Standing and Seated Mayor Curley statues
1 / 15

Curley Lewis Memorial Highway

4.9
Β·14 reviewsΒ·Paradise, United States

A stunning scenic byway in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, famed for vibrant fall colors and breathtaking Lake Superior vistas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Peak fall colors, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Standing and Seated Mayor Curley statues

Curley Lewis Memorial Highway

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Peak fall colors, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning scenic byway in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, famed for vibrant fall colors and breathtaking Lake Superior vistas.

4.9
(14 reviews)

"Absolutely stunning fall colors and views of Lake Superior – a must-drive!"

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸš— Drive Safely

Winding roads require caution. Be extra careful when stopping for photos, as vehicles can appear suddenly.

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Limited dining options. Enjoy the scenery with a packed lunch at one of the many scenic stops.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.9 Β· 14 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

πŸ‘Ά Good for kidsπŸ…ΏοΈ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Superior Overlooks

Lake Superior Overlooks

Various pull-offs along the highway

Breathtaking vistas of the vast, blue expanse of Lake Superior. Perfect for quiet contemplation and stunning photos.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Near the western end of the highway

Historic lighthouse offering panoramic views. Climb the tower for an unforgettable perspective of the lake and coastline.

Autumn Foliage Spectacle

Autumn Foliage Spectacle

Entire length of the highway

A vibrant tapestry of fall colors paints the landscape. The reds, oranges, and yellows are truly spectacular.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Fall Foliage Focus

The Curley Lewis Memorial Highway is renowned for its stunning fall colors. Plan your visit during autumn for vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Be mindful of winding roads and limited visibility when stopping for photos.

Lake Superior Views & Amenities

Many stops offer breathtaking views of Lake Superior. While some have restrooms, not all have running water. Pack a picnic to fully enjoy the scenic overlooks, as dining options are sparse.

Best Times

When
Autumn mornings
Why
Peak fall colors, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays, late morning
Why
Enjoy views with less traffic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

πŸš— Drive Safely

Winding roads require caution. Be extra careful when stopping for photos, as vehicles can appear suddenly. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Limited dining options. Enjoy the scenery with a packed lunch at one of the many scenic stops. Reddit

πŸ“Έ Photo Ops

Stunning fall colors and lake views. Be patient and aware of traffic when capturing your shots. Reddit

πŸ’§ Restroom Check

Restrooms are available at some stops, but not all have running water. Plan accordingly. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸš— Drive Safely

Winding roads require caution. Be extra careful when stopping for photos, as vehicles can appear suddenly. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Limited dining options. Enjoy the scenery with a packed lunch at one of the many scenic stops. Reddit

πŸ“Έ Photo Ops

Stunning fall colors and lake views. Be patient and aware of traffic when capturing your shots. Reddit

πŸ’§ Restroom Check

Restrooms are available at some stops, but not all have running water. Plan accordingly. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(14 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Travelers rave about the Curley Lewis Memorial Highway, especially during fall for its stunning colors and Lake Superior views. While the scenic beauty is a major draw, visitors advise caution on winding roads and suggest packing picnics due to limited amenities. The Point Iroquois Lighthouse is a highlight for many.

"This is one of an awesome scenic route during fall. Best place to stop by and take fall colors with a road view. But should be very careful while taking photographs as there are curved roads, where vechicles may appear in a sudden."

Arunkumar Kannan

"There are many places to stop and view Lake Superior. Most of them have rest rooms but not all have running water. Love the view at Point Iroquois Lighthouse. We were able to climb the tower."

Lexi Lou

"We were driving from Tahquamenon Falls to Sault Ste. Marie and elected to take this scenic route. Well worth the extra 10 minutes or whatever it ended up being. Not a lot of traffic going this way, and I'm sure it's absolutely stunning in the fall."

Ryan Madden

What People Like

Spectacular fall colors
Lake Superior views
Peaceful scenic drive

What People Dislike

Winding, potentially hazardous roads
Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The Curley Lewis Memorial Highway is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's easily accessible from M-28, running between the communities of Barbeau and Paradise. Many travelers incorporate it into a larger scenic drive through the UP. Reddit

Yes, the Curley Lewis Memorial Highway is a paved, well-maintained road, making it suitable for all vehicle types. It's designed for scenic driving and offers numerous pull-offs. Reddit

The best way is to drive it slowly, stopping frequently at the designated overlooks to enjoy the views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forests. Consider driving it during peak fall foliage season for the most dramatic scenery. Reddit

The highway itself is primarily a scenic route with small communities and scattered residences. The closest larger towns with more amenities are Sault Ste. Marie to the east and Paradise to the west. Reddit

While biking is possible, caution is advised due to the winding roads and potential for vehicle traffic. Hiking trails are more likely to be found in nearby state parks and forests rather than directly along the highway itself. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to drive the Curley Lewis Memorial Highway. It is a public road open to everyone. Reddit

Generally, no park passes are needed for the overlooks along the highway itself. However, if you plan to visit specific state parks or attractions nearby, such as Tahquamenon Falls State Park, separate entrance fees or passes may apply. Reddit

As a public highway, the Curley Lewis Memorial Highway is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, driving at night is not recommended due to the winding nature of the road and limited lighting. Reddit

While access to the grounds of Point Iroquois Lighthouse is typically free, there may be a fee to climb the lighthouse tower. It's best to check the official Point Iroquois Lighthouse website or contact them for the most current information on access and fees. Reddit

Yes, there are numerous designated pull-offs and scenic overlooks where you can safely stop your vehicle to enjoy the views. Please use these designated areas and avoid stopping on the main roadway. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The overlooks offering views of Lake Superior are prime photography spots. Point Iroquois Lighthouse also provides excellent photographic opportunities, especially with the lake as a backdrop. During fall, any point with a good view of the forested hillsides will be stunning. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views and landscapes. If you plan to photograph the lighthouse, a telephoto lens can be useful. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures of the water. Reddit

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the vastness of Lake Superior can still be impressive. Fall colors are best captured in the soft light of morning or late afternoon. Reddit

Absolutely. Be extremely aware of your surroundings and approaching vehicles when stopping to take photos, especially on the curved sections of the road. Stay within designated pull-offs and never stand in the roadway. Reddit

The dramatic coastline of Lake Superior, the historic Point Iroquois Lighthouse, and the vibrant autumn foliage are the main photographic draws. Keep an eye out for interesting cloud formations over the lake as well. Reddit

🎫 🌲 Nature & Scenery

You'll experience stunning views of Lake Superior, dense forests, and rolling hills. In autumn, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking display of fall colors. Reddit

While not a primary wildlife viewing area, you might spot various birds, especially near the lake. Keep an eye out for deer in the forested areas, particularly during dawn and dusk. Reddit

Nearby attractions include Tahquamenon Falls State Park, known for its magnificent waterfalls, and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (though a bit further west). The entire region offers beautiful natural landscapes. Reddit

Many of the pull-offs and overlooks are paved and relatively flat, offering some accessibility. However, the terrain can be uneven in places, and specific accessibility details for each stop may vary. Reddit

Autumn is widely considered the best season for natural beauty due to the spectacular fall foliage. Summer offers lush greenery and pleasant weather for enjoying the lake views. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2
Curley Lewis Memorial Highway (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide