The northernmost segment, which closely parallels the shore of Lake Superior on the west side of the Keweenaw Peninsula, is highly scenic.

The two highways join for a short distance before M-26 separates turning northeast to Winona across the Houghton County line.

From there north, M-26 runs generally downhill on approaching the western business district of Houghton and the Portage Lake Lift Bridge from the west.

[2] It enters and runs through the middle of Dakota Heights before re-entering Houghton and continuing to approach the bridge.

Ripley Ski Area before turning north to Dollar Bay on the shore of the heavy polluted Torch Lake.

US 41/M-26 connects with the northern end of M-203 on the north side of town before heading out to Keweenaw County.

In the town of Phoenix, M-26 separates from US 41 one last time, turning west for a stretch along the northern shoreline of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

[4] Past Eagle Harbor, M-26 meets the highly scenic Brockway Mountain Drive.

The segment between Phoenix and Eagle River along Copper Falls Mine Road was turned over to Keweenaw County at this time.

[12] In 2006, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) opened a bypass around the southwest and southern edge of South Range in order to provide a safer route through the town.

[13][14] As of 4 October 2006, MDOT has transferred jurisdiction of the necessary pieces of roadway to complete the M-26 bypass of South Range.