For the past two years, Overlanders from all over the United States descend on a remote patch of rock jutting into Lake Superiors stormy waters. That rock is located in Michigans Upper Peninsula and is commonly known as the Keewenaw Peninsula. And the annual get together is the Keewenaw Overland Adventure Retreat or KOAR. This basecamp type style get together takes place at Northwinds Adventures in Atlantic Mine, MI.
This year was our first time to KOAR and also our maiden voyage to the Keewenaw Peninsula. Located 7 hours north of my home, it’s surprising that we haven’t already explored this patch of remote territory before. The site of the first copper mining boom in the middle of the 19th century, the area is rich in mineralogical history. Evidence of copper extraction from Native Americans dates as far back as 3000BC. Although copper and silver mining in the area has receded, logging and tourism are now the main draw. And its unique topography and remoteness make it a perfect location for vehicular exploration.
Keewenaw Overland Adventure Retreat Video:
Arriving on Thursday evening, we were greeted by the staff and invited to a welcome dinner. Here we discussed the events for the next couple of days while meeting other attendees and enjoying some home cooked grub. Guided trail rides of the Keewenaw Peninsula with experienced locals peeked our interest. Not familiar with the area, we thought it best to sign up for one of these rides. After selecting High Rock Bay & Keewenaw Rocket Range, we hung out with some new friends before heading back to camp to hunker down before a large storm was due to arrive.
Upper Peninsula Weather
An interesting night of rain, thunder, lighting and 50 MPH winds left us a little less rested than normal. Although our roof top tent held up just fine, it was an obnoxiously loud night. After some much needed coffee and french toast, we met up with our guide for the day and headed off to the very tip of the Keewenaw Peninsula with a group of explorers. The weather wasn’t finished with us as rain and wind persisted most of the day. Thanks to my Mammut Kento Jacket, I remained dry.
Narrow dirt and gravel roads littered with deep puddles led us to the Keewenaw Rocket Range. A site used between 1964-71 for launching NASA weather rockets. Some as large as 28 feet tall and capable of reaching almost 100 miles in altitude. Nearby High Rock Bay provided amazing views of Lake Superior and offered a great place to take a break.
Day two arrived and we decided to take our own tour of the area. Most of the day was spent on paved roads as we toured the scenic villages speckled along the south shore of Lake Superior. Stops at several scenic water falls and overlooks gave us a real appreciation for the unique and rugged landscape of the region. We even made a stop at the Jampot in Eagle River for some tasty preserves and baked goods. A scenic traverse along Brockway mountain afforded views of Lake Superior and the occasional freighter lumbering by. Finally, we capped our tour in Copper Harbor for lunch before making the trip back to basecamp.
The People
As with Overland Expo, KOAR and other related gatherings, the people you meet are the real treasure. Exploring new areas is only a small part of the event. New friendships are forged over drinks and campfires providing memories that will last longer than any trail traveled. By expanding your circle of like-minded friends, you’ll only increase the number of places to visit in the future. And it’s the main reason we’ll continue to attend events like KOAR.
Thanks to the hard working staff and guides for putting on such a well run event. Already looking forward to next year.
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