Location: Ironwood
Top Things to do in Ironwood
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10 Things to Do in Ironwood That You Shouldn't Miss
Ironwood is a city in Gogebic County in the U.S. state of Michigan, about 18 miles (29 km) south of Lake Superior. The population was 5,387 at the 2010 census. The city is on US 2 and is situated opposite the Montreal River from Hurley, Wisconsin. It is the westernmost city in Michigan, situated on the same line of longitude (90.2 degrees West) as Clinton, Iowa and St. Louis, Missouri.
Restaurants in Ironwood
1. Copper Peak
Overall Ratings
5 based on 105 reviews
Copper Peak is the largest artificial ski jump in the world, and the largest ski jump in North America. The 35 degree, 469 foot, cantilevered inrun was constructed using 300 tons of COR-TEN steel in 1969 at a cost of just over $1 million. Today, visitors can ride an 800-foot chairlift and a 26-story elevator to the top of Copper Peak for one of the most stunning views in the Midwest. On a clear day, 3 states and Canada are visible from this amazing vista. Located on the Black River Scenic Byway and just minutes from Lake Superior and majestic waterfalls, Copper Peak is a must-see sight. Visitors in 2016 and beyond will also see renovations occurring at the site, as local supporters are working towards bringing world-class ski flying back to Copper Peak and the United States.
Reviewed By Dusty F
Intrigued by the worlds tallest ski jump we decided to stop in. They sell tickets for 20 bucks to get to the top of the jump via elevator. The money goes to help update the area for summer tourism and needed renovations to get back on the ski jump circuit.
We got the tickets and headed to the ski lift which took us up at a 45 degree angle for 6 minutes to reach the bottom of the jump structure. We walked to the tower and an elevator took us up to the observation deck. At this point you are high in the air and it is pretty nerve wrecking to those who don't like heights. From here you can ascend 125 steps to the tippy top.
This is where it's really creepy. The steps do not feel all that safe and the rails are not that high. If that's not enough the wind blows the tower and it sways about 18 inches either way.
If you don't like heights the view from the top isn't worth the $20 bucks.
2. Black River Harbor Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By MSUmindy - Lansing, Michigan
The Black River Road has five easily accessible well-marked waterfalls and hiking trails. Two are a bit more strenuous than the others, one is ADA accessible. All lead to stunning waterfalls of the Black River as it empties into Lake Superior. The Black River Harbor Park has facilities and picnic areas with grills, as well as a boat launch and moorings for boats entering Black River Harbor. This drive is well worth the time. Be sure to stay on Black River Road, not Copper Peak Road, which is in very bad condition.
3. Big Powderhorn Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Family-friendly all-year resort features alpine skiing in the winter, hiking and biking in the summer.
Reviewed By fonixmunkee - Superior, Wisconsin
My favorite place to ski in Big Snow Country. Sure, Blackjack or Indianhead may have more terrain or longer runs, but the terrain at Indianhead is FUN. Lots of fall lines, lots of twist, turns, rollers, drops, and variations. The snow is always good. Plus, the staff is down-home friendly and the prices are great. They even have a cool bar upstairs in their new chalet that pours $3.50 Keewenaw taps. Winning. I only ski here or Bohemia in Michigan.
4. Ottawa National Forest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Lin O - Michigan
Great for hiking, fishing and camping. You can travel for hours and not see another person. Well maintained. Some primitive campgrounds are vacant most of the time. The area is full of lakes and well stocked. Hunting has gone down hill since wolf's were reintroduced and mosquitoes can be bad but otherwise heaven on earth.
5. Stormy Kromer Factory Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Back in 1903, the Original Stormy Kromer Cap was built with quality fabric, carefully handcrafted in the U.S. It was authentic, rugged and durable - perfect for George "Stormy" Kromer, a hard-working railroad engineer. After repeatedly losing his cap on the windy locomotive, he asked his wife Ida to make him a new one, with a snug, pulldown earband to keep it in place. The popularity of that first cap launch a small and successful business. In 2001, the Jacquart family in Ironwood, Michigan, bought the company and brought Stormy Kromer to their thriving sewing factory - Jacquart Fabric Products. Today, we produce a full line of quality, rugged, American made outdoor apparel that is sold all over the world. We offer free tours of our factory every weekday at 1:30 pm - so you can see for yourself how Stormy Kromer caps are made, along with a variety of other products made in this industrial sewing facility. Our Factory Store and Museum is open Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 and Saturdays from 9:00-12:00.
