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Copper Peak Ski Jump set to receive $20 million in funding for renovations

The money comes after the State House and Senate passed a $4.8 billion infrastructure spending plan.

Published: Mar. 27, 2022 at 9:24 PM CDT 

IRONWOOD, Mich. (WLUC) – Some of the $4.8 billion from an infrastructure plan passed by state lawmakers will go to renovate the Copper Peak Ski Jump in Gogebic County.

“I want my sport at Copper Peak,” Copper Peak Ski Jump Planning Committee Chairman Bob Jacquart said. Jacquart recalls the former International Ski Federation, or FIS president telling him this back in 2013.

Now, FIS ski jumping could be just a few years away from returning to Gogebic County.

Thursday, the Michigan House and Senate passed a $4.8 billion infrastructure spending plan. It includes $20 million to restore and develop Ironwood’s Copper Peak Ski Jump facility to host FIS ski jumping events after nearly 30 years out of commission.

“The last time [Copper Peak] was jumped was 1994 and the actual style of ski jumping, they glide differently now so the angle of the hill has to get significantly changed,” Jacquart said.

Concrete will have to be poured on the jump’s runway and landing to host summer ski jumping. Jacquart says Copper Peak is slated to host one of the most important FIS events of the warm season after renovations are complete. “We will be the final event of the summer series which means we will crown the summer world champion,” Jacquart said.

State lawmakers expect Copper Peak to bring in $50 million of visitor revenue in its first four years of men’s and women’s competitive events. Jacquart says thousands of European ski jumping fans could travel to Gogebic County.

“We will get put onto the schedule about a year and a half before the meet, that’s how the process works with FIS,” Jacquart said. “I’ve been told a couple of times from Europeans that the minute we’re put on the schedule our hotels will fill up from Europe.”

Jacquart adds none of this would be possible without the work of Representatives Sara Cambensy (D) 109th State House District, Beau LaFave (R) 108th State House District, Greg Markkanen (R) 110th State House District, Senators Ed McBroom (R) 38th State Senate District, and Wayne Schmidt (R) 37th State District Senate. “Those five folks are key to this thing getting pulled off,” Jacquart said.

Jacquart says a FIS engineer is set to visit the ski jump this summer to begin drafting remodel plans.

He expects it to be finished by the end of summer 2024, with its first competition slated for winter of 2025.

Copyright 2022 WLUC. All rights reserved.

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U.P. Lawmakers Support Infrastructure, Copper Peak Bills

“The western U.P. has been dealt many blows economically for years, the most recent of which was the untimely and unnecessary closure of Ojibway Prison,” said State Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “The state has made many promises of economic investment and today, thanks to the great U.P. legislative team and partners across the U.P. and downstate, we are seeing a tremendous investment in a transformational project for our area.”

Senate Bill 565, which contains funding for much-needed road and water infrastructure repairs, also included funds for local park projects across the state. SB 565 includes $20 million for the restoration and development of the Copper Peak ski jump facility in Gogebic County. The world-class facility will attract international ski competitions and provide sports-related tourism to the region. The ski jump is expected to generate $50 million for the region in visitor revenue over its first four years of competitive events.

“Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula legislators worked together and across the aisle to include funding to transform Copper Peak into a world-class destination for ski jumping competitions and training for Olympic-level athletes from the U.S. and around the world,” said State Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City. “We already have an international commitment to host ski competitions once upgrades are complete.”

State Rep. Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain) says legislative passage Thursday of legislation directing federal dollars toward improving Copper Peak will make the U.P. a global destination for ski jumping and have a positive impact across the region.

State Rep. Sara Cambensy (D-Marquette), called this a critical investment for the area and Michigan as a whole.

“This monumental funding to rebuild the historic Copper Peak ski flying jump is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for the entire state of Michigan. The economic growth that will come from this unprecedented investment is unlike anything U.P. legislators have been able to capture since building the Mackinac Bridge,” said Cambensy. “Bob Jacquart had a dream to bring international ski flying back to the United States and his hometown of Ironwood, and his consistent ask to the U.P. delegation of legislators has finally paid off. What a gift this appropriation is for every Michigander, but especially our Yoopers who share our ski jumping and flying heritage.”

“This plan moves our state and our region forward,” State Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) said. “I frequently hear from people who say Michigan needs to do more for road repairs from driveway to highway, and the state needs to do a better job providing people in rural areas with high-speed internet in today’s technological world. This plan is a commitment that acts on those concerns.”

