Hunter's Point, Agate Beach & Copper Harbor marina
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| The north side of Hunter's Point. |
The beautiful natural areas that form the west side of Copper Harbor are longtime beauty spots enjoyed by local people and tourists alike. Hunter's Point and the agate beach along its north shore facing the open waters of Lake Superior have been purchased for public access in 2005 from the contractor who had owned them. He was legally allowed to develop this prime site. The adjacent wooded area has been subdivided into large lots along asphalt roads.
A deeded right of way will permit foot access from the Copper Harbor marina. The mood of the approach won't be the same, what with the visible subdivision, but Hunter's Point itself has been saved.
For a rewarding hike to a remarkable beach, start at the west end of the parking lot at the Copper Harbor marina and look for the trailhead to beautiful Agate Beach. The trail goes west through an evergreen forest close to Lake Superior's shore. In about 3/4 of a mile it forks. (Right takes you out along a beautiful narrow peninsula that forms the harbor, to Hunter's Point.) Turn left, and you cut across the peninsula's narrow base to come to Agate Beach, covered by pebbles and stones that sometimes include beautiful agates. A good time to find a fresh crop of agates is after storms, and in spring.
Those with no boats can enjoy the harbor from the water by taking the sunset tour of the Copper Harbor Lighthouse (see above) or by taking Keweenaw Adventure's harbor kayak paddle. (No experience required.
Start at the Copper Harbor Marina, north off M-26 at the west end of Copper Harbor. Clearly signed. Marina phone: (906) 289-4966.
The information above is being updated. The revised entries will be available by the middle of July, 2005, if not earlier. So be sure to check to get current prices and hours.
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POINTS OF INTEREST
Scenic Drive from Copper Harbor to Eagle River. Good candidate for the most wonderful summer drive in Michigan is this Lake Superior stretch between Eagle River and Copper Harbor. ... more
Studio 41. A stunning gallery highlighted beautiful works in copper and wood ... more
Lighthouse Overlook on Copper Harbor. A spot with a grand view of the lighthouse, especially near sunset, and a trail among cedar and pines. You can sit on the big red rocks by the water and read or sketch. ... more
Copper Harbor Lighthouse. The memorable 1866 lighthouse museum and interpretive trail show the site's importance in geology, Michigan history, and shipwrecks. Part of Fort Wilkins State Park, it's reachable only by boat. ... more
Copper Harbor shops. Some of the U.P.'s most interesting shops for crafts, gifts, minerals, and books are here in Michigan's remote, northernmost village. Jewelry, books, photography, and gifts: stoneware, agates, greenstones, rockhound supplies, bird's eye maple, fleece, and distinctive fashions. Year-round general store and Laughing Loon gifts and books. ... more
Keweenaw Adventure Company & Harbor Kayak Paddle. Gear, guides, lessons, and tours for mountain biking and kayaking in a great setting for both ... more
Sunset cruises on the Isle Royale Queen IV. An inspired 1 1/2-hour cruise out onto Lake Superior, chasing freighters and watching the sun set. ... more
Hunter's Point, Agate Beach & Copper Harbor marina. An exceptionally delightful walk takes you out the rocky northern side of Hunter's Point and back along the bay side. ... more
Brockway Mountain Drive. The highest highway between the Rockies and the Alleghenies offers glorious sunsets, soaring hawks, and a splendid view of the Keweenaw's rocky shore. ... more
Lake Manganese and Manganese Falls. Near town, a beautiful, clear trout lake with a long, sandy swimming beach, near a striking waterfall in a ferny canyon. ... more
Estivant Pines. 300-500-year-old white pines abound in this never-cut 500-acre sanctuary with a 2.3 mile hiking trail ... more
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