KOAR 2024 Trip Report — Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan

When: September 2024

Where: Copper Harbor, MI / Keweenaw Peninsula

Who: Two-up (myself and an employee)

Rig: 1986 Jeep Comanche

Duration: 3 days

The Event

KOAR—Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat—is held up in Copper Harbor at the tip of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. The event includes group trail runs, classes, a vendor area, and camping. We set up camp in the vendor area and used it as a base for exploring the peninsula over three days.

The Route

After arriving, we headed out to the point at the tip of the peninsula, then looped clockwise around the Keweenaw. The peninsula is a mix of paved highways, old mining roads, and forest trails—plenty to explore whether you're looking for easy scenic drives or more technical terrain.

We stopped at Fort Wilkins State Park to use the showers—a good move after dusty trail days.

Gay Beach

One of the highlights was driving the entirety of Gay Beach on the east side of the peninsula. We had the whole beach to ourselves. Sand was firm and packed—no need to air down, just point it and drive. It's a unique experience, miles of Lake Superior shoreline with nobody else around.

Copper Harbor

The town itself is small but has what you need. We ate at Mariner North and Brickside—both solid.

Skipped the breweries this time. The town has a remote, end-of-the-road feel that fits the area.

The Rig

The '86 Comanche handled everything we threw at it. No breakdowns, no recoveries, no drama—just a solid few days of driving.

Closing Night

KOAR wrapped up with a massive group campfire. Good way to end it—swap stories, meet people, wind down after a few days on the trails.

Final Thoughts

The Keweenaw is worth the trip. It's a long haul to get up there, but once you're on the peninsula it feels like a different world—old mining history, Lake Superior views, and trails that range from forest two-tracks to rocky climbs. KOAR is a good excuse to make the drive and meet up with other overlanders.

We'll be back.