Rep. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) says House passage Thursday of a bipartisan infrastructure package brings with it almost $250 million for broadband expansion in rural Michigan, adding broadband service can no longer be considered a luxury.

The funding measure has also garnered support from local organizations, including Jacquart, who serves as chairman of the Copper Peak Organizing Committee.

“We are thrilled that a portion of the funding for local and state parks and trails will help the U.P. become a global destination for competitive ski jumping,” Jacquart said. “Recently, the International Ski Federation selected Copper Peak to become the exclusive, year-round competition and training venue for Olympic-level skiers. Funding in the bill will help cover the cost of extensive renovations that the Copper Peak Ski jump must undergo to meet competition requirements.”

“During COVID-19, we saw many small businesses do more sales online. We saw remote learning and other things where the internet was a critical piece of everyday life,” Markkanen said. “It is imperative to get this technology to all corners of the state. Michigan will be stronger going forward because of it.”

Markkanen also touted a total of $712 million for continued clean water grant and loan program funding. The program, which has assisted with several projects in the western U.P., will work to protect public health, fix failing septic systems, test the viability of existing infrastructure and other needs.

McBroom says the U.P. needs the help to fix aging infrastructure.

“Communities throughout the U.P. are grappling with problems from aging water systems, including and especially old lead pipes,” said McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “The historic funding we approved today will help make transformational changes to these water systems and those throughout the state, benefitting residents now and in generations to come.”

SB 565 will now go to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for consideration.

“It’s not just safe, clean water,” McBroom said. “We’re leveraging this rare opportunity to invest federal funding to fix our roads, bridges and dams, as well as to update and upgrade state and local parks, and connect more rural residents to fast, reliable internet — all things that are vital to residents and to our economy, both now and in the future.”

Follow the bill here

Questions? Email press@copperpeak.com

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6 Most Adventurous Things to Do In Michigan

View of Copper Peak in the Fall

Jun 03, 2020 By rebecca

For adventure lovers, every spot becomes a place to explore. Still, there is something special about the best out of the bests! And in that way, Michigan is very special. You will be mesmerized, reaching there with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, starry skies, and the adventures. It is why the adventure tourists from all over the globe flock here to experience something unimaginable and incomparable.

Everyone is aware of the fact that Michigan means relaxing by the beachside and spending a day filled with tranquility and peace. But your desire is different. You are eager to make the trip the height of adventure. There are so many activities for people like you who are eager to taste the incredible wild side of Michigan. Check out these 6!

Zoom Down at Crystal Mountain
This is a kind of coaster ride at Crystal Mountain Resort that I am sure you will have a blast riding. Not necessarily, you will enjoy this if you are a young adventurer; this is for all age groups. The ride is open for the tourists who are not even staying at the resort. Go ahead and enjoy the fabulous landscape while zooming down the mountainside.

Unforgettable Boating at Pictured Rocks
If you want to align yourself with the calm nature, then no stepping back from the boat ride at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The lake is inviting all with a bunch of adventures to be enjoyed. You can opt for various boat tours.

You can book according to their formations or choose a glass-bottomed tour to know the details about some of the Lake Superior’s shipwrecks. You will be overwhelmed with the spectacular views of water-falls, towering cliffs to the crystal clear deep blue water of the lake.

Scuba Diving in Lakes
Michigan, Superior, Huron lakes are littered with several shipwrecks. We generally think scuba diving is a sea environment activity. But these lakes will prove you wrong with the top-class scuba diving experience. Jean Michel Cousteau and the Titanic discoverer Robert Ballard are also fond of this famous lake scuba diving.

Staring At the Stars at Dark Sky Preserve
In our urban lifestyles, the clear night sky is probably what we miss the most. For this reason, whenever we go out of the city, marveling at the milky-way is one of our favorite time passes. And for the adventure lovers, this has an added attraction. Spending hours looking at the dark sky before entering the roof top tent will become a lifetime memory.

Northern Michigan will allow you to have a clearer sky, which is quite unlikely in the polluted city sky. You will get away from the skyscrapers, streetlights, and billboards. The major portion of the state is free from the bright street lights. Because of that, the incredible Headlands International is in this province. You will get a clear view of the sky from Beaver Island, and a dark sky preserve is located in the Rockport State Park.

