Plan The Perfect August Day in Copper Country

There’s just something about August in Michigan’s Copper Country that feels like magic. The air is warm, the skies stretch out clear and blue, and Lake Superior finally loses its icy chill, making beach days not just possible, but perfect.

From the end of July through mid-August, this little window of summer is widely considered the best time to visit the Keweenaw Peninsula. The bugs have mostly disappeared, the winds have calmed, and the big lake is at its most inviting. It’s the time when locals soak in the season, and visitors get a glimpse of the region at its absolute best.

If you're wondering how to spend a perfect day in Copper Country, we’ve got your guide. From morning coffee to sandy toes and sunset treats, here’s how to make the most of an unforgettable summer day, and all just a short drive from The Lodge Luxury Suites.

Start Your Day with Great Local Coffee

Every great day starts with great coffee, and in Copper Country, you're spoiled for choice. If you're heading up the spine of the Keweenaw toward Copper Harbor, make a quick stop at one of these local favorites:

• Keweenaw Coffee Works in Calumet is a must-stop for ethically sourced, expertly roasted coffee. Their nitro cold brew is a local legend.

• Take a chance on something new! The Prickly Pine, opened in July by Robert and Jeni Klimek, brings fresh energy and local charm to downtown Houghton.

• Want something quick and familiar? The new Dunkin’ Donuts in Houghton makes for an easy grab-and-go option before you hit the road.

• More than just great coffee, Roy’s Pasties & Bakery in Houghton offers fresh-baked pasties and other baked goods, all with a view of the Portage Canal.

Coffee in hand, you’re ready for a day of beach hopping and summer exploring.

Hit the Beaches of Copper Country

The Keweenaw Peninsula may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of “beach day,” but that’s exactly what makes it so special. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful, and best kept secrets, in the Midwest.

From rugged and wild to soft-sand and serene, there’s a beach for every mood within an hour of The Lodge. Here are some top picks:

Agate Beach

Located near Toivola, quiet Agate Beach is a favorite among rock collectors. With its stunning mix of agates, polished stones, and gentle waves, it’s a peaceful place to wander and treasure hunt.

Misery Bay Beach

Misery Bay Beach is a local favorite. It's a white sand beach that is often empty, which makes it perfect for relaxing, reading, or a private swim in the lake. The water here tends to warm up nicely by August.

Houghton Breakies

In Houghton, Breakers Beach (aka “Breakies”) is a local hangout where you can dip your toes in the water, toss a frisbee, or watch boats go by on the Portage Canal. It’s also a great spot for bonfires and stargazing.

Great Sand Bay

Near Eagle Harbor, Great Sand Bay features a wide, breezy beach that is perfect for those who want some space to spread out. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially in the golden evening light.

Second Sand Beach

Located near L’Anse, Second Sand Beach is a family-friendly beach with soft sand and shallow entry points, making it ideal for younger kids or those looking for a gentle swim.

Pack a picnic lunch, a good book, and your favorite beach towel and you’ve got all the ingredients for an incredible Copper Country beach day.

Cool Off with Local Ice Cream

After a day in the sun, nothing hits quite like a scoop (or two) of ice cream. No summer beach day is complete without ice cream, and the Copper Country has no shortage of sweet spots to treat yourself after a day in the sun. These local favorites have you covered:

• With two convenient locations, Portage Paddle Sports is more than just water gear, it’s also home to some of the best ice cream and vegan gelato in town. With both Jilbert's Dairy and Cedar Crest hand-dipped options (including the beloved Mackinac Island Fudge), they offer classic summer scoops alongside plant-based options that are just as tasty. 

• Sunflower Books & Coffee is a cozy used bookstore and coffee shop in downtown Hancock, offering ice cream, local gifts, postcards, farm goods, and more, all with a warm, welcoming vibe.

• Part bookstore, part comic shop, part ice cream stop, Black Ice Comics & Books in Houghton is a fun one-stop shop for graphic novels, tabletop games, and a sweet treat.

• Located in Calumet, The Copper Scoop serves up unique sorbet and ice cream flavors, including dairy-free and gluten-free options, plus coffee and kombucha. Don’t miss their fudge chunk ice cream!

• From burgers to pizza to Red Bull frappes, Drive Thru Depot, nestled between Hubbell and Lake Linden, has it all, including sundaes, shakes, and malts. Order inside, drive through, or call ahead for a quick and tasty bite.

Wherever your summer day takes you, make sure there’s a cone in your hand. You’ve earned it.

Wind Down at The Lodge Luxury Suites

After a full day of sunshine, fresh air, and Superior views, head back to The Lodge Luxury Suites to relax in comfort.

Our boutique hotel offers a central location at the base of the Keweenaw Peninsula, so you're never far from your next adventure. Whether you’re beach-hopping west, heading north to Copper Harbor, or spending the evening in downtown Houghton or Hancock, we’re right in the middle of it all.

The Lodge blends rustic charm with modern comfort, making it the perfect place to come home to after a day out. Relax in our lounge area with an 85-inch smart TV, sip something refreshing from our self-serve bar, or take a quiet walk down to the Portage Canal.

As a family-owned, locally run hotel, we’re always happy to help you plan your next day. Need restaurant recommendations? Want to know which beach has the best sunset views? Just ask, we love sharing our backyard with you.

Your Copper Country Summer Starts Here

August in Copper Country is pure magic. It’s the kind of summer day that sticks with you, the sound of waves on the shore, the feeling of sun-warmed sand, the taste of local ice cream, and the joy of discovering somewhere that still feels untouched.

So grab your sunglasses, pack your cooler, and make the most of this golden season in one of Michigan’s most beautiful corners. We’ll be here at The Lodge to help you feel right at home.