park). Park before crossing Owl Creek and head upstream (if the water is flowing) to view a few falls. Head downstream, past Eagle Harbor Cutoff, to view the rest.


Pin This Copper Harbor Michigan Road Trip!

Keep Reading!

Join us on Instagram! We're fun!

View this post on Instagram

Tahquamenon Falls is absolutely breathtaking any time of year! I am dying to go as the trees start to change, wouldn't it be magnificent? I secretly love the lower falls the best.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I'm hoping to convince Chris that he wants to go again...But I can see it already, he'll say, "Sooo, you want to do a color tour to Traverse City, another to Fredrick Meijer Gardens in GR AND ANOTHER trip up to Tahq Falls?" ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Me: Blank stare (which means, "um, yes, your point?")⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #tahquamenonfalls #puremichigan #michiganwaterfalls #yooper #upperpeninsula #upperpeninsulamichigan #upperpeninsulaofmichigan #waterfalls#waterfallsofinstagram #michigan #michigantravel #greatlakesstate #michiganstate #travelingmichigan #greatlakesstateofmind #photooftheday #traveling #adventureislife #travel #travelphotography #welivetoexplore #colorful #familytravel #thegreatoutdoors #nature #explore#travelblog #igers #beauty #letsgoeverywhere

A post shared by Michigan Travel+Food Adventure (@travelingmichigan) on



Sherry Trautman Bio Picture

About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

Sherry & Chris are at the Inn at Bay Harbor and looking out at the lake.
Read More About Us Here

JOIN OUR NETWORK
Join our newsletter of Michigan Explorers!

Share Social

When you wish destinations came with a 30 second trailer so you can see what you’re getting yourself into.  

If you whine and are nice, IM us and we will tell you if you are truly screwed or not. 







Where Do You Want To Start Your Next Adventure?

Slickstream Search Box