We dedicate each and every KOAR to the memory of co-founder Rob Ozarowicz and the KOAR community members no longer with us Til we meet again!
Keweenaw Eats & Drinks
Leashed and cleaned up after!
limit
10mph max at all times in the campground
Music must be kept low so that others can enjoy the sounds of nature
Copper Harbor has no cell signal
Here are places with wifiCopper Harbor Town Park Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
Mariner North
Copper Harbor Marina
Welcome to the seventh annual Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat! We are delighted to have you on board for an incredible expedition through the stunning landscapes of the Keweenaw Peninsula This guide is your tool to navigate the array of experiences that await you during this event. Inside, you will discover a detailed schedule of activities, ranging from self-guided off-road journeys to informative sessions and demonstrations covering various aspects of overlanding and adventure travel. Uncover hidden treasures as you traverse rugged trails, form new connections around the campfire, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Keweenaw You will also find essential logistical details for a seamless and enjoyable stay, along with a list of supporters, partners, and vendors. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with you and eagerly anticipate the memories we will create together Let the adventure begin!
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!
Chris & Jill Carr
Cody & Alex Eschen
Nate & Christina Goodwin
Nick Koch
Christopher Offenwanger
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated volunteers whose passion and hard work brought this event to life. Your commitment and efforts help our participants embark on a seamless and fulfilling adventure Your contribution is a testament to the spirit of the KOAR Community that defines the Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat, and we are immensely grateful for your unwavering support Much love!
-Chad & Cindy Pope
Moto riders who want to go out with a group can meet at the main Trails End entrance at 9am each morning to plan rides. Todd Mowrer, August Rich and Chris Offenwanger will be leading moto rides and hosting a moto camping and riding clinic and roundtable discussion, see schedule for time.
KOAR-9S = koar for canines
It's no secret that we love dogs. Mr. Chibbs says stop by the GoGoGoodwins booth in the Vendor Village for a dog watering station, treats, poo bags, KOAR-9 swag and to see the adv dog Jeep packout display. Be sure to catch their seminar on Friday for a talk on pet safety and emergency medical response as well as tips and hacks for traveling comfortably with pets.
A conversation with Todd and Carol Mowrer of TCTeardrops about the awesome trailers they build and the community that came along with their vision.
of TC Teardrops and how your passion for overlanding and outdoor adventure shaped the company's mission and products?
How does anything start? A combination of necessity, timing and coincidence. Tired of the pop-up camper, we knew there had to be a better way. After one particularly miserable, wet weekend camping in our popup, we came home, dried everything out and went to bed exhausted, wondering why it had to be so much work to just go camping for a weekend. That same night, we saw an episode of RV Crazy on the Travel Channel, all about TEARDROP campers, and the fuse was lit! We sold the pop-up the next day, and that funded our very first teardrop build!
The winter was spent researching, and by the next spring we rolled out our first teardrop, which we “dedicated to the ease of camping” (our original slogan). People would ask where we got it from, and it took off from there.
the intention of hauling our bikes and kayaks to all the cool places to ride bikes and paddle kayaks/canoes. Our absolute favorite paddling destination is Lake Superior, and our favorite mountain biking location is Copper Harbor. We soon realized that, in order to get to the coolest places, we needed to have an off-road capable teardrop in tow, and we noticed an everincreasing demand for this off-road type of camper. Customers wanted to match their tires and wheels with their vehicle, and tow our teardrops wherever their 4x4 could go, so we became known for our customization in the 4x4 market. Going to the Overland Expo in Arizona reignited Todd’s passion for motorcycles, and we quickly fell in love with the Ural motorcycle with sidecar (so wife and puppy could ride along). That lead to the creation of the ISO “in Search Of” (actually named for our first 3 grandchildren, Ian, Stevie and Oakley) with a platform that would hold the Ural, or 2 smaller motorcycles. Our most recent model, the
WE SOON REALIZED THAT IN ORDER TO GET TO THE COOLEST PLACES, WE NEEDED TO HAVE AN OFF-ROAD CAPABLE TEARDROP IN TOW, AND WE NOTICED AN EVER-INCREASING DEMAND FOR THIS OFFROAD TYPE OF CAMPER.”
Adventure Edition (or AE, for short), is geared toward biking, either pedal or motorbike, and was actually named for our last 2 grandchildren, Alder and Eddie. We hope to have another granddaughter to add to our family, her name is Ella. She may just get a special edition TCTeardrop of her own someday!
What unique features or innovations set TC Teardrops trailers apart from other options on the market, especially for the overlanding community?
We refer to our teardrops as “utilitarian”. Simple and sturdy. TCTeardrops are built to haul your boats, bikes, kayaks, motorcycles, all while giving you a comfortable bed and well-appointed galley. You can haul 17’ sea kayaks without wind shear ripping the trailer apart. Unlike many other builders, we actually camp in our teardrop. We know what works and what doesn’t. We ask what customers are looking for, and we listen to their answers. We try things out ourselves before we add them to our teardrops. For example, you can attach a side room to the trailer so you don’t have to go outside in bad weather. We've created a lot of our own accessories, including custom fans for the windows and vents, custom propane holders, tire mounts and rock sliders, to name a few. But the biggest difference is our Hurricane Hinge with Rain Gutter. The gutter prevents water from working its way up and around the hinge when the galley lid is open (while under an awning). Hurricane hinges have been around for years, but we modified the design to include the rain gutter, and we sell these hinges to many other teardrop companies as well as DIY builders around the world.
TC is MotoKOAR sponsor this year, what topics can we expect from the moto camping roundtable you are hosting in conjunction with AC Overlanding?
Hosting a what? LOL Todd will talk about different types of bikes, high end gear (AC) and budget gear (TC)! Here are some topics for your outline, not in any particular order: What bike do I choose? What is essential to bring on a ride? How to communicate in case of emergency, or just in general with other riders. Trail etiquette Riding in large groups versus small How to bring food (there may not be a restaurant around the corner!) Trip Planning, Navigation, Next years trip!
How do you fit moto & mtb into your camping lifestyle and how do TCTeardrop trailers help others do the same?
TCTeardrops were built with gear-hauling in mind. So it really depends on where you want to go and what you want to take with you. Our goal is to make it easy to pack up and hit the road for the weekend or for a month-long trip to Alaska. We find that if it’s easy to bring bikes or motorcycles, we’ll do it. As a custom teardrop builder, we work with each individual to understand how they want to travel, what gear they want to haul and who they want to bring. We make recommendations from there. For us personally, we try to showcase the best of both worlds, whether it’s the ISO hauling our Ural to Moab, Utah or taking bikes and kayaks to Copper Harbor, Michigan, we can load up and go pretty easily.
What future plans or upcoming projects can you share with our readers that will excite both new and seasoned overlanders who use TC Teardrops trailers?
As alluded to earlier, we may have another model in the works…if you’re familiar with the truck camper prototype that we built a few years ago, just imagine that a few feet longer as a pull-behind camper with room to sit at a table, and a porta-potty inside. That might be happening soon
What does KOAR mean to you? Has it positively impacted your business or your personal life?
KOAR at first meant an exciting opportunity to seek out like-minded individuals that enjoy the outdoors responsibly and respectfully. A local event to showcase our Teardrops, make new friends, find new customers and explore the Keweenaw during a beautiful fall-color weekend. What started as an opportunity to promote our teardrops has evolved into so much more…we have made friendships and built relationships both personally and professionally that we hope will last a lifetime. We have watched this industry grow, and Northology Adventures in particular, from a fledgling group of Jeepers that camp into an entire community that adores and explores the outdoors together, sharing ideas and helping each other in need. Fun times, fundraising, and off-road fundamentals all have their place at KOAR. It’s become more than an off-road retreat, it’s a shining example of how to make a difference in this world.
What advice do you have for a new attendee coming to KOAR?
Get there early, plan on staying the weekend, go on as many trail rides and participate in as many events as you’re able. Introduce yourself and get to know as many people as you can. Explore the area, bring a friend, get your tickets early for next year, and make sure to stop by and say thank tou to Cindy Pope and the KOAR team for taking this event from an idea to reality.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
The must-see Keweenaw destination for overlanders, history buffs and fans of Lake Superior.
HIGH ROCK BAY/ ROCKET RANGE Pavement & two track(2-3 Hours)
Head east thru Copper Harbor on 26 (which joins and becomes 41) and after a couple of miles, the pavement and Route 41 ends and turns into a logging road called Mandan Rd Be sure to stop and read the big sign at the pavement turn-around for a little history lesson & a photo op. Continue on Mandan Rd. for about 5 miles and turn left on High Rock Bay Rd. High Rock Bay is at the end, about 3 more miles in. High clearance recommended, 4x4 not usually required. All the puddles have hard bottoms. The Keweenaw Rocket Range is accessed by the spur on the left about 1/2 mile before High Rock Bay.
mild ride for those who want to dive into some history, see some amazing lake views and to check out the MI
See the beauty of Lake Superior & unique history of the Keweenaw on a road less travelled. This route has waterfalls, beaches and a surprise if you are willing to explore....
Bete Grise to Gay Pavement & gravel (3-4 Hours)
Take 41 south from Copper Harbor and turn left on Gay-Lac La Belle Rd. After passing Mount Bohemia, tun left on Lac La Belle- Bete Gris road and follow it around to the Bete Grise Beach and roadside park to stick your toes in the sand and spy beautiful lake views. Come back the way you came and turn left on Gay- Lac La Belle Rd Heading southwest you will want to stop at Haven Falls, Bete Grise Preserve South hiking trail, Point Isabelle Park, Burnette Park and Tobacco River Falls before the town of Gay Please traverse on the stamp sands at Gay at your own risk, we accept no responsibility nor advise on legal access. There is an ongoing environmental remediation effort on site. The ruins at the Mohawk Mill in Gay are interesting and the view across the lake of the Huron Mountains is inspiring.
Take 41 to Houghton, after the bridge, stay right and turn on Canal Drive. The entrance to the Bill Nicholls Trail is on the left at 47.11956, -88.59086 (be sure to stop for views of the Portage Canal along the trail.) At Obenhoff Rd, 47.10281, -88.63847 take a right and head west thru the jog at Harms Rd and then Right on Larson Rd. At the T, turn left and you are now on Covered Drive. Turn left on Liminga Dr and you will come to the parking area for Red Ridge Steel Dam (47.149544, -88.766298) A path along the river leads you to the historic structure.You can also continue on Liminga Rd as it turns into Freda Rd and to the town of Freda where the imposing and impressive Champion Mill ruins cling to the cliffs at the edge of Lake Superior. Head back east on Liminga Rd and then take a left on North Superior Rd and follow it as it jogs over to Canal Rd. Take a left at Canal Rd and you will end up at North Canal Township Park (Breakers Beach) and see the Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Lighthouse
This is a Michigan DNR trail that runs along a reclaimed railroad bed past old mining ruins, Boston Pond Nature Area, forests and swamps. (Secretary of State licensed vehicles do not need a trail pass or permit on routes where full-size ORVs allowed.)
Hancock-Calumet ORV Ro Dirt/gravel (2-3 Hours)
Hancock to Calumet ORV Route is a 13 mile dirt/gravel road trail that is a former railroad grade. It's generally rocky with interesting scenic
This is a must-do for history buffs and those who appreciate incredible, historical machinery or interesting graffiti.
Take US-41 out of Copper Harbor and then Lake Linden Ave/26 left out Calumet. Stay on 26, stop my the Houghton County Historical Museum in Lake Linden. Continue on 26 and south of Hubbel (peep the Ahmeek Stamp Mill Ruins) on the right side at 47.14631, -88.46022 is the Quincy Mill You can see the Quincy Dredge in Torch Lake from the mill parking area. Take care when visiting the mill as it is in serious disrepair. Continuing south on 26, you'll pass Mason Motors on your way to Quincy Smelting Works To get to Quincy Mine, go straight when 26 turns south to go across the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and take US-41. Both the smelter and the mine offer guided tours. US-41 will take you north back to camp.
