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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors, fewer crowds

Curley Lewis Memorial Highway
Best Time
Peak fall colors, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning scenic byway in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, famed for vibrant fall colors and breathtaking Lake Superior vistas.
"Absolutely stunning fall colors and views of Lake Superior β a must-drive!"

π Drive Safely
Winding roads require caution. Be extra careful when stopping for photos, as vehicles can appear suddenly.
π§Ί Pack a Picnic
Limited dining options. Enjoy the scenery with a packed lunch at one of the many scenic stops.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 Β· 14 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Entire length of the highway
A vibrant tapestry of fall colors paints the landscape. The reds, oranges, and yellows are truly spectacular.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fall Foliage Focus
Lake Superior Views & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
π Drive Safely
Winding roads require caution. Be extra careful when stopping for photos, as vehicles can appear suddenly.
π§Ί Pack a Picnic
Limited dining options. Enjoy the scenery with a packed lunch at one of the many scenic stops.
πΈ Photo Ops
Stunning fall colors and lake views. Be patient and aware of traffic when capturing your shots.
π§ Restroom Check
Restrooms are available at some stops, but not all have running water. Plan accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
π Drive Safely
Winding roads require caution. Be extra careful when stopping for photos, as vehicles can appear suddenly.
π§Ί Pack a Picnic
Limited dining options. Enjoy the scenery with a packed lunch at one of the many scenic stops.
πΈ Photo Ops
Stunning fall colors and lake views. Be patient and aware of traffic when capturing your shots.
π§ Restroom Check
Restrooms are available at some stops, but not all have running water. Plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
π πΊοΈ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
π« π« 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
πΈ πΈ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
π« π² 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.








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