Scenic Drive from Eagle River to Copper Harbor

Great Sand Bay beach for scenic drive POI

Great Sand Bay, between Eagle River & Eagle Harbor

While the final stretch of US-41 to Copper Harbor through the overarching tunnel of trees is one of Michigan's most celebrated scenic drives, the parallel route of M-26 from Eagle River to Copper Harbor is arguably a far finer journey. It goes through two historic, still quite active villages (Eagle Harbor & Eagle River), past the legendary Jam Pot & Jacbos Falls, and best of all along an amazing Lake Superior Shoreline. From many points one looks down on stunning Great Sand Bay and its huge beach. There are turnouts where you can stop and take in long vistas. At one point you can see the monk's golden monastery peeking out of its forested surround miles down the coast. North of that great bay there emerges the ancient dark volcanic rock shoreline which collapsed sharply to create a bowl that resurfaces at Isle Royale.

Fortunately, it's not either or. Take US-41 up to Copper Harbor. Take M-26 back. But give yourself time to enjoy this visual feast. And if it's warm, you might bring your swimming trunks for a dip in always chilly Superior

Return to Eagle River

EAGLE RIVER
POINTS OF INTEREST

M-26 from Eagle River to Eagle Harbor. Follow one of the most idyllic highway landscapes along the Lake Superior shoreline with deep blue water, crescent bays, beach after beach ... more

Sand Hills Lighthouse. Remote majestic lighthouse, last one built on Great Lakes (1919), overlooks Lake Superior. Now a popular inn. ... more

Scenic Drive from Eagle River to Copper Harbor. Good candidate for the most wonderful summer drive in Michigan is this Lake Superior stretch between Eagle River and Copper Harbor. ... more

The Jampot. Near Jacob's Falls, a small group of monks make delicioiusly rich muffins, brownies, rum cakes, as well as jams. Their elaborate, onion-domed Orthodox church is down the road. ... more

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