Copper Peak Ski Jump
The Copper Peak Ski jump in the western part of the Upper Peninsula was once the biggest active jump of the entire western hemisphere. Now, this historic site is open for travelers to get a 360-degree view of the surroundings.

And you never know, if God would have been kind enough, you will get clear weather to see the three states and Canada from the top. You can reach the top by taking the chairlift to the zero levels and hopping on the elevator. You can also climb up the 35-degree slope to the top. To capture the best scenic beauty, autumn is the ideal time to visit Copper Peak.

Kayak, Bike, and Brew
Popularly known as KaBrew, this is an amazing way of entertaining the tourists through bike trails, Boardman Lake, River, and West Bay. The 4 hours long bike ride will start with pedaling to the Right Brain Brewery.

After finishing there, you will get to the Filling Station Microbrewery and Hull Park. Finally, after visiting Rare Bird Brewpub, the guide will take you to the KBB lounge for some refreshments. Enjoying beer and suds in such an adventurous way must not be missed. Northern Michigan is an ideal place for a try to stand-up paddle-boarding.

Finally
While reading about Michigan, you might recognize the state as the place of automobiles. True, there’s a boom in automobile industry giants. Besides, this is also known as weekend destinations to spend some quality time along the shores of the lakes. You might not be aware of the fact that over 11.000 inland lakes are scattered in Michigan.

Apart from this, the state is waiting for you with something more. If you visit northern Michigan, you will discover the exciting outdoor adventures. Many people don’t even know about it. So, while planning to visit this time, I guess you should try at least a few of them for a change. If an adventurous spirit hides within you, I am damn sure you can’t cut it off from your itinerary. You will have a grand trip to Michigan, believe me!

Are body hairs standing up? Get ready with all your hiking gears to have a completely different experience. Don’t forget to take insect repellents, enough snacks, and a powerful torch because this time, you are going to do something crazy.

Read this article on their website here.

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These are the ‘can’t miss’ roads to see fall colors Michigan

As we move fully into fall, the trees will start to change colors, and the County Road Association of Michigan has released its list of “can’t miss” roads to see fall colors across the state.

“Driving the county roads is an ideal way to view fall colors,” said Denise Donohue, executive director for the County Road Association (CRA) of Michigan. “This list of ‘don’t miss’ fall color drives reflect the best suggestions from nearly two dozen county road agencies who know the best color spots in their area.”

Peak viewing conditions are expected from Sept. 20 through Oct. 14, with mid Michigan, west Michigan and southeast Michigan all peaking in the same week.

Gogebic County

  • Black River Road to Black River Harbor
  • Lake Road from Ironwood to Little Girls Point and Superior Falls
  • Black River Road from Bessemer to Copper Peak and Black River Harbor
  • Wolf Mountain Road from US 2 to Wolf Mountain
  • County Road 519N from Wakefield to the mouth of the Big Presque Isle River and Porcupine State Park
  • Thousand Island Lake Road from US 2 to Sylvania Wilderness Park

Click here to view the full article.

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8 ways to see sky-high fall color views in Michigan

By 

COPPER PEAK ADVENTURE RIDE

Consider the logistics of this three-part trip for just a second: To take full advantage of the Copper Peak Adventure ride, fun-seekers first take a chairlift ride, then an elevator trip, then finally walk up the last several stories.

And what do you get at the top? An incredible view of our piece of the world.

“Once at the top, visitors can enjoy the highest, most awe-inspiring, unobstructed vista in the Midwest, overlooking over 2,500 square miles, three states and even Canada on a clear day. The Copper Peak Adventure Ride is an opportunity not to be missed!,” staff say.

This massive ski-flying hill in the Upper Peninsula is pretty impressive. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and as a Michigan State Historic Site.

Fall color enthusiasts are welcome every day from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. through Oct. 20.

“The Copper Peak Adventure Ride lets visitors rise to the same heights as the athletes who have flown down the hill in years past. After an 800-foot chair lift ride to the crest of the hill, visitors take a thrilling 18-story elevator to the main observation deck. From there, the truly fearless can walk an additional 8 stories to the top starting gate.