This tour takes you out of the
to view it from across
MOUNT ARVON & HURON RIVER
Pavement, two track (6+ Hours)
Mount Arvon- From the intersection of US Hwy 41 and Broad Street in L’Anse, proceed north into L’Anse on Broad Street for 0.7 miles to Main Street. Turn right on Main Street which will become the Skanee Road, and continue 16.1 miles to Roland Lake Road on the right, where the Zion Lutheran Church is on the SE corner. Turn right on Roland Lake Road and proceed 2.9 miles to Ravine River Road you will see Roland Lake. Turn right on Ravine River Road and continue 6.1 miles to Tintersection. From this point you turn right and you are 2 miles from the parking lot. Please follow the blue signs that mark the way to the top, stay on the obvious “main track” as you proceed along Ravine River Rd.
Mouth of the Huron River from Mount Arvon, you’ll be coming back down the way you came in. From Roland lake Road, take a right on Skanee Road, and you’ll come to an intersection. Turn left at the intersection onto Portice Rd and drive a couple miles to Huron Rd. Turn right and take it to the end, which is a couple miles of dirt road that winds through the woods. Make sure to stay on the main road. No motorized vehicles allowed on the beach.
This is a Michigan DNR trail that runs along a reclaimed railroad bed past old mining ruins, thru tunnels of trees and over three trestle bridges 80' above the Firesteel River. (Secretary of State licensed vehicles do not need a trail pass or permit on routes where full-size ORVs allowed.)
BILL NICHOLLS TRAIL & FIRESTEEL
RIVER BRIDGES (4+ Hours)
Take 41 to Houghton, cross the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and stay right for 26 towards Ontanogan and turn right on Canal Drive. The entrance to the Bill Nicholls Trail is on the left at 47.11956, -88.59086 The Champion Mine Shaft at 47.03492, -88.67011 in historic Painesdale is a short detour. The three trestle bridges over the Firesteel River are at 46.78548, -89.00979. As the trail crosses HWY 38, you can turn right and then right on 26 to return to Houghton and then camp or you can head west towards Mass City and the Adventure Mine 46.77015, -89.07942
Keweenaw
Keweenaw Bay. Mount Arvon is the highest natural peak in Michigan and The Mouth of the Huron River has a sandy beach & towering pines that offer shade while you gaze across the lake at the Huron Islands to the north and the Keweenaw Peninsula to the northwest.
This tour is all pavement with many parks and pullouts to stop and take in the beauty of Lake Superior along the way.
North Keweenaw Loop (4-5 hours) Pavement
Head out of Copper Harbor south on 41 to pass by the magnificent Keweenaw Mountain Lodge and beautiful Lake Medora You can stop for a tour of the Delaware Mine (pet friendly!) or Central Mine. If you are super adventurous, pull over just past Cliff Drive on your way south at the Cliff Cemetery sign. Follow the footpath in the woods and see how nature is reclaiming the final resting place of many mine workers and their families from 100 years ago. Other interesting stops are the Rock Shop south of Allouez, the WPA Stone Boat in Wolverine, the Keweenaw National Historical Park in Calumet and the Boston Pond Natural Area
If fall colors, waterfalls, the big lake and seasonal roads are what you are after, do this route.
Iron Gate Road Pavement & gravel (2-3 Hours)
Take 26 west out of camp. You can stop at the Devil's Washtub 47.47873, -87.93024 Hebard Park and other Lake Superior viewing points. Take a left at Eagle Harbor Road and then a left on Delaware Short Cut. When you reach 41, take a right and follow that west til you reach Gratiot Lake Road where you will take a left. Take a right on Iron Gate Road. You will pass through the Little Gratiot River Wilderness Preserve When you reach Gay-Lac La Belle Rd, go left. Burnette Park, 47.30244, -88.03278 Bete Grise Preserve, Point Isabelle and Haven Falls, 47.38168, -88.02773 are all on the way back to 41. Turn right on 41 to get back to Copper Harbor.
If you want to go chasing hidden waterfalls and do some rockhounding, this is the itinerary for you!
Gratiot river park
Pavement & gravel (3 Hours)
Take 26 south out of camp and enjoy the gorgeous views of Lake Superior as you pass thru Eagle Harbor and Eagle River Just as you are leaving Eagle River, take Five Mile Pint Road right. Stop at W. C. Veale Park for a picnic or just to peep The Big Lake. Continue on towards Ahmeek and turn right onto Gratiot River Shortcut Rd opposite of Ahmeek Cemetery You will then turn right on Bumbletown Rd, and that will take you to Gratiot River County Park You can spend hours combing the beach and mouth of the river for cool rocks and beach glass. Rumor has it that there are some waterfalls on the Gratiot River that you can hike to... if you can find a trail!
This 50 mile backroads route is great for those who want to get off the beaten path and enjoy the deep woods, lakes & waterfalls.
Take 41 towards Copper Harbor and turn right onto Manganese Road, stopping at Manganese Falls & Manganese Lake. Stay left as Manganese Rd turns into Clark Mine Road and just past the intersection with Burma Rd, you can find the old Clark Mine smokestack and read the historic plaque there. Backtrack to Burma Road, follow it west and check out the old growth Estivant Pines. Continue around the perimeter of Keweenaw Mountain Lodge on Burma Rd and then turn left on 41. After the Delaware Mine, turn right onto M586, left onto Eagle Harbor Cutoff Rd and then right on Garden City Rd. Here you will see a beautiful view of Lake Superior as you descsend to Eagle River. Be sure to stop at Eagle River Falls and then turn right back up 26 stopping at Jacob's Falls, the Jampot & Great Sand Bay. Take a right on Brockway Mountain Drive just after Silver falls to the Brockway Mountain and the Copper Harbor Overlook. Continue onward and turn left onto 26 to get back to camp.
