Leaf-Peeping Weekends in Michigan: The Keweenaw Peninsula

As Michigan’s northernmost outpost, surrounded on three sides by the waters of Lake Superior, the Keweenaw Peninsula is one of the first places in the Midwest to ignite with fall color. Fiery maples contrast with deep evergreens, blanketing a landscape shaped by ancient lava flows and mining history.

Road in fall forest in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Fall in the Keweenaw Peninsula | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan

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Use the college town of Houghton as your weekend basecamp, with its buzzing cafés and easy-to-access trails. From mountain drives to seasonal stouts, fall in the Keweenaw is equal parts rugged and unexpected.

Create a picture-perfect road trip

A woman sitting on a rock beside a waterfall during fall.
Hungarian Falls | Photo Courtesy of Instagram Fan @ryan_thomas_photos

After a quick drive north near Torch Lake, enjoy a hike beneath a kaleidoscope of fall color to one of the region’s most iconic waterfalls, Hungarian Falls . Continue north toward Copper Harbor via the scenic Brockway Drive. This 9-mile route travels along M-26 to the highest point of the Keweenaw Peninsula at 1,320 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views of vibrant fall foliage and the blue waters of Lake Superior as far as the eye can see. Stop to take in the incredible landscape at several viewing platforms and pull-offs – if conditions allow, you may even be able to spot Isle Royale National Park near the horizon on Lake Superior.

Harvest season at Apple Acres Farm 

A woman in a hammock petting a goat.
Apple Acres Farm | Photo Courtesy of Apple Acres Farm

Honor the harvest season with a visit to Apple Acres Farm near Houghton. This off-grid, solar-powered farm practices regenerative agriculture, which takes a holistic approach to farming with a focus on conservation and sustainability. As you explore this patch of paradise in the Keweenaw Peninsula, you’ll be greeted by free-range chickens and ducks, and you’ll meet friendly Nigerian dwarf and Nubian goats that aid in naturally maintaining the land. If you would like to extend your time, Apple Acres Farms offers on-site lodging from campsites under the stars to a cozy studio loft.

Savor a delicious UP tradition

Pasties on a parchment paper.
Roy’s Pasties & Bakery | Photo Courtesy of Kevin J. Miyazaki

One of the Upper Peninsula’s most famous culinary traditions is even more satisfying when enjoyed during the crisp fall season. Pasties, savory, handheld pies filled with meat and vegetables, were introduced to the region by Cornish copper miners in the 1800s. If you’re in downtown Houghton, stop by Roy’s Pasties & Bakery for made-from-scratch pasties with a variety of fillings to choose from – from classic beef and root vegetables to a cheesy breakfast filling. Further north in Laurium, Toni’s Country Kitchen offers homemade pasties as well as all-day breakfast. Take part in the age-old debate on which pasty dipping sauce is better: gravy or ketchup?

Craft brews and cozy views 

A chalkboard sign listing craft beer on tap.
The Library Restaurant | Pure Michigan

Taste the craftsmanship of UP-made beer at Keweenaw Brewing Company in the heart of downtown Houghton. Known for its year-round selection that includes Pick Axe Blonde Ales and Point Trail Rye IPA, fall brings seasonal flavors like Early Autumn Ale, Borealis Broo and Olde Ore Dock Scottish Ale. For another cozy stop during the cooler months, stop at The Library in downtown Houghton. Housed in an 1800s brick building with antique books lining the walls, this eclectic and innovative restaurant crafts upscale American cuisine with views of the Portage Canal and colorful Mont Ripley.

For more travel inspiration, check out this road trip through the Keweenaw Peninsula. Find even more road trips to explore Pure Michigan this fall here.