Pricing:
Adults: $20
Kids (5-14): $8
5 & younger: Free

IF YOU GO

Copper Peak
N13870 Copper Peak Road, Ironwood
(906) 932-3500

For more details, check Copper Peak’s website and Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of Copper Peak

Photo courtesy of Copper Peak

Check out the full article for 7 more places to go to see sky-high fall color views in Michigan!

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5 Places to Take a Scenic Fall Color Chairlift Ride in Northern Michigan

By  on October 3, 2019

Looking for some really incredible views on your Northern Michigan fall color tour? Head to these ski resorts. While you might overlook the views and fun that chairlifts provide during ski season, autumn is a whole different story. Fall color chairlift rides offer some of the most secluded and breathtaking vistas of Michigan’s vibrant foliage.

Copper Peak // Ironwood

The Copper Peak adventure ride allows guests to experience the same heights as athletes who have flown down the hills in years past. As if the 810-foot chairlift ride didn’t provide enough of a stunning view, visitors are then invited to take an elevator 18 stories up for the highest unobstructed 360-degree vista in the Midwest. From there, experience a breathtaking view overlooking 2,500 square miles, which include the stunning fall colors along Lake Superior, three states and even Canada on a clear day.

$20 per adult, $8 per student (under 14), children 5 and under are free. Daily through mid-October, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. More details here.

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Copper Peak Goes Gold 50th Anniversary Celebration This October

IRONWOOD – Copper Peak is excited to announce the Copper Peak Goes Gold 50th
Anniversary Celebration this October at Caribou Lodge in Bessemer, MI. With
construction culminating at Copper Peak in November 1969, Copper Peak held its first
ski flying event in February and March of 1970. Copper Peak will be celebrating their
50th Anniversary with events throughout the 2019-2020 season. Help Copper Peak
celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event on October 12, 2019. Tickets are $50 each and
are available now at Chelsi’s Corner in Ironwood, MI, The Leather and Gift Shop in Bessemer, MI and in the Copper
Peak Gift Shop.

Tickets will include appetizers, dinner, dessert, live music by Xtra and a chance to
win a 55” flat screen tv! Other activities at the event include a social, cash bar, popup shop, and silent auction. This is a semi-formal event with black and gold apparel
preferred.

Schedule of Events:
Social, Cash Bar, Pop-Up Shop, Silent Auction: 5:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM
Live Music by Xtra: 7:30 PM
Silent Auction Ends: 8:00 PM

If you are not from the area and would like to purchase a ticket, please call/text/email Kassi Huotari at 906-364-5374 or kassi@copperpeak.com

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Trails Fest Attract All Ages of Riders

Austin Sturbenz, 11, left, and Logan Holm, 10, both of Ironwood, keep the pressure on one another in trying to reach the finish line first at the end of the children’s trail run Saturday at the Copper Peak Trails Fest in Ironwood.

By TOM LAVENTURE

tlaventure@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood – The cool weather proved perfect for around 135 mountain bike riders who participated in the Copper Peak Trails Fest on Saturday in Ironwood.

With 7-mile sport race and 16-mile expert race courses navigating the Black River and ascending nearly 600 feet to the Copper Peak ski flying jump, the riders would have overheated in hot weather, said Paul Anderson, race director. The downhill ride was fast and winding with jumps and bridges, he said.

“We built our mountain bike trails here as the first in the area and really focused on developing these trails for the past eight years,” Anderson said. “We have some really, really top quality mountain bike trails here and it’s nice to showcase the trails for people who come here to race from all over northern Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula.

In addition the event offered a 7-mile trail run and a non-timed kid’s race with one mile and three mile routes, and a strider run of a few hundred yards to encourage all ages and levels of riders to participate. The Copper Peak summer festival was held simultaneously so that participants could enjoy rides, a bouncy house, food vendors and entertainment.

Austin Sturbenz, 11, of Ironwood, peddled hard at the end of the three-mile run to be edged out by friend, Logan Holm, 10, also of Ironwood. The experience was great, he said.

“It’s hard for sure, Sturbenz said. “You can have fun and visit with your friends. It’s a fun thing to do on your free time and it’s a good workout while you are having fun.”

Russ Johnson, the oldest mountain bike rider at the event at age 75, said the bikes today are a lot nicer and he enjoys pushing himself as he does as a ski instructor. He enjoys the competition but said it’s really about the fun and hanging with friends who feel like comrades after the ride.

