Heading north from Milwaukee, we stopped in Kohler to check out this Pokemon statue.
We began to see more and more fall colors as we drove north towards Upper Michigan.
Stopping for pasties at one of the famous local restaurants, Muldoons in Munising.
Arriving in Upper Michigan we took a short sunset hike at Pictured Rocks.
The trail follows the cliffs along Lake Superior and sometimes drops down onto the beach.
Working our way back to the trailhead we saw the sun lighting up the rocks on the cliffs down below.
Pictured Rocks Kayaking
The following morning we went kayaking on the still waters of Lake Superior.
We slowly worked our way up the coast at Pictured Rocks.
We got to explore several sea caves along the coast.
This is why they call it Pictured Rocks.
Great visibility allowed us to see shipwrecks at the bottom of Lake Superior.
The Roads of Upper Michigan
We found the fall colors. Upper Michigan was almost at peak so we arrived at the perfect time.
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain. Despite the rain we set out to climb this old ski jump, now under construction and only able to climb on Sundays.
You can just see the top of the jump poking out above the trees.
First we had to take a short lift up to the base of the ski jump.
Standing beneath the ski jump.
We could either climb the stairs or ride the rickety old elevator. We chose the elevator.
Once you arrive at the top of the elevator, you climb this crazy looking appendage, suspended over absolutely nothing.
The stairs with nothing underneath.
Looking back down at the elevator.
We made it to the top, and despite the cloudy skies and little bit of rain, it was a gorgeous view with full fall colors as far as the eye could see.
Almost every one of the few people that came up to the top were absolutely terrified. This old structure seemed in disrepair, and the fact that there was nothing underneath was a little intimidating.
A sea of fall colors.
After about an hour at the top, we climbed down the hard way.
Many days of gas station food. That's a brat burger that I'm eating.
Quincy Mine-Houghton, Michigan
While staying in Houghton, we took a tour of the local copper mine, Quincy Mine.
Inside was the Nordberg Steam Hoist, the largest steam powered hoist in the world. It was pretty big.
After touring the buildings, we took a diesel tram down to the mine entrance.
Entering the mine.
Lots of old equipment leftover from the mining days.
Getting a look at one of the chambers dug entirely by hand, by candle light. Many people died in this brutal profession and these mines were a significant supplier of copper for the war efforts.
The local Michigan geology students used Quincy Mine to study and practice mining techniques. They built a classroom right inside the main chamber.
The Houghton Bridge at sunset.
Timm’s Hill, Wisconsin
Our final day in Upper Michigan. We drove the beautiful roads in the misty morning.
Timms Tower, the highest natural point in Wisconsin. Many of the hills in the Midwest are covered in trees, so they do a good job of building towers so when you get to the summit, there's a good view.
More beautiful fall colors.
After coming down from the tower we took a short walk around the nearby lake.
We finally found a colorful canopy of trees with falling leaves.