open skies project tours
“The Calumet Air Force Station is a former Co site located in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Mic mile walking tour will take you through the ent visit some of the more unique buildings like th shelter and the radar tower. Come experience history and the spectacular views at Mount Ho the highest point in the Keweenaw Peninsula
Restrictions: Participants must sign a liability waiver prior to the tour Closed toed shoes required Tower access is by ladder only. Dogs are allowed but will restrict owners' ability to access certain buildings in the tour. Expect debris like broken glass and other hazards to be present Flashlights are useful to bring, but not necessary The final stretch of the tour is uphill to get to the highest point. Accommodations can be made for persons with mobility issues
Tours are free, see the signup sheet/schedule at camp. Donations are accepted for the restoration process.
keweenaw seaplane tours
The beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula is truly unparalleled when seen from inside a 1956 DeHavilland Beaver seaplane The vintage aircraft glides gracefully over the vast expanse of Lake Superior, its powerful engine humming a nostalgic tune. Below, the dense forests and rugged cliffs of the peninsula stretch out like a living canvas, painted in shades of emerald and sapphire
From this aerial vantage point, the history and grandeur of the Keweenaw Peninsula come alive The remnants of old copper mines tell tales of a bygone era, while the untouched wilderness speaks to the enduring power of nature It's a place where past and present blend seamlessly, offering a unique perspective that can only be truly appreciated from the skies.
Schedule of flight times available at the KOAR booth in vendor village. There may be open seats, check with the KOAR team for more info and booking options.
KOAR 2024
pass access times:
Meet our sponsors and shop their products
Mingle with new friends
Vendor chats, announcements and giveaways nightly!
Quiet time starts at 11pm
&
8:30-9am
Discover your adventure opportunities for the day
Explore, tour, hike, bike or hit the trail with friends
Meet our sponsors and shop their products 11am Camp closes
Learn some new skills or expand your knowledge
Mingle with new friends
Vendor chats, announcements and giveaways nightly!
TBA- Astopohotography session, yooperstone hunt & more.
Quiet time starts at 11pm
Sunday Happy Hour Sponsors- koar9 sponsors
KOAR9 First Response 3-4pm 3-4pm
Astrophotography primer
Asa Lee Meadows in the KOAR info tent
Christina Goodwin - GoGoGoodwins booth
Fly Fishing the U.P
Seth Waters- Dark Waters Fly Shop booth
Trail Trauma Response
Alex Eschen- Northwoods Overland Adventures
Location- Northwoods booth
Van & Buslife
Shawn Ray & Christopher Offenwanger XVANTURE booth
Fly Fishing the U.P
Seth Waters- Dark Waters Fly Shop booth
MotoKOAR Roundtable
Todd Mowrer, August Rich hosts, TC booth
5-6 Wilderness First Aid
Alex Eschen- Northwoods Overland Adventures
Location- Northwoods booth
Basecamp Activities & Extras
Happy Hour 6-7PM nightly
KID's KOARner- Activities provided
KORC Coastal Clean-up Saturday, 9AM-1PM Kilpela Park
Astrophotography Evening Convoy to Brockway Mtn. Weather dependent-updates at evening gatherings
Yooperstone hunts- meet after evening gathering to convoy
Seaplane Tours- Takeoff from Lake Fanny Hooe. See KOAR staff for available seats
Open Skies Project Tours- Sign up at KOAR info booth Delaware Mine Tours- Sign up at KOAR info booth
special 2024 KOAR events
at trails end campground
Happy Hour
Brickside Brewery beer provided by sponsors True North Outpost & Dirtbound Offroad. Must be 21 and show I.D. when requested. 6-7 pm.
kid's KOARner
Keep an eye on your kids while you enjoy socializing in Vendor Village. Activities, crafts and games provided by Tread Lightly! and Northology Adventures. This is not a supervised space. Kids under the age of 6 need to be accompanied by a parent
adventure passport
Get your passport stamped at vendor booths & participating Keweenaw businesses. Turn them in by 5pm Saturday for a chance to win a prize.
Official KOAR-9 Dog Swag
The GoGoGoodwins and Rebel Outdoors are sponsoring dog-related prizes and swag for KOAR canines. Please visit the GoGoGoodwins booth during Vendor Village hours to catch their seminar on pet safety, traveling, packing and organizing for a fun, safe trip with your dog.
motokoar
Sponsored by TC Teardrops. Moto riders can meet up at the Trails End main entrance on Friday and Saturday morning at 9am to make plans for trail riding. Destinations dependent on skill level & bike. See Todd of TCTeardrops for special edition #MOTOKOAR stickers and swag.
astrophoto session
Lee Meadows will be going over some night shot setup basics during his clinic and then facilitating an astrophotography shoot, weather permitting. Listen for location & convoy announcement at the evening gatherings.
MI DNR Info Station
Representatives of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will be available with fire prevention material, land use rules and MI DNR swag.
nps-
keweenaw Historical park tent
Keweenaw Historical Park reps will answer questions & have info on area historical parks, museums and park facilities.
vendor village hours: Thursday 2-6 Friday & Saturday 3-6
Sign at 9am at Kilpela Park in Copper Harbor for the 3rd annual Coastal Cleanup. A cookout in the park will follow at 1pm, with raffle with prizes donated by area clubs and businesses. Participants will also be in the KOAR Stewardship drawing on Saturday evening.
Open Skies Project Tours
Check the signup sheet in at the KOAR booth in vendor village to confirm or to sign up for a free tour!
Delaware Mine Tours
Pick up a ticket for a free Delaware Mine self-guided tour... limited number available at the KOAR booth.
Seaplane tours *
Tours take off from the dock behind the duplex on Lake Fanny Hooe. Please arrive 10 minutes early for your flight. Check with KOAR staff for openings.
Group Yooperstone Hunt
Meet at the Hunters Point Parking lot at 9pm to search for fluour-escent sodalites with other KOAR peeps. Bring a regular and UV flashlight. Mark your entrance location on the beach with a glow stick to keep track of your whereabouts! UV flashlights can be found online or at area stores including Wise Old Man of Isle Royale in Copper Harbor.
HARBOR LAKE
KOAR HQ manned 24/7 Cabin 1 - GMRS 18
Orchard Trail
Orchard Trail
SPEAKER PROFILES & TOPICS
Please join us in the Vendor Village each afternoon for these unique educational opportunities & to visit the vendor booths. See schedule for times. KOAR staff will be giving away random prizes to Vendor Village visitors so make some time to be there!
Asa Meadows will be facilitating the astrophotography sessions and a photography primer during clinic hours. Outline
Brief Review of Camera Basics
Introduction to Cell Phone
Astrophotography
Composition and Framing Light Pollution and Dark Sky Sites
Introduction to Post-Processing Q&A and Interactive Demonstration Planning Your Shot with PhotoPills
Waters is a guide and the owner Dark Waters Fly Shop and Guide Service in Iron River, Michigan. He specializes fly fishing the western Michigan UP Lake Superior tributaries and western UP inland coldwater river systems.
Northwoods Overland Adventures Cody & Alex Eschen love to explore the outdoors in their Tacoma. Alex is a critical care
with a hiking background & will speak about trail trauma and wilderness first aid.
Todd Mowrer, August Rich and Christopher Offenwanger will host a clinic on moto topics as well as a roundtable discussion on moto camping and touring.
Seth
nurse
GoGoGoodwins Nate & Christina Goodwin will be talking about pet travel and first aid tips and packing your rig for travel with pets.
Shawn Ray and Christopher Offenwanger will be talking about their unique builds and how bus and van life can be fun for family adventures.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: CONTRAST COFFEE
A conversation with Chris Cheney about a vision for coffee and community
“...BREWING UP SOME COFFEE WHILE SITTING AROUND A CAMPFIRE... IT REALLY DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT FOR ME.”
What inspired the founding of Contrast Coffee?
We were looking to create a company that would create positive impact. Initially that focus was overseas via partnering with coffee farms, but as we started opening our own coffee shops it was cool to see how the vision expanded to create a positive impact in our local communities by providing jobs and a safe, welcoming space to all. While we were aiming to be a positive impact, we didn't want people to visit for that reason
alone though. Rather, we wanted our product quality and service to be top notch so that even if people didn't know what we stood for, they would still be excited to get coffee from us because they know it will be a fantastic experience. With that in mind, Contrast was born in an attempt to be strikingly different than the average coffee experience. By achieving that level of quality and service, we believe it then ultimately supports our mission to bring positive impact in our communities and with our farm partners across the globe.
Contrast seems like a brand embedded in the fabric of the U.P. Can you describe any specific initiatives or partnerships Contrast Coffee has undertaken to support the local community?
Our tagline is actually "Coffee is Community" and with that in mind, we attempt to be an active part of our communities across the UP. We attempt to accomplish this in several ways. One way we have done this is through our 906 Days. 906 is the area code for the UP and we will select given days out of the year to pick a local charitable organization to sponsor. We use our social media and on site presence to bring awareness to the charitable organization and all profits from our coffee shops on those days are then donated to them. Examples of organizations we have worked with include the Superior Health Foundation (breast cancer research) and 906 Adventure Team (UP organization that helps promote kids getting outside riding bikes on our beautiful UP trails). Other events we do is an annual back to school block party in Iron River where we partner with the West Iron County school, parent teacher organization, and numerous other local vendors to provide a fun environment for kids at the end of the summer before school starts with music, games, food, and more!
What inspired Contrast Coffee to participate in the KOAR event in Copper Harbor?
We really loved the passion the overlanding community has for the outdoors and its community. It really resonated with us as being a UP company, we are similarly passionate about the beauty of this region and sharing that with friends, family, and the community at large. While we go about doing that through coffee, KOAR and Northologoy achieves a similar objective through getting outside in some awesome vehicles! It only made sense to pair the two together :-)
How does Contrast Coffee tailor its offerings to meet the needs and preferences of adventure seekers and overlanders?
There are a wide variety of coffee preferences out there and we attempt to make enjoying coffee an enjoyable experience regardless of your preference. We run into a lot of coffee drinkers that "just want a good cup of coffee". They want something that has a robust taste, isn't bitter, is convenient to brew. For those individuals we have our community series of coffees which are sold online and in grocery stores across the UP and parts of WI and lower MI. These coffees are inspired by the UP outdoors with blends like "Night Sky", "Twelve Point", and "Highway US-2". They come in whole bean options as well as preground and have quickly become the go to choice for coffee drinkers across the UP. That said, we also run into a lot of coffee drinkers that want a really special craft coffee experience. They are probably more willing to freshly grind their beans and intentionally consider their brewing ratio, etc. Our coffee shop series of coffees is a perfect fit for them with single origin offerings from regions across the globe like Colombia, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, and Brazil.
Can you share any stories or experiences of adventure seekers who have enjoyed Contrast Coffee during their travels?
I love hearing stories about Contrast in the wild. It has been cool to see people enjoying the coffee both in the UP, but also across the country and even overseas. For me though, my favorite stories come just from my personal experiences camping with friends and family and brewing up some coffee while sitting around a campfire. It really doesn't get any better than that for me.
What products or services will you be offering at the KOAR event, and what makes them special for this audience?
While we are still finalizing a bit, I plan to provide free brewed coffee for whoever that would like some! We will also be selling a selection of iced cold brew lattes, lotus energy drinks, whole bean coffee and merch. While the products will be nice for the event, we often get asked by people that loved their experience about getting Contrast Coffee at their home or business, so we will have information available regarding our subscriptions and wholesale program for both coffee and equipment.
How do you envision Contrast Coffee growing or evolving in the next few years?
We plan to continue opening more coffee shops as well as further expanding our wholesale operations.
Is there anything else you would like to share about Contrast Coffee's mission or vision?
We are excited to meet everyone at KOAR and serve some incredible coffee!
