Copper Harbor Wants You in November

Do you know what Copper Harbor is like in November?

Chances are, you don’t. Unless you live here.

How do I know that? Because the locals recognize pretty much every person and vehicle that passes through or stops in. Besides the 100-ish residents, a few fishermen and even less than a few hunters, this town becomes remarkably quiet and peaceful during this month.

That’s exactly why you should come.

When were you here last? February to snowmobile? August with the family? September for the colors?

Those are busy months, my friend. You may think you’re coming to the end of the earth to get away from it all, but you’re doing it just when everybody else is.

Pay attention now. This is the local scoop. These are the reasons you should come to Copper Harbor in November:

You Can See Everything

Once those leaves fall off the trees, you get views you never knew existed. Lake Superior is visible from the trails on the north side of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. You can see all the logging paths in the valleys right off of the Covered Stretch. New rock formations suddenly become visible as you hike through the woods.

It’s like a whole new world! Come and see it for yourself!

The Waves Get Massive

They don’t call ’em the gales of November for nothing! As the temperatures change and pressure systems shift, Lake Superior can get rockin.’ You may have seen pictures or videos on the internet, but you haven’t seen or felt that power until you stood on the shore and watched it yourself. That little pang of fear and awe always adds to the experience.

Here’s a video from a few years ago. (Cheater note. Yes, this video is from the spring, but spring and fall both stir the beast in her!)

Help Decorate the Park

For most of the month of November, Captain Donny and friends put up lights, trees and decorations in the park to prepare for lighting it up at Winter Wonderfest (mark your calendar for that on December 14th). Wouldn’t you feel proud and honored if you could be there and say, “I decorated that tree!” or “I remember helping with those decorations!”

It’s a community effort, and anyone is welcome to help.

Here’s a video of what the fruits of your efforts can look like!

It’s You and the Locals

I know. This can be a bit daunting. Especially if you stop in to the General Store in the morning for a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich while the locals are having coffee talk. Oh, boy. You’ll learn things you never wanted to know about people! And even if you don’t know the people, the stories can be pretty juicy. For some reason, we just don’t hold back.

Maybe that’s why they say “we’re all here because we’re not all there!”

But you will also get more personal service.

Gilly at the Mariner with time for a trick!

Have you been to the Mariner North a dozen times in July? Well, come visit in November, and you might get to know them a bit better. Your server will have time to chat, and the owners might even be out enjoying a meal. This is the time to come if you ever wanted to hobnob or get in with the crowd.

The Fishing is Good

Don’t tell anyone that I told you that.

The splake usually bite in the harbor once the big lake cools down. I’ve seen plenty of boats trolling the harbor and solo or groups of people fishing right off the docks lately. It’s a good time to try your luck!

But no promises. I mean, that’s why they call it fishing and not catching.

You Can Truly “Get Away”

This picture was taken on Wednesday, October 30th. Need I say more?

What a peaceful time to walk the streets of Copper Harbor and take in the solitude!

That doesn’t mean that there are no amenities, however. You will get your needs met in the following ways for the month of November:

Gas Lite General Store – hot coffee, breakfast items, fishing licenses, groceries, snacks, clothing, all types of gear, a variety of adult beverages and, of course, the juicy local gossip.
The Mariner North – lunch and dinner daily with a full bar! Cabins and motel rooms.
Copper Harbor Fuel Stop – open daily for fuel, snacks, local art, automotive items and fishing gear.
Minnetonka Resort and Thunderbird Gift Shop – warm motel rooms and a gift shop until the middle of November.
Brockway Inn Motel – cozy motel rooms open until the middle of November.
Spirit of the North Massage and Wellness – massage specials and energy work until November 25.
Brickside Brewery – local craft beer on the weekends.
The Post Office – buy stamps and get that package shipped 6 afternoons a week. Access to local brochures and displays.