See Michigan’s Fall Colors From The World’s Tallest Outdoor Staircase, 26 Stories Up

This season, I have made a conscious effort to travel up North to witness the fall leaves in all their splendor. This week marks the peak of Michigan's leaf season, with trees throughout the state ablaze with fall colors. I'll be heading to Traverse City to enjoy the leaves, but I recently stumbled across one of the craziest ways to enjoy the fall foliage that has made me rethink my entire trip.

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The Upper Peninsula is the best place to see the leaves, and now there is a new way to get the best view in the entire state. All it takes is going up a ski lift, an elevator 18 stories, and climbing another 100+ stairs to get to the top of Copper Peak, the world's tallest outdoor staircase. 

Copper Peak, 31 Years Later

Despite having closed in 1994, Copper Peak's Adventure Ride remains a massive ski jump that has been open to visitors, who can bike, hike, and climb the staircase that has been preserved. It serves as a staple in Ironwood for those seeking the best view in the state.

From September 16th to approximately October 19th, anyone can head to the observation deck, which offers a 2,500 square mile view in all directions, featuring sights of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Canada, and Lake Superior. Since it is located at such a high elevation, it is worth noting that the Adventure Ride can sway slightly in the wind, which is part of its design. It can withstand winds over 190 mph.

Copper Peak's recent $20 million grant from the State of Michigan will return the 800-foot hilltop to its skiing roots, making it the world's largest ski jumping hill. It is currently about a year into its construction. Once complete, Copper Peak aims to host year-round ski jumping competitions and training for skiers worldwide.

The Best Fall View In Michigan

Michigan isn't known for its mountains, and while the Brockway Pass offers a beautiful natural view of Lake Superior, it can be a perilous journey to the "summit". Copper Peak offers a significantly easier commute, providing the highest view of the leaves in the state.

Don't take just my word for it: TODAY named Ironwood as one of the top autumn destinations in the US, with the Adventure Ride being the prize attraction. If you aren't able to make it to Copper Peak before it closes on October 19th, you can always take a peek at the Copper Peak Livestream on Twitch to see what you're missing.

Though the season comes to a close soon for 2025, Copper Peak is a must-visit for anyone who loves fall and is brave enough to go skyward for a stellar view.