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 Breathtaking
vistas, tree-lined country roads, and walks on the lakeshore
are but a few of the many ways you can enjoy the colors
in the Western Upper Peninsula. Kermit Holt of the Chicago
Tribune wrote of the fall colors "Nowhere in
North America, not even New England are the colors of
autumn more vivid and memorable than in Michigan's Western
Upper Peninsula."
Experience a fall vacation full of the reds, oranges,
golds, and greens that tint the maple forests in the
Western Upper Peninsula from mid-September through early
October. Ninety percent of the area is forest-covered,
so your eyes will have plenty to take in.
The colors outlined by the mountains, bluffs, and lakes
provide postcard-perfect views around every corner.
Nothing can match one of our lakes or waterfalls
wrapped in the brilliant colors of Autumn. Come see
the burst of color for yourself, and bring a friend
along to share the experience.
Michigan's Upper Peninsula changes colors in autumn,
with hillsides and meadows shedding green from the hardwoods
to bathe in a grand finale of red, bronze, orange, and
gold. The air is spicy with decaying leaves and
mosses; tingling night breezes sweep down from the north
to mix with warm Indian Summer days.
Take a driving tour to catch all of autumn's colors
in the UP. Along the way, stop at scenic overlooks
for good photo opportunities. At rivers and waterfalls,
watch the falling leaves float downstream like tiny
sailboats, stems aloft to catch the wind.
Lake Gogebic Tour
You can start this tour from either end of the lake.
As you drive around the lake, take the time to stop
in at one of the restaurants for lunch or dinner, many
of which offer a spectacular view over the lake. Lake
Gogebic, the Upper Peninsula's largest lake, measures
18 miles long and 3 miles wide, the driving distance
around the lake is a little over 38 miles. Again, take
your time and enjoy the colors.
From Highway 2 east of Marenisco take Highway M64 north.
After a few miles, you will reach the south end of Lake
Gogebic. About a mile further you will see hiking signs.
This trail leads to a scenic overlook of the lake. As
you continue up the west shore there are two restaurants;
The Gogebic
Lodge and the Fisherman
Resort both have great food with dining rooms that
overlook the lake.
The west shore also features the parks. Gogebic County
park is the furthest south, the State Park is in the
middle, and Ontonagon County park sits at the north
end. M64 will intersect with M28, go east this will
take you into Bergland. Here you will find gas and supplies.
About one mile east of Bergland is East Shore Road,
turn right and follow the road until it comes to M64
on the south end of the lake. Turn left and you will
return to Highway 2.
 50
Mile Fall Color Tour
This tour takes in a little of everything our area
has to offer. You begin in Ironwood at the intersection
of US and Lake Rd, by the Holiday Gas Station. Take
Lake road north. You will travel about 15 miles. At
this point you will enter the Gogebic County forest
and begin to go downhill. Half way down this hill is
a spring with good drinking water.
As you continue on Lake Road you will come to Little
Girls Point. This park is a great place to get out and
stretch your legs. Take some time to walk the beach
and listen to the waves of the Big Lake. This stretch
of land is rich in history. It was the site of Indian
villages and resting points for the Jesuit Missionaries,
most notably Father Jacques Marquette, a they traveled
from St. Ignace to Madeline Island in 1669.
As you continue west you will come to Superior Falls
and the mouth of the Montreal River. This is an other
good spot to get out and explore. As you cross the Montreal
River you will enter Wisconsin. Shortly after this you
will see the signs for Saxon Harbor, a must see. This
place is part of the Old Flambeau Trail serving the
Chippewa from LaPointe to Lac du Flambeau. As you Return
to the main road you will intersect with Highway 2 turn
left and it will bring you back to Ironwood.
25 Miles and 5 Waterfalls Color Tour
This is a simple trip, however the views are anything
but simple. The Black River Scenic Byway is a protected
road way by the Federal Government. It includes several
waterfalls, Copper Peak ski flying hill and a walking
suspension bridge over the river. This route while short
is a good route to spend most of your time out of the
car.
To begin you turn to the north off US-2 at the entrance
to Big Powderhorn Mountain. The entrance is marked by
the big skier. Follow the road to the main lodge of
the ski resort. There the road turns to the right, follow
it over the railroad tracks to a T intersection, here
you turn left on to Black River Road. This will take
you out to the waterfalls. Each of the waterfalls have
paths leading to them. Potawatomi is barrier free with
bath room facilities. Gorge and Rainbow have steps and
observation decks, while Great Conglomerate and Sandstone
falls have natural settings. At the harbor there is
also a bathroom and picnic area. Enjoy this trip short
in distance long on scenery.
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