“I ride out here a lot. I really enjoy it. It’s a lot of fun, and just a great time,” Johnson said. “I wish I would have got into this sport a long time ago.”

Andrea Newby, program director with the Gogebic Range Health Foundation, said her foundation provided a profits match for the event of up to $8,000. The health foundation collaborates with fundraisers where there is a similar mission, and the Sisu Dirt Crew, a mountain bike trail development and advocacy organization based in Ironwood, also promotes healthy activities, and getting kids and families outside riding bikes, she said.

“The purpose of this race is to build more trails and advocate for biking in the community and so as a health foundation we think that is a priority for us,” Newby said. “Sisu Dirt Crew holds weekly mountain bike rides during the summer and we have groups that do trail building and other events throughout the year.”

The overall winners in the expert 16 mile race was Ronnie Lajoie, of Iron River, Wisconsin in the women’s 40 to 59 age group, who won $250. Candace Jacobs, of Ironwood, won ski passes for winning the women’s 13 to 39 age group, and Sylvia Knust, of Minocqua, Wisconsin won a swag bag for second place.

Aaron Swanson, of Ashland, Wisconsin won $250 for winning the men’s 40 to 59 age group in the expert 16 mile race. Nikolai Anikin of Duluth, Minnesota, won the ski passes and Casey Lajoie, of Iron River, Wisconsin won the swag bag in the men’s 13 to 39 age group.

In the 7 mile trail run Carolyn Warren, of Ironwood, won a ski pass for winning the women’s age 13 to 39 group. Jason Lindelof, of Duluth, won the ski pass for winning the men’s 13 to 39 age group.

View the full article online, here: Trails fest attracts all ages of riders

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17 Spectacular Ways to Explore the Northwoods This September

Consider this your fair warning: as beautiful as an Up North summer is, this region is about to get impossibly beautiful with the arrival of autumn and the amazing colors the new season brings to our forests. And you’re going to want to explore the Northwoods all you can before this magical season ends. Here are 17 unique ways you can get the most amazing views before the leaves begin to fall.

On the Ground

1. Go for a drive along one of the Rustic Roads.

Temperatures are just right for a road trip through northern Wisconsin, whether your preferred vehicle is a car, bicycle, or motorcycle. The Rustic Roads are lightly traveled routes that ensure a peaceful and picturesque journey. The State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s website contains Rustic Road maps and information about historical markers, native plants, and hiking and biking trails you’ll pass along the way. If you have photographic evidence that you rode your motorcycle on at least 10 of Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads, you will be eligible to receive a Rustic Roads Motorcycle Tour patch, and if you travel on 25 or more, you’ll be eligible for a special state certificate.

2. Go geocaching.

Geocaching is the act of searching for hidden objects by coordinates listed on a website. The hidden geocache often contains a log sheet and an object or objects. Geocachers typically leave their names and a small item and take a small item as a token from the cache. This family-friendly activity turns your trip Up North into a treasure hunt and is a great way to explore beyond obvious tourist attractions. Check out geocaching.com to see where geocaches are hidden where you’re traveling—Up North and beyond!

3. Take a tour of Ashland’s historical murals.

Take a trip through history in Ashland’s eight-block Main Street district for the 20th anniversary of the historic murals of Ashland by artists Kelly Meredith and Susan Prentice Martinsen. Enjoy a trolley tour on September 6, and stick around for the Mural Fest and Car Show on September 7. Your walking feet will be warmed up so you can enjoy a scenic walk on the rail trail along Chequamegon Bay between festivities.

4. Hop on your motorcycle and join the Tomahawk Fall Ride.

The Tomahawk Fall Ride is one of the largest motorcycle rallies in Wisconsin, drawing more than 40,000 riders to Tomahawk each September, as a major fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Will you join the rally? The event features live entertainment and showcases the newest motorcycles and accessories from Harley-Davidson, which has two manufacturing facilities in Tomahawk.

5. Go on an off-road adventure.

Whether you have your own ATV or UTV or rent one locally and head out for a self-guided trip or prefer to have an experienced tour guide by your side, you cannot go wrong! But for a unique experience, we recommend the Northwoods Zip Line‘s first-of-its-kind Argo tour over 16 miles of scenic trails on a 900-acre trophy deer farm.