Brickside beer bucks
Stop in at this fun, funky brewery in the northernmost town in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Grab the beer bucks coupon from your goody bag for a buck off of any beer on tap at Brickside during KOAR.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast, or someone looking for a relaxed spot to unwind or perhaps catch a local musician’s set, Brickside Brewery offers a welcoming retreat. So raise your glass, toast to new adventures, and enjoy the unique flavors that make this brewery a beloved stop for both locals and visitors alike. Cheers!
delaware mine tours
“Operating from 1847 until 1887, this authentic, historic mine offers a walking tour that takes you 100 feet below ground to explore one of the earliest mines to operate during the country's first major mining boom You'll see pure veins of copper exposed in the walls of the mine, along with other geological interests A Heritage Site of the Keweenaw National Historical Park.”
A limited number of free tour tickets are available for this self-guided tour. Signup sheet and tickets available in the Northology info booth in vendor village
rockhounding
Places to hunt for rocks in the Keweenaw Peninsula - Agate Beach, Astor Shipwreck Park, Calumet Waterworks Park, Eagle River Beach, Gratiot River County Park, Hunters Point Park, McLain State Park
Rules & Regulations- Pursuant to Michigan’s Supreme Court decision regarding Glass v Goeckel (2005) and similar cases in other Great Lake States, the public can utilize the shoreline of all the Great Lakes You cannot trespass to reach the shoreline, and this right only extends to the high water line, but so long as you access the beach from public property, you are within your right to walk and hunt for rocks on the shoreline
You cannot hunt rocks in all areas of Michigan, and it’s forbidden in all National Parks and Forests (Pictured Rocks and Isle Royale) You may only take 25 pounds of stone per year from property owned by the State of Michigan Rocks add up quickly, so choose wisely!
Nick Koch will host a rockhounding outing one evening after the gathering, listen for announcement and location.
KOAR TEAM SPOTLIGHT
It’s tine to show some love to our KOAR event volunteers, highlighting their passion and dedication to the overlanding community Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of this event, ensuring meticulous planning and a welcoming atmosphere Their diverse talents enrich the community, showcasing a spirit of camaraderie KOAR expresses heartfelt gratitude to these volunteers, acknowledging them as the true heroes behind the scenes who makememorableexperiencespossible
We would also like to shout-out a high-five to other KOAR and Northology volunteers who have helped over the last few yearsChristopher Offenwanger, Nick Koch, Katie Adam, Joseph Cousineau Jane Hatala and Bill Hoffman.
We are Nathan & Christina Goodwin and love to travel with our rescue Heeler Mr Chibbs Nathan is a journeyman millwright, Christina is an automotive market analyst,and Mr Chibbs is a professional couch weight and adventure pupper!
Why do you love overland and outdoor adventure? How did you get started? We started our overlanding adventure as a way to travel with our dog and give him the most sniffs hislifecanhold
Tell me about your adventure rig/setup We are currently running a 2015 Jeep wrangler sport with 2" lift, quadratec rocksliders, and 35" milestar Patagonia mt2 Pretty minimal build with steel bumpers and a 9k winch For long runs we travel in a 2024 Silverado custom Trail Boss We recently upgraded to a 2024 TC Teardrops Adventure ORE 5x10 trailer It has beentheperfecthomeawayfromhome!
WhydoyouvolunteeratNorthologyevents?
We love volunteering at Northology events because this community has become like family tous,andyoushowupforfamily
What Northology event is your favorite? Or a good one for newbies to try? Overland the red is our favorite event to trail ride, but KOAR is our favorite event It is amazing to join our own little overland family reunion each fall Nothing compares to the ferocious beauty of life on lake superior!
What fun fact do most people not know about you? We spent 4 years traveling around Germany and surrounding countries during Natestourofdutythere
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend or what is the perfect camping getaway like? Our favorite weekend is loading uptheTCandthedogandpickingadirection
We are Cody and Alex Eschen, a husband and wife adventure couple who currently live in Eau Claire, WI We both work full time jobs and try to adventure/explore whenever we have the opportunity, We started overlanding and exploring after we moved to Wisconsin in 2018 when we saw all of the amazing places that were in the area We created our Northwoods Overland Adventures Instagram page in 2021 to show our family and friends all of the amazing adventures we were on We also wanted to start building a community of like minded adventurepeopletomeetupandhangoutwith
Why do you love overland and outdoor adventure? How did you get started? We are called to the outdoors, there’s something about it that soothes the craziness of the rest of the world and allows us to enjoy the moment Overlanding helps us reach those amazing remote places that make us feel most alive and has introduced us the the most amazing community of people We got started in 2018 when we moved to Eau Claire, it was beautiful and a far cry from our hometown. We started hiking and camping more and more taking photographsaswewenttosharewithfamily
Tell us about your adventure rig/setup What is your vehicle year, make, model and your camping setup Our Adventure rig is a 2020 Cement Gray Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road withabodyarmor4x4rooftoptentontheback.
WhydoyouvolunteeratNorthologyevents?
We volunteer at events because we love giving back to the community that has welcomed us with such warmth Alex loves instilling medical knowledge at her classes to keep everyone safe
What fun fact do most people not know about you? We got married on top of a mountain in Colorado
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend or what is the perfect camping getaway like? Our favorite things to do on the weekends is basically doing anything outside camping, hiking, Mtn Biking, or kayaking just to nameafew.
We are Chris and Jill Carr, from 1941 Adventures We are married and have 3 sons (21, 19, & 8) and 1 daughter (12) We also have to mini adventure dachshunds, Zeus (9) and Apollo (1) Chris is a metal fabricator/service agent and Jill is a Business Analyst
Why do you love overland and outdoor adventure? How did you get started? We love overlanding/outdoor adventure because there is so much to see! The views, the nature, the history we find, and the friendly people we meet Itisagreatcommunity
Tellmeaboutyouradventurerig/setup
We have 2, depending on what type of trip it is For long distance travel we have a 2021 Ram Tradesman 2500 Hemi with a Naturnest rooftop tent For short distance travel/rugged terrain, we have a 2019 Jeep Wrangler JLU It is lifted, 37 in MTs, offroad lights, winch, etc Either vehicle can tow our 2022 Mission OverlandSummitoff-roadtrailer.
