WHERE EAGLES FLY A Hiking Adventure!

Day One - (Ironwood and the Black River Parkway)

If your passion is nature and wilderness, then welcome to ’s Upper Peninsula. A rugged wilderness. And home to the - over 1,000 miles of pristine running rivers, streams and the largest inland sea in the world, .

Check into your lodge – the Black River Lodge in Ironwood, Michigan. Sitting on 65 acres of forests and on the Black River, there are many adventures to enjoy near the Lodge. Depending on the season – you can experience downhill and Nordic skiing, snowmobile trails, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, waterfalls, Lake Superior, fishing, golf, horseback riding, bicycling and hiking.

Begin just north of Ironwood, Michigan. A hidden attraction is the six-mile Black River Parkway. A special place known for its spectacular cascade of 7 waterfalls as the river drops more than 200 feet in only 2 miles. The falls range between 10 and 45 feet in height, the most spectacular waterfall has a suspension bridge for viewers to walk out on. Roadside trails provide access to Gorge Falls and Potawatomi Falls and are designated a National Recreation Trail because of the steep slope and unique stairway design to the platform overlook. At the mouth of the river is Black River Harbor.

Flowing through an expanse of large pine, hemlock and hardwood trees, the water winds its way down from Copper Peak to Lake Superior. Black River Harbor is truly a special place to spend a summer afternoon. The scenic byway, harbor, and beach are absolute treasures of the northern woods and it’s a sight you won’t ever forget.

Experience the adventure ride at Copper Peak, the largest ski flying hill in the Western Hemisphere. Take in majestic views of three states (Michigan, Wisconsin & Minnesota) as the ski jump overlooks 2,700 miles of the Lake Superior Basin. The 810 ft. chair lift takes you to the crest of the hill. 36 stories high! From the crest of the hill, the elevator takes you to the observation platform another 18 stories high! Finally, climb the stairway, 8 more stories, to the top of the world’s largest ski jump and see 85 miles across Lake Superior. WOW!

Return to the Black River Lodge this evening.

Day Two – (Ontonagon, Lake of the Clouds, Porcupine Mountains)

The Porcupine Mountains offer more than 80 miles of marked hiking trails and provide majestic views around every bend. Nestled high in the “Porkies” as they are called, is Lake of the Clouds overlook, a must see and one of the most scenic spots in Michigan. Head north, up towards the Buckshot Landing and explore parts of Lake Superior Trail.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.

Another “Porkies” favorite is the Summit Peak Observation Tower. At nearly 2,000 feet above sea level it is one of the highest peaks in Michigan and offers stunning views of the virgin forest below.

If you’re looking for waterfalls, take the South Boundary Road south and west towards the Little Carp River Road. Here you’ll find three beautiful falls: Greenstone, Trappers and Overlooked. Once you’re on the trail, you’ll encounter the rush of Overlooked Falls, only a few hundred feet from the parking area. For a more adventurous hike, visitors may want to join a 2 to 3 day guided hiking trip through the 60,000 acres of pristine wilderness. (Contact Pure Michigan Holidays for arrangements).

Head back to your lodging at Silver City this evening. AmericInn Lodge on Lake Superior or Mountain View Lodge on Lake Superior.

Catch the sunset and build a campfire on the beach - just steps away from your room. You might even catch a northern lights show over Lake Superior.

Day Three - (Ontonagon)

Many of the earliest European settlements in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan were mining towns. The area has a long history of copper, silver and iron mining. While you’re in the Porcupine Mountains, be sure to take a tour of one of the area’s historic mines. Tour the underground shafts and mine surface at the historic Adventure Copper Mine. Several guided underground tours are offered at one of the best preserved copper mines in Michigan. Walk through part, or all, of the tunnels on the first level. The more adventurous can try at rappelling with a rope and harness to the second level of the mine...the choice is yours. Either way, artifacts have been left in place including the rails from the tram system, timbers from loading chutes, shovels, powder boxes, and tram cars. You’ll discover the life as a miner from long ago.

The Caledonia Mine is set in the side of a mountain overlooking the beautiful valley of the Flintsteel River. Mining from the mid-1860s to the1950s left many tons of broken ore. You are invited to dig for your own ore pile. Knowledgeable staff helps you with identification and collecting techniques. Water is supplied for rinsing and exposing your finds. The mine will provide a bucket and digging tools for your use with each pile. They even have metal detectors. Whatever treasures you may find are yours to keep. Happy digging….

Afterwards head north up Highway 26 and into the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Enjoy dinner this evening at the historic Library Restaurant and Pub in Houghton. The walls of The Library have been standing since before the turn of the century. The building has a rich history, originally owned and operated by a cabinet maker in the1800’s.

Overnight in Houghton, Michigan. FIT overnight at the Sheridan Inn on the Lake (overlooking Portage Lake) Groups overnight at Country Inn & Suites Day Four – (Isle Royale National Park)

Isle Royale National Park is a wilderness archipelago - a roadless land of wild creatures, unspoiled forests, refreshing lakes, and rugged, scenic shores - accessible only by boat or floatplane. Isle Royale has moose and wolves and it’s the only place in the world where these two populations coexist in such balance.

You have two choices to get to Isle Royale National Park – located in Lake Superior. Take a seaplane from Houghton to Isle Royale or continue your drive up to Copper Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. From there board the Isle Royale Queen Boat for the 4hr. ride to the island.

Once on the unspoiled island, check into the Rock Harbor Lodge for your overnight.

The lodge offers rooms overlooking Lake Superior. Canoeing, kayaking, fishing charters and sightseeing tours are optional tours Pure Michigan Holidays can arrange for you as well. Explore the harbor near the lodge this afternoon by canoe – This evening enjoy dinner at the Lighthouse Restaurant at the lodge. Then rest up for a busy day tomorrow.

Day Five – (Isle Royale National Park)

This morning enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge and then pack a lunch for your hike along the trails today. The national park offers more than 165 miles of scenic hiking trails ready for you to explore.

Also too, are historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, ancient copper mining sites, and plenty of spots to observe the moose, wolves, loons, beaver, fox, and other small mammals and birdlife. Trails are well defined and easy to follow. And you have a variety of trails varying in duration and difficulty from which to choose for your hiking adventure. Wild berries can be found all along the trails all summer long - from strawberries and thimbleberries to raspberries and blueberries. Have your camera ready for a shot of a moose. Your best chance of seeing moose on the island is early morning or just before sunset. And moose viewing can be seen on all trails and harbors near the lodge. It’s definitely a nature lovers paradise on Isle Royale. Simply Moovelous!

After a full day out on the trails – return to Rock Harbor Lodge and enjoy the sunset from the patio of the Lighthouse Restaurant. If you are lucky enough you may hear the wolves calling out….All is right with the world this evening……

Day Six –

Board the seaplane or the Isle Royale Queen boat ride for the return trip back to the mainland. What an adventure you’ve had in the Wilds of Michigan…….

(Optional itineraries for return trip to your final destination are available)