6. Ride your ride out on the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail.

Winding through the Northern Highland American Legion Forest, along placid lakes, and beside rippled rivers, the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System takes riders on 52 miles of paved trails, connecting St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer. When you need a break from riding under the autumnal canopy, rest with your riding buddies at one of the trail’s several scenic picnic areas.

7. Board the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad for a scenic ride through northwestern Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad in Trego has an unforgettable journey just waiting for you and your traveling companions. Trips range from a short, kid-friendly sightseeing train ride or pizza dinner ride to dinner or wine & cheese ride for the grown-ups or a special, overnight B&B-like stay on the train. You’ll be mesmerized by the foliage and river views as your train swiftly chugs along the rails.

On the Water

8. Get your hands on a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, and take to one of the region’s thousands of lakes.

It might be a little chilly to go swimming, but the weather’s perfect to paddle out on the water. In the post–Labor Day “locals’ summer” season of early September, you’ll enjoy the benefit of less motorized boat traffic on the waterways, to boot.

9. Book a pontoon cruise.

Minocqua Pontoon Cruises offer four scheduled daily cruises through October. These trips are great opportunities to relax, learn about the area, and view some incredible scenes. You’ll have the chance to view eagles and loons and many historical boathouses on your cruise.

10. Take a tour of one of the region’s cranberry marshes during harvest season.

Cranberry growers flood the marshes to facilitate the harvest, and densely packed expanses of vibrant, floating red berries are an unforgettable sight. Lake Nokomis Cranberries (Eagle River) offers tours from late September to mid-October. Walking is minimal on these tours because a comfortable bus brings you to each stop along the way.

11. View the wreckage of famous shipwrecks and the spectacular Pictured Rocks during a Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour.

Take a two-hour tour along the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Musining (U.P. Michigan) with Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours. In addition to having a close-up view of the historic East Channel Lighthouse and caves and cliffs of Grand Island, you’ll learn about two famous shipwrecks on this fully narrated trip. Through the floor of the glass-bottom boat, you’ll see remnants of the sunken ships on the bottom of the lake.

12. Schedule an angling trip with Dark Waters.

Would you like to have the fly fishing trip of a lifetime? Schedule a trip with Dark Waters Fly Shop‘s guide services for an unforgettable trip in the heart of the Upper Peninsula. The guide will cater to your experience level and favorite species. Half-day and full-day trips are available.

From Above

13. Experience a chair lift ride on Granite Peak.

Gaze upon the flame-hued foliage and Wausau’s twinkling town lights during a relaxing chair lift ride over Granite Peak. Although the chair lift moves speedily during ski season, it is slowed way down during these scenic fall rides so everyone can safely and comfortably get on and off the chair lift.

14. Enjoy the stunning view from the highest point in Wisconsin.

Enjoy the sweeping view of the surrounding wilderness from the highest natural point in Wisconsin, Timm’s Hill (1,951 feet above sea level), in Price County. Climb the wooden structure on Timm’s Hill for an even more elevated perspective of the spectacular fall foliage. The site also connects to the 1,200-mile-long Ice Age Trail, which winds throughout the state of Wisconsin.

15. Make the ascent to the top Copper Peak for a Superior view.

Ascend to the top of Copper Peak, the only ski flying hill outside of Europe, for an exquisite view of Lake Superior and far beyond. On the Copper Peak Adventure Ride, visitors take an 800-foot chair lift ride to the hill’s crest and then continue on an 18-story elevator ascent to the main observation deck. Feeling even more daring? From the observation deck, you have the option to walk an additional eight stories to the top starting gate. From the tippy top, you will have an awe-inspiring, unobstructed view of over 2,500 square miles; visibility can reach to Canada on a clear day! Plan your trip to take Copper Peak Adventure Ride until mid-October.

16. Fly through the brilliant canopy on a zip line tour.

In addition to their awesome Argo tours, Northwoods Zip Line, as their name suggests, also offers epic zip line adventures. The course has nine different zip lines and five adventure bridges. Fly for 1,000 feet, amidst the vibrant foliage and over a pristine lake in your adventure with Northwoods Zip Line.

17. Take an airplane tour of the Eagle River area.

With Scenic Air Tours, an experienced pilot with more than 28,000 hours of flying time will narrate your bird’s eye view of Eagle River and the surrounding areas. Be sure to bring your camera for the unique photo opportunities of the world’s largest chain of freshwater lakes and the glorious foliage and countryside you’ll see on this 30-minute adventure.