Why do you volunteer at Northology events? We volunteer because we love this community andweenjoysupportingitanywaywecan
We have made some lifelong friendships and learned many things The Northology community has a great vibe The people are caring, responsible, and respectful to the places weexplore
What Northology event is your favorite? Or a good one for newbies to try? Oh that's a tough question! We Love Koar for the vibe and intimate atmosphere We love OTR for the variety of activities and views And Jill loves Midwest Women's weekend because it is a great environment for teaching and learning newtechniques Wecan'tpickjustone!
What fun fact do most people not know about you? We were hardcore offroaders and never in a million years thought that overlanding is where we would end up But here we are living thedream!
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend or what is the perfect camping getawaylike?Just packing up with no particular plans to hit the road and explore It has led us to some of the best campsites and most epic views!views!
The trail starts at the parking area Brockway Mountain Drive, watch for a large sign on the North side of the road. A trail map and brochure may be found in a weatherproof box at the trailhead.
F.J. Mclain State Park
The terrain varies from flat, open spaces to wooded hills and often times offers scenic views of Lake Superior.
Gardener’s Creek Nature Trail
A network of maintained forest paths across from the Calumet Township Park. Gardener's Falls is a tiny woodland cascade over mossy rocks and logs.
James Dorion Rooks Memorial Nature Sanctuary
A nice loop trail in this sanctuary, which straddles a portion of Brockway Mountain Drive. Look for the MNA sign on the left (north) side of Highway 41 just outside Copper Harbor and park in the designated parking area at the trailhead.
Bete Grise Preserve
"Along the shoreline at Bete Grise South is a lengthy, undeveloped sandy beach on Bete Grise that is a perfect getaway from the more popular beaches in the Keweenaw.
Black Creek Nature Sanctuary
In the heart of the Keweenaw and provides varied landscapes and 1500 feet of Lake Superior Shoreline.
Estivant Pines
Spared the saw when the Keweenaw was clear-cut a century ago, these towering giants are the biggest trees by far in the Keweenaw and among the largest in Michigan. Two family-friendly looped trails.
Fort Wilkins State Park
Whether you come for the history, shoreline, lakes, camping, or solitude, Fort Wilkins checks the box. Best of all, everything is connected by a network of hiking trails getting you to and from where you want to go! It will take you all day to explore what Fort Wilkins has to offer.
KEWEENAW HIKING
Horseshoe Harbor
1200 acres of wild and rugged Lake Superior shorelines. Take the left fork for the preserve off of Mandan Rd after 41 ends (low ground clearance vehicles not recommended.) A trail from the parking area leads to the lake.
Hunters Point
Located between Trails End and Copper Harbor, you can either drive to the parking area or walk from camp. "A boardwalk takes you right to the shoreline, while rocky trails loop around a narrow peninsula. This location is a rock picker's dream. Keep your eyes peeled for agates!
Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary
A beautiful 3/4 mile hiking path with huge views of the surrounding landscape. Vast forests and Lake Superior views.
Lake Bailey Wildlife Sanctuary
A 400-acre nature area located near the western terminus of Brockway Mountain Drive begins with a hike through a dense cedar stand near the base of the hill. Watch out for springs! Eventually the trail starts gaining in elevation, passing through abundant northern hardwood forests interspersed with views of Brockway to the east.
Montreal Falls- ALERT- NEW ACCESS TO FALLS
From Copper Harbor, head east on US-41 until it becomes a dirt road. Continue on Mandan Road for about 7.5 miles and then turn left onto Hoar Lake/Fish Cove Road. Follow the signs to Fish Cove, where you’ll find a rustic parking lot. From the parking lot, hike a short distance south to the shore of Lake Superior. Look for an ungroomed, foot-worn hiking path that leads west along the lake about a mile to the falls.
Mount Baldy
This 3-mile, one-way hike takes you to one of the best views in all of the Keweenaw. The trail passes through a variety of forest types before emerging on a wind-scarred bald devoid of trees. Take in the huge 360° views out over the landscape, but watch your step because the south side of the bluff has a substantial cliff! There is parking at the bottom of the trail near the Eagle Harbor Township fire hall.
Redwyn Dunes Nature Sanctuary
Located west of Eagle Harbor, this dream-like trail will take you up and down a series of sandy dunes just inland from Great Sand Bay. Further trails connect to additional protected lands stretching all the way to Eagle Harbor.
TECH OVERLAND
Tech Overland is a newly Registered Student Organization at Michigan Tech. They are dedicated to showing the student body what overlanding is all about, and to growing the community in a location that is so well known for its natural beauty.
The organization started as a group of three freshmen who had little experience in the Overlanding world. As with many, for them, it began with watching videos online. The opportunity to try it out could not have been presented better with the backyard of Michigan Tech being the Keweenaw Peninsula. Throughout the year these friends started to explore off the beaten path and learn how to do some of the basics of Overlanding. Wanting to connect with others, they gathered interest in a club centered around Overlanding before KOAR 2023. By the end of the spring semester of 2024, the interest had gathered enough attention to become a recognized student organization. The process of becoming an affiliated student organization at Michigan Tech was more difficult than initially expected, but now, with the support of the school, they intend to grow the organization into a place where students can get away from the stressful student lifestyle.
Tech Overland would like to thank Northolodgy Adventures for providing the opportunity to share their story and they hope that everyone has a safe and fun KOAR 2024!
Follow @Tech_Overland on Instagram to see what the club is up to!
“The Pasty is a cultural point of pride in the Keweenaw. They’re considered sacred among many life-long residents of the Upper Peninsula. Debates range far and wide on which pasty reigns supreme.
Now, you can immerse yourself in a treasure trove of portable yumminess by doing your own pasty pilgrimage. So grab a bib and pick a side (ketchup or gravy) and travel along the Keweenaw’s Pasty Trail!” -Visit Keweenaw
Procure a Keweenaw Pasty Trail Map at the Visit Keweenaw Visitor Center in Calumet, or at one of the 11 participating locations. See Visit Keweenaw for details.
Here’s the list of Keweenaw Pasty Trail shops from Visit Keweenaw.
