M-26 - Hancock to Calumet

Adolph LaMuth Collection

The Lake Superior smelting works (1908) in Dollar Bay (click on the photo for a larger version)

This route (turn east on the north side of the Portage Lift Bridge) follows the shores of Portage Lake and Torch Lake. You will visit Ripley, Dollar Bay, Mason, Hubbell, Lake Linden and Laurium.  View the historic Quincy Mine Smelter in Ripley and the partially submerged dredge along the shores of Torch Lake. Stop in at the Houghton County Historical Museum complex in Lake Linden, and visit the historic mansions of Laurium.

M-26 –Copper Harbor to Phoenix (taking Brockway Mountain Drive)

Wm. John Jack Foster Collection

An old house in Eagle River circa 1900 (click on image for a larger version)

This route, from north to south, starts in Copper Harbor.  Head west a couple of miles south on M-26 and turn left on Brockway Mountain Drive. You will be treated to an outstanding view, with Lake Superior stretching to infinity.

Continue down Brockway Mountain and turn left on M-26.  Follow M-26 west for some spectacular Lake Superior scenery and to visit Eagle Harbor and Eagle River. Stop in at the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and Museum or visit the restored one-room Rathbone Schoolhouse in Eagle Harbor.  In Eagle River, visit the historic County Courthouse or view the Eagle River Bridge and falls.

US-41 – Copper Harbor to the end of US-41

Adolph LaMuth Collection

While in Copper Harbor, follow US-41 to its northern terminus and visit Fort Wilkins Historic State Park along the way.  After the pavement ends, adventurous travelers can continue to the Nature Conservancy’s Horseshoe Harbor preserve and the thousands of acres of recently purchased state-owned forestland at the tip of the Keweenaw.  A good map and/or tour guide is required when venturing beyond the end of US-41.