Haven Falls is located near Mount Bohemia and Lac La Belle .
Near Copper Harbor is Brockway Mountain Drive , a favorite road that gives an accessible window onto the unique landscape of the U . P . Claimed to be the highest above- sea- level drive between the Rockies and the Alleghenies , this nine- mile road along the ridge of Brockway Mountain climbs to 1,320 feet above sea level , which is 720 feet above the surface of Lake Superior . Popular among sightseers and birdwatchers , the road was built in the early 1930s as one of President Roosevelt ’ s public works projects to provide employment at a time when
the local mining industry was in decline and the Great Depression had the economy firmly in its grip . The Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps adopted the project , and the results are still enjoyed today .
To complete the shoreline loop , from Copper Harbor take U . S . 41 south to Guy Lac La Belle Road , which goes south to Mount Bohemia , a 1,465- foot peak that ’ s a popular place to snow ski , and Haven Falls , a small waterfall that ’ s surrounded by picnic tables , making it the perfect place to stop for lunch . The road hugs the shore of Lac La Belle and passes through the Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve on its way to the southern shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula . At Traverse Bay , Rice Lake Road takes you to Torch Lake
and then M- 26 at Lake Linden for the last few miles back to Hancock .
Crossing the Portage Lake Lift Bridge again , U . S . 41 follows the southern shore of the Keweenaw Waterway , which includes Portage Lake . It then runs along the edge of Keweenaw Bay to L ’ Anse .
A tour of the entire Upper Peninsula takes several days or longer . There are many more miles of riding along the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan , extensive state and national forest areas , unique destinations such as the Pictured Rocks National Seashore and Tahquamenon Falls State Park , and vibrant cities such as Marquette , Sault Ste . Marie , and Escanaba .
The Keweenaw is a special place to me . Its geographic location lends itself to striking scenery and landscape . Getting there in a few hours is possible from larger Midwest cities like Minneapolis , Green Bay , Madison , Milwaukee , Duluth , and Grand Rapids . Its history gives it character , a culture entirely unique that still emanates from its communities . The memories I ’ ve been fortunate enough to make there are some of my most cherished . It ’ s no wonder why it ’ s such a great place to be on a motorcycle . I hope you can experience it from behind your handlebar . Maybe you ’ ll fall in love with the Keweenaw too .
A Midwest- based motorcycle enthusiast and freelance author , Joel Komurka combines a passion for classic bikes with storytelling . Specializing in writing about motorcycle culture , travel , and history , he brings a unique perspective to the world of vintage motorcycles through his engaging articles and personal experiences .
The summit of Brockway Mountain Drive provides sweeping views of the northern tip of the peninsula .
RESOURCES
• Michigan Tourism : Michigan . org
• Upper Peninsula Tourism : UPTravel . com
• Keweenaw Tourism : VisitKeweenaw . com
• Keweenaw National Historical Park : NPS . gov / kewe
• Copper Harbor Tourism : CopperHarbor . org
• The Mariner North ( Copper Harbor ): MaNorth . com
• AmericInn ( Calumet , Iron River ): WyndhamHotels . com / americinn
46 / APRIL 2025 / RIDERMAGAZINE . COM