Slim's Cafe & Bakery - 38 Mohawk Street, Mohawk, MI (serves pasties on Thursdays only)
Mohawk Superette – 158 Stanton Ave, Mohawk, MI
Pasty Central (The Hut) – 58540 Wolverine St #41, Calumet, MI
Toni’s Country Kitchen – 79 3rd St, Laurium, MI
Jen's Kitchen - 56901 S. Sixth St, Calumet, MI
East Fork Pasty Company at Ramona's Kitchen – 501 Elm St, Calumet, MI (Sundays and Mondays only)
Amy J’s Pasty & Bake Shop – 1000 N Lincoln Dr, Hancock, MI
Griffin Family Cafe & Catering – 200 Michigan St #313, Hancock, MI
Roy’s Pasties & Bakery – 305 W Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI
Suomi’s Home Restaurant & Bakery – 54 Huron St, Houghton, MI
The original pizza recipe is still used to create the Ambassador pizzas
KEWEENAW BREWING COMPANY
408 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI
At KBC, we’re about a GREAT beer for a GREAT price ($3 pints) in a comfortable setting
SUOMI
BAKERY & RESTAURANT
54 Huron St, Houghton, MI
Homey eatery featuring traditional Finnish-style breakfasts & pastries for more than 40 years
LAC LA BELLE 11627 Superior St, Mohawk, MI
THE BEAR BELLY PIT STOP
Food to go- can be enjoyed in our outdoor seating area with Lac La Belle views.
MOHAWK
GLACIA TAVERN
3607 U S HWY 41, Mohawk, MI
Food to go- can be enjoyed in our outdoor seating area
OSCEOLA
BARKIN' MAD COFFEE
55776 US Hwy 41, Osceola, MI Coffee, baked goods & ice cream drive-up
2024 Partner, Vendor & Supporter list
All Dogs Offrod Co-op- an offroad adventure company offering various services and products to help you explore the great outdoors These include off-roading tours, vehicle customization and repair, as well as gear and accessories like lift kits, wheels, and tires.
The All Things Overlanding Podcast was created to fill a void in overlanding content My goal is to provide the same great content as I do on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and my website for all overlanders, new or experienced
All Roads Taken makes it easy to find the next adventure Explore and get physical badges to commemor-ate your journey over time.
Bean Trailer is engineered for quiet weekends away at a campsite, and for rugged adventures off-road through rougher elements We changed the industry standard.
JCR Offroad We are passionate about keeping our manufacturing in the United States; and we are proud to offer the best looking, highest quality products you’ll find anywhere for your Jeep & Bronco
MidlandUSA With its strong reputation well-known amongst the off-road, agriculture, camping, RV, fish and hunt, ski and snowboard, business, and emergency preparation community, Midland provides reliable communication for every adventure
MOORE Expo - the Midwest’s #1 Adventure Travel Consumer Show, in Springfield, MO Touch-feel-see and experience the real deal, with over 400 exhibitors from all over the U S the MOORE expo will have what you are looking for and more
Black Rhino Wheels- Vehicles meant to go anywhere need wheels built to go everywhere Black Rhino Wheels - Engineered to Explore
Brickside Brewery- Copper Harbor's first and only microbrewery, and the first in Keweenaw county in over a hundred years brewing craft beer in Copper Harbor.
Contrast Coffee Co The official coffee of Northology Adventures Every bean freshly roasted in Iron River, MI with cafe locations across the Upper Peninsula
Dark Waters Fly Shop & Guide Service Located in Iron River, Michigan. Pure Michigan. We specialize in experiencing the U P the right way
Gear Up with DirtBound Offroad Transform Your 4x4 With Premium Offroad Accessories From DirtBound Offroad Upgrade Your Vehicle With Top-Notch 4x4 Parts From DirtBound Offroad
New Holland Overland, a Michigan based overlanding and outfitters company Fueled with a passion for adventure, travel, and exploration, we love to share our overlanding passion and products
We are Cody and Alex, a husband and wife adventure couple who currently live in Eau Claire, WI We both work full time jobs and try to adventure & explore whenever we have the opportunity,
The future of mobility is swappable electric power The District is a two-wheeled electric vehicle for every skill and comfort level, ready to go anywhere you are
Mission Overland Trailers
Mission Overland trailers are unlike any other RV Our unique designs challenge traditional RV standards and connect adventurers with the outdoors
Orbis Overlanding We are a small startup, based in West Michigan of enthusiasts just like you We care for our neighbors, for our environment and want to foster a sense of adventure, and respect in our children
Naturnest is a brand focused on roof tents and camping trailers, and we are committed to providing high performance, high quality tent products for adventure enthusiasts, campers and nature explorers
Nook Overrland The only dealer of Scout Campers in the Midwest, and we also offer a curated selection of overland and outdoor gear to outfit your vehicle for camping and travel
Northstar Overland Equipment for all your 2 and 4 wheeled overland adventures We want you to be ready for anything!
Radio Chatter An overlanding and adventure ice-breaker that blends conversation starter questions printed on a high quality deck of playing cards
Rebel Outdoors Overlanding, Exploration, Off-Roading, Hunting, Survival and SAR
Redridge Industries We take our passion for the outdoors, decades of engineering experience and combine them to create uncompromising products for those who dare to live life off the beaten path
Rugged Bound Supply Co distributors of Big Country 4x4 products, welded aluminum roof racks, vehicle-specific drawer systems, Gull Wing windows, hard shell roof top tents and more
TCTeardrops Camping Trailers are custom built by our family for yours On-Road or Off-Road, our teardrops are built to last and manufactured per order, to your specifications
TC Gearshop Adventurers- entry level campers and avid explorers alike! Get ready for the ultimate camping adventures!
At True North Outpost we strive to offer the safest, highest quality U.P. outdoor experience without breaking the bank You will get to see, hear & feel Michigan's Upper Peninsula with others that love this place as much as you will
Victory 4x4 We're the off-road online store offering bumpers, racks, armor, and accessories for Toyota vehicles, proudly made in America
XVENTURE is simply the finest utility trailer of its type ever to hit the consumer market This is a no compromise must-have piece of equipment
