Copper Falls, Wisconsin

 August 25-26 Copper Falls, WI

Came across this lovely on our drive

Hiked the Doughboys Nature Trail at Copper Falls State Park. Decided to go up the 147 stairs, then hike further up the hill, and then the 78 stairs up to the top of the fire watch tower. While we were certainly breathless, the view wasn't - all we saw were treetops.

Although if we hadn't we would have missed this piece of wisdom

Brownstone Falls

Copper Falls

Built by the WPA and CCC as a rest spot

Matthew questioned who would have the strength to steal it

View of Devil's Gate

Another view of the Devil's Gates

Tyler Faorks Cascades

Another view of Brownstone Falls

The falls were all gorgeous, although the photos do not do them justice, and definitely worth the 407 steps we went up (and then down). 

Porcupine in the tree

Found a spot to boondock near Twin Lakes in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (albeit in a clearcut area) for a few nights while we waited for the weather to be more favorable. 

Delaware Copper Mine and Leaving the UP

 August 24, 2023

We said goodbye to Copper Harbor and drove out on a very foggy morning

Fall colors are showing more and more

Entrance to the Delaware Copper Mine, 1847 - 1887

Stairs to the first level. There were 10 levels in this mine but all 

but the first are now flooded by rain and snow melt.

Fungus 

Entrance to the lower levels

This power drill was not used in this mine - miners had a 3-person team, one held the 

drill while the other two hit it with 12 lb sledge hammers

Fun fungus

Copper mine buildings

Hand drill

Poor rock pile

Prehistoric mining pit

Rare copper smelter fire brick slab

Stopped at a rest area to make lunch and a charming old man stopped to chat. He was born here in Bete Grise and had wonderful stories to share. Chatted for close to a half hour before he headed home

The temps are chilly and the leaves are turning here

Stopped in Laurium to see the copper barons' homes

Quincy Mine Office

Stopped to pick up something from the Ace Hardware store which doubled as a grocery store

One of our last images before leaving Michigan. Spent the night in the Bad River Casino lot.