Reviewed By Jim B - Weston, Wisconsin
This tour is very informative. They cover the history of the legendary Stormy Kromer hat and give a brief tour(about 45 minutes) of the factory. Also covered by the tour are other products that the Jacquardt company is involved with making. The employees are all...MoreThanks for visiting, glad you enjoyed it!
6. ABR Trails
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By L F - Madison, Wisconsin
ABR sets the standard for all levels and types of cross country skiing. Snowshoeing and remote rustic cabin rentals are available as well. This place has very reliable snow thanks to lake effect from Superior (Ironwood is the 5th snowiest city in the US!). Best of all, the grooming is consistently outstanding for both skating and classic (they use and sell Piston Bully groomers, the gold standard in grooming).
The warming shelter is comfortable and warm (wood burning stoves). ABR also has a ski store (decent deals of high end performance ski gear). They also rent equipment. There is a large waxing room on the grounds as well.
The only downside is that it is way up north, but worth the drive. Also, they only have one bathroom, which can be a struggle on busy days. Would be nice if they expanded and added a men's and women's bathrooms. Sale of food and beverages would definitely be a hit as well.
Bottomline: ABR is outstanding, and the owners are always present, really nice, and very knowledgeable. ABR offers a phenomenal service for winter outdoor fun.
7. Michigan's Iron Belle Trail - Western Gateway Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Michigan's Iron Belle Trail starts (going East) and ends (going West) in Downtown Ironwood at beautiful Depot Park! Enjoy hiking and biking along the miles of trail that run from Ironwood to Bessemer. And, while you are enjoying “mile 0” of the trail, stop into the historic Ironwood Depot Museum or walk a block more and explore historic Aurora street, downtown’s historic main thoroughfare.
Reviewed By Lance B - Woodstock, Virginia
As handicapped senior citizens, we have difficulty finding good trails to enjoy the out-of-doors....but this was a good one for us to do ... for just our one mile round trip hike together.
The trail was well maintained and quite level, so that made our footing more secure than most other community trails we have hiked. Thank you for providing this enjoyable and lovely place for families to hike, and for Seniors like us to enjoy, too!
8. Downtown Miners Mural
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
For the better part of 100 years, the iron mines were Ironwood's defining characteristic. In appreciation to all those who worked below ground and produced the town's signature commodity, the Miner's Mural was created. It is dedicated to all those who worked beneath the earth, as especially to those who lost their lives underground. Stop over to the mural and pay your respect to these founders.
Reviewed By aschnllr - Ironwood
People like reading and seeing our area history, this is one great example. Very well done painting on a large brick wall in Downtown Ironwood.
9. Ironwood Historic Depot & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
The Depot Museum is a historic 1893 train depot beautifully restored to showcase life back then. Many exhibits are housed here including a complete history of train travel in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, an extensive iron mining exhibit complete with vintage photos and actual mining equipment used in local iron mines. Museum also includes an Archive Research Center with rare books and maps. The Depot Museum is located at the start of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail. It is the longest stated-designated hike/bike trail in the nation.
Reviewed By DonandLisaFromUSA - Hurley, Wisconsin
This is a great museum and place to take your kids. We visited and loved it. There is so much to see in such a small area. There is a park next to it and many activities for kids. It is a must see!
10. Whitecap Kayak
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By DonnaKay11 - Comstock Park, Michigan
Our guide, Brita, was informative, helpful, and so pleasant to be around. Very professional - made us feel like official kayakers. Meal prepared was delicious. Had a wonderful time kayaking on Lake Superior for the first time and one of the Great Lakes as well. Thanks, Brita!
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