Welcome Riders!
There are few places in the Midwest that compare to riding a motorcycle through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended motorcycle tour, the Lake Gogebic area offers the perfect home base for exploring hundreds of miles of scenic highways, winding backroads, breathtaking overlooks, waterfalls, charming small towns, and unforgettable scenery.
As local riders ourselves, we’ve been fortunate to ride throughout much of the country, yet we continue to find ourselves coming back to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There is something special about these roads. The scenery changes around every corner, traffic is refreshingly light, the summer temperatures are comfortable, and every ride feels like a new adventure.
The Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome riders from across the Midwest and beyond. We invite you to slow down, explore our communities, support our local businesses, and experience everything that makes the western Upper Peninsula one of America’s hidden gems.
Why Ride the Upper Peninsula?
The first thing you’ll notice is the traffic—or more accurately, the lack of it.
Compared to many motorcycle destinations around the country, the roads throughout the Upper Peninsula are refreshingly uncrowded. Even during the busiest summer weekends, you’ll often find yourself riding miles of open highway with very little traffic and surprisingly few commercial trucks. It makes for a relaxed, enjoyable ride where the journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination.
The roads are exceptionally well maintained considering the amount of snow they endure each winter. While many county roads have narrow shoulders, they provide beautiful rides through towering forests, around crystal-clear lakes, and across rolling hills.
One thing to remember is to watch for wildlife. Deer, bear, and other animals are common throughout the area, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
Another reason riders love the Upper Peninsula is the weather. While much of the Midwest experiences hot, humid summers, temperatures around Lake Gogebic are typically comfortable throughout the riding season. Days above 85 degrees are uncommon, making long rides enjoyable from morning until sunset.
Make Lake Gogebic Your Riding Headquarters
Located in the western Upper Peninsula, Lake Gogebic is Michigan’s largest inland lake and the perfect starting point for countless motorcycle adventures.
Whether you prefer staying at a lakeside resort, cozy cabin, vacation rental, hotel, campground, or RV park, you’ll find accommodations to fit every style of travel.
If camping is your preference, you’ll discover numerous public and private campgrounds throughout the area, including the Bergland Township Park Campground, conveniently located right in the heart of Bergland on the shores of beautiful Lake Gogebic. It’s a wonderful place to spend the evening after a full day of riding and wake up ready for another adventure.
Our Chamber member businesses proudly welcome motorcycle enthusiasts. Whether you’re fueling up, enjoying breakfast before your ride, stopping for lunch, relaxing over dinner, shopping, or spending the night, you’ll find genuine Upper Peninsula hospitality throughout our community.
Need recommendations? Just ask! Many of us ride these roads ourselves and are always happy to share our favorite scenic routes, waterfalls, overlooks, restaurants, and hidden gems.
Must-See Destinations
Lake Gogebic
Michigan’s largest inland lake offers spectacular scenery, waterfront restaurants, resorts, boating, fishing, and unforgettable sunsets.
Google Maps: View Lake Gogebic on Google Maps
Bond Falls
One of Michigan’s most beautiful waterfalls with motorcycle-friendly parking, paved walkways, and several scenic overlooks.
Google Maps: Bond Falls
Lake of the Clouds
Located within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Lake of the Clouds is one of Michigan’s most photographed scenic overlooks and is well worth the short walk from the parking area.
Google Maps: Lake of the clouds
Copper Peak
Climb one of the world’s largest ski flying hills and enjoy panoramic views stretching across Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Lake Superior.
Google Maps: Copper Peak
Brockway Mountain Drive
Often considered one of the best motorcycle roads in Michigan, Brockway Mountain Drive climbs nearly 1,300 feet above Lake Superior and rewards riders with breathtaking panoramic views.
Google Maps: Brockway Mountain Drive
Copper Harbor
No motorcycle trip to the Upper Peninsula is complete without visiting Copper Harbor. Ride scenic County Road 26 north before returning on historic US-41 for two unforgettable riding experiences.
Google Maps: Copper Harbor
Our Favorite Motorcycle Rides
Lake Gogebic Scenic Loop
Approximately 100 Miles
Lake Gogebic → Bergland → Merriweather → Marenisco → Watersmeet → Cisco Chain → Wakefield → Lake Gogebic
Google Route: Lake Gogebic Scenic Loop
Waterfall Tour
Approximately 150 Miles
Lake Gogebic → Bond Falls → Agate Falls → O Kun de Kun Falls → Lake Gogebic
Google Route: Waterfall Tour
Porcupine Mountains Adventure
Approximately 170 Miles
Lake Gogebic → Ontonagon → Porcupine Mountains → Lake of the Clouds → Bergland
Google Route: Porcupine Mountains Adventure
Copper Harbor Adventure
Approximately 275 Miles
Lake Gogebic → Houghton → Brockway Mountain Drive → Copper Harbor → Eagle Harbor → Lake Gogebic
Google Route: Copper Harbour Adventure
Lake Superior Shoreline Ride
Approximately 225 Miles
Lake Gogebic → Ontonagon → Silver City → White Pine → Houghton → Hancock → Lake Linden → Bergland
A scenic ride featuring historic mining communities, incredible Lake Superior views, waterfalls, and beautiful forests.
Google Route: View the Lake Superior Shoreline Ride on Google Maps
Black River Harbor Ride
Approximately 140 Miles
Lake Gogebic → Bessemer → Black River Harbor Scenic Byway → Black River Waterfalls → Ironwood → Wakefield → Lake Gogebic
Google Route: Black River Harbor Ride
Before You Ride
- ⛽ Fill your fuel tank before heading into more remote areas.
- 🦌 Watch for deer and other wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
- 📶 Cell phone coverage can be limited in some areas. Download your maps before leaving if you’re relying on GPS.
- 🧥 Summer mornings can be cool—even in July and August—so pack an extra layer.
- 📷 Bring your camera! You’ll find scenic overlooks, waterfalls, wildlife, and photo opportunities around nearly every corner.
- 🌲 Help keep the Upper Peninsula beautiful by respecting our forests, lakes, trails, and local communities.
We’d Love to Welcome You
Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend, or an entire week, we invite you to make Lake Gogebic your home base while exploring everything Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has to offer.
Stop in, meet our local businesses, enjoy our restaurants, relax at one of our resorts or campgrounds, and discover why riders return to the Lake Gogebic area year after year.
If you have questions while planning your trip, don’t hesitate to contact the Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce or stop by one of our Chamber member businesses. We’d love to point you toward our favorite roads, hidden waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and local attractions.
Ride Safe • Explore More • Stay Longer • Discover Lake Gogebic
