Copper Peak Adventure Ride
Just in time for the peak of the fall colors we decided to check out Copper Peak. Located just north of Ironwood, Michigan, Copper Peak Adventure Ride is one of the best places to view the fall colors.
Built in 1970, Copper Peak Adventure Ride is the site of a 241 foot tall ski jump, sitting on top of the 360 foot tall volcanic outcropping. in order to see the spectacular sight you must first travel up the 800 foot chair lift to the top of the ski jump. The view from here is inspirational. Even if you aren't sure about heights this is worth the trip up the chair lift. At the landing pad you can see far to the east, you can also see Lake Superior through the trees to the north.
Looking up at the ski jump from the ground can be a bit intimidating. To get to the top you must take a 16 story elevator ride to the main observation deck. You exit the elevator into a small room with two doors. One door takes you to the main observation deck, the other goes to the ski jump. The deck is a concrete structure surrounded by a chain link fence. The day I visited Copper Peak the wind was light at the bottom but pretty strong once you got to the main observation deck. The view was even better than at the landing point, but this is not the spot for those with a fear of heights. From the observation deck you can see from the west to the south and the east. The fence is tall and does get in the way of taking pictures, but you can get the lens close enough to get through the links.
Through the other door you can venture up to the top level of the ski jump. Those brave enough to venture the final climb up the stairs to the top are rewarded with a view like no other, in Michigan or Wisconsin. At the top of the jump you are at a height of 1,782 feet above sea level (1,200 feet above Lake Superior). There is nothing to block your view in any direction from the top. On a clear day you can see as far as 40 miles, looking over the UP, Ottawa National Forest, Black River National Scenic Byway, Lake Superior and more.
The view you see from any level of Copper Peak is worth the trip. There is an abundance of wildlife, including a pair of bald eagles who can be seen flying around the peak. The best time to take the trip to Copper Peak has to be in the fall to see the colors. My trip was in mid September. The lift operator told me the colors had reached about 50-60%. He informed me that the trees on the mountain had begun to change a little earlier than the ones on valley floor. His prediction was that the color would be close to its peak the last week of September or the first week of October.
The Adventure Ride is open from 10:00AM till 4:30PM starting in mid June through Labor Day. After Labor Day they are only open on weekends. To get to Copper Peak go to Ironwood, Michigan and look for the big skier by Powderhorn Mountain. go north on Powderhorn Road. Follow it to the right at Powderhorn Mtn. Then take a left on Black River Harbor Pkwy. you will see the sign to your right for Copper Peak Adventure Ride.
This is a must see for those who love the fall colors of the Northwoods. It does have some minor obstacles for those with disabilities. For more information visit their website https://www.copperpeak.org.
This Article was written by staff writer:
David Gouwens
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