14 minute read
HOW FAR CAN YOU GO?
There is no higher “Up North” than Copper Harbor – and it’s worth the trip
BY KIM KISNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Extending out into the deep waters of Lake Superior at the very tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula sits Copper Harbor, the northernmost permanently populated community and northernmost point of mainland in the state of Michigan.
Here, snow falls 80 days out of the year between October and May, with annual accumulations averaging 22 feet.
Over 230 miles of pristine trails link riders to an additional 2,500+ miles through the Upper Peninsula.
It is a snowmobilers or ATV enthusiasts dream come true.
With seemingly endless incredible side loops and backcountry jaunts, no two rides are ever the same. And the unique and fun attractions, breathtaking views and cozy one-of-a-kind stops make it hard to narrow down what the next ride will be.
Here are just a couple examples of the many great excursions the Copper Harbor area has to offer.
Take Trail #3 from Mohawk up and over Brockway Mountain. This beautiful route offers plenty of places to stop and stretch your legs. Enjoy a Vollwerth’s footlong hot dog grilled to perfection at The Cliff View Bar & Cabins,
head further north and stop by The Phoenix General Store, a Copper Country landmark. The Phoenix General Store serves up ice-cold beverages and a wide variety of snack foods. Check out the old coolers, over a century old.
Trail #132 is a popular trail that treats you to spectacular overlooks of Lac La Belle. It’s arguably one of the best trails in terms of unparalleled views and beautiful terrain. While in Lac La Belle don’t forget to grab carry out at the Bear Belly Bar & Grill. They have an amazing Steak Caesar Salad and delicious two-handed sandwiches.
The Keweenaw snowmo-
Where the road ends and adventure begins. copperharbor.org
235 miles of groomed trails with 250 inches snowfall. Gas & Oil, Restaurants, Lodging and Groceries
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Come Explore Copper Country
bile trail system is made up of stateowned and privately-owned trail segments. It’s through many years of passion, dedication, perseverance and grueling hard work that Copper Harbor is able to offer world-class snowmobile and ORV experiences in the first place.
We spoke to Donnie Kauppi, owner of the Mariner North Resort and native Copper Harbor resident who’s been heavily involved with the trails for over forty years about the history, and how the trails came to be.
In the early 70’s Copper Harbor’s major industry – copper mining – had been dead for some time, there was a population of 34 winter residents/136 summer, and the harbor needed a certified sewer system and a proper water drainage to survive. It was determined that the land and the trails the area had to offer – and promoting snowmobiling and snow - were the keys to injecting life into the economy. Proper trails would need to be built, well maintained and promoted to bring the tourism industry.
“It was certainly a nuts and bolts start. Much of the land did not have formalized trails it certainly wasn’t a connected trail system,” said Kauppi.
The state bought some of the land and three snowmobile clubs were organized.
“We literally didn’t even have stop signs for the trails – we had to go buy them,” Kauppi said with a laugh.
“Little by little we became more organized. We limped along. We organized fundraisers and events. We did everything we could.”
In the early years the trails were maintained by state groomers who groomed twice a week. That was not the answer, so grooming was turned over to the clubs and Kauppi himself ran it out of the Mariner North.
Eventually the area received a grant and funds to integrate the drainage and water system, which Kauppi pitched in to build as well. Work on the trails and promoting the trails continued.
By the 90’s the area boasted a 235 mile trail system – the largest in the
state of 68 systems. Eventually there was funding for groomers to be hired and more and more people came to ride and explore. Also in the 90’s the area adopted mountain biking and bike trails were created, which brought more adventurers and thrill-seekers in. Five years ago for the first time in history, all of Copper Harbors businesses were open in May and people were now coming from all they made the move to over.
Anyhow, it worked “My son was working serving out pretty good. Mar re- food, and called me and said, ‘dad ally good turn out. Some really good fun. you are not going to believe it – I And, some really good just served five mountain bikers who As for me, of came from Connecticut.’ This was a course I had to sample all of this, in the name big deal. People were now coming of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can from out of state,” said Kauppi. say that without a doubt that the burgers Through constant stewardship, were really good. The corn on the cob was hard work, dedication and promoawesome. Martin and I both commented on tion, Copper Harbor is now a huge the fact that this was really tasty corn for the destination for snowmobiling, offearly part of summer. And, the funky green road riding and mountain biking. luff stuff was also downright Put this beautiful, unique, majestic tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound Shi- town on your bucket list of riding Tsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs destinations and see for yourself! • were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over
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the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com
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they made the move to
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Mar really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green luff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
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the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com
ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531
SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020 Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
they made the move to
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Mar really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green luff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
Sales & Service Rental
® TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com
ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531
SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020 Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
they made the move to
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Mard a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green luff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
Sales & Service Rental
® TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com
ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531
SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020 Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $259 PER DAY Sales & Service Rental
® TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately nd really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I But, when I got www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.comthere, Martin told me Only 1 Hour West of Mackinac Bridge in Curtis, MIthat they just decided 2021 906.586.9531 Sales • Service • Rentalto move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Curtis and Seney
they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
Sault Celebrates Summer With
The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa
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CABINS AND CAMPGROUND OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK WWW.CUTRIVERSTORE.COM (906) 292-5517 Located on trail 473 + US 2
