Fall Colors & Woodlands
Experience the Woods and the Wild-side
Iron County Fall Colors
The most picturesque time of year in Iron County is the Fall Season. As the daylight hours get shorter, the leaves of the forest begin to transition from the bright green of summer to autumn’s palette of reds, yellows and oranges. Historically, the Color Tour season starts mid-September and runs for almost three weeks. Be sure to give a call to our Chamber of Commerce office (contact information located at the bottom of the page) for the latest on peak color recommendations.
Iron County boasts an abundance of tree species that participate in the smooth transition of color, so traveling anywhere in the county during a Color Tour can provide breath-taking scenery. Head west over the rolling hills of US-2 and experience the changing of the seasons. Or travel north on either Forest Highway 16 or US-141. Those stretches feature some of the more “mountainous” regions of the county, for views of reds, oranges, and yellows in the valleys and hills.
Taking the main road east will bring travelers to some of the highest spots in Iron County. The zenith of the 4-lane of US-2 between Iron River and Crystal Falls will provide an expansive picture that covers miles of territory.
US-2 east, M-189 south and M-73 south all provide their unique opportunities for a Color Tour supreme. Whether you want to see color up-close — or prefer a panoramic color — the highways will offer you a view to behold.
The Woods are Teeming with Wildlife
There aren’t many uncharted territories left in the world, but Iron County still has frontiers that remain pristine and untouched. Visitors are welcome to explore these areas where they will find nature inhabited by vibrant wildlife of many varieties.
One thing you will notice when you visit is that there are a lot of small lakes, over 250 of them mostly in the northern areas of the county, and a number of rivers that wind through this hilly, forested, terrain. These hills are the product of glacial deposits that overly the rich iron ore of the Menominee range. The rivers, Brule River valley to the south, Iron River valley to the west, and the eastern Paint River Basin imprint on the character of the land here, providing many opportunities from hydro-power generation to boating, fishing, and swimming options.
The population lives in scattered communities, dominated by a wilderness character that comes from the vast forests here. The western third is part of the Ottawa National forest.The area is known for its forests and lakes, and the history of the location whispers through the wind, often startling the modern camper or hiker with a hidden reminder of bygone eras, be it arrowheads, blocked mine shafts, or railroad lines long forgotten.
Iron County Waterfalls
Snowmelt and April showers combine to swell rivers and streams with waterfalls usually at their annual peak for volume and beauty. Cameras, a steady tripod (for longer exposures) and good hiking boots are recommended. Be sure to view the larger falls from a safe distance. Over 200 waterfalls are found in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Horse Race Rapids, Duppy Falls, Chicaugon Falls and Margeson Falls are found in Iron County Michigan and just a short drive are the spectacular Bond Falls.
Bird Watching
Bird watchers are an anxious breed in the spring as they await the spring migration when many species of birds wing their way to nesting grounds in the county. High on their list is Michigan’s state bird, the robin, as well as other species including cardinals, sandpipers, mourning doves and waterfowl.
Among favorite bird watching sites are the Fortune Lakes, where a 2-mile nature trail and the little peninsula afford good views of warblers, loons and eagles. Bring your camera and binoculars to view nesting pairs, but be sure to keep your distance.
Iron County is also the self-proclaimed “Bald Eagle Capital of the Midwest” and for good reason! All over the county, these large, majestic birds can be seen along the major roadways. A good place to catch a glimpse is West US 2 heading toward Watersmeet.
Heritage Trail – 36 Mile Drive
Mushrooming
Berry-Picking
Iron County has an abundance of wild berries ranging from early strawberries in June to thumb-size blackberries in August. The fruits of the harvest are used for pies and jams, but many don’t make it out beyond the berry patch as they get popped into the mouth for immediate gratification! In addition, there are blueberries and raspberries growing along roadsides, near parks, campgrounds and picnic areas. Or visit a Farmers Market for the home-grown delights as well as for sweet corn, potatoes and pumpkins as the seasons dictate.
Select photo contributions by Kevin Zini, Nina Graff and Jill Koivunen
