The Great Outdoors
Unplug & Unwind in Clear Waters and Quiet Forests
Iron County is a sportsman’s paradise, with 250 lakes ranging from 2 to 5,200 acres and more than 200 miles of rivers, including 5 Blue Ribbon Trout Streams. The untouched, wild beauty makes for the perfect location for hunting, fishing, and almost any outdoor sport.
Experience the Northwoods…
Fishing
Being out on the quiet waters of any of the beautiful lakes or rivers will give you the true Upper Peninsula experience. The rivers hold an abundance of brook, brown and rainbow trout, and the lakes are virtual trove of perch, walleye, panfish, bass, northern pike and more!
Camping & “Glam”ping
Whether you enjoy being alone in the quiet forests at a rustic campsite or prefer the “home away from home” feel, Iron County has a campground to fit your lifestyle and taste.
Kayaking & Canoeing
There are more than 250 lakes in Iron County, and 200 miles of rivers – 43 miles of which are considered Blue Ribbon Trout Streams. So whether you just want a few hours to float, or need a weekend getaway to fish, you will have plenty of miles to enjoy along the Paint River, Brule River, Net River, Michigamme River, reservoirs and our many pristine lakes.
Waterfalls
Of Michigan’s 199 waterfalls, 198 of them are in the U.P. You can find many of them in a day’s travel! The following list features watersfalls and rapids around Iron County and its neighboring counties. Be sure to watch your step while hiking as trails are often natural or “desire paths” that are not maintained, but we think all these falls are worth seeing!.
Ottawa National Forest
It is backpacker’s dream. The Ottawa National Forest has hundreds of motorized and non motorized trails.The almost one million acres of the Ottawa National Forest are located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The forest extends from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. The area is rich in wildlife viewing opportunities, breathtaking views of rolling hills dotted with lakes, rivers and waterfalls, and spectacular fall colors. Iron Country lies right against these pristine woodlands and offers unending adventures.
Hiking Trails
There are plenty of hiking trails located within Iron County including the Heritage Trail, Copper County State Forest, Ottawa National Forest, George Young Recreation Complex, Lake Mary Plains Pathway, the Apple Blossom Trail, and others.
Fall Colors & Woodlands
The last week in September and early October boasts one of the most magnificent times to take a drive and enjoy the fall colors. Our Upper Peninsula fall colors can rival those of any state! Check out our map and seasonal color updates to plan your trip accordingly.
Family Escapes
Get your kids off their electronics and into the woods at any of our amazing resorts, campgrounds, and hotels. Whether you’re looking for a week of relaxation at a one-stop destination resort, or a “home-base” to come back to after a day of sight-seeing, there is a lodging option to fit your ideal vacation.
Golfing
Whether you’re a 3 handicap or a newcomer to the game, there is a course that will be sure to entertain. Iron County has three great courses. The George Young Recreational Complex includes a professional level, spectacular 18 hole course located next to Chicaugon Lake. For the leisure player, the Iron River Golf Course provides 9 holes on an easy-medium level course. Sitting near the hill in Crystal Falls is the Crystal Falls Municipal 9 hole course.
Stargazing & Northern Lights
The magic of the night skies in Iron County has to be experienced in person. With near zero light and air pollution, the night skies give a brilliant display of stars and are perfect for observing meteor showers and northern lights. The appearance of the aurora borealis is unpredictable, but spectacular when you can catch them! Call the Iron County Visitor’s Center for tips on best areas for stargazing.
Hunting
The sportsman is in no want for wild game in Iron County! White tail deer, turkey, black bear, and upland birds and waterfowl are all fair game. Licenses are available for purchase at nearly any convenience store, and rules and regulation information can be found online.
Cross Country & Downhill Skiing
There are miles of cross country skiing trails to explore and two downhill ski hills in Iron County. Enjoy Ski Brule which boasts to be the first to open and last to close in the Midwest, and the Crystella Ski Hill in Crystal Falls.
Snowmobiling & ATV Trails
There are 260 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and interconnecting trails with other UP and Wisconsin Routes. ATV’s & snowmobiles are allowed on the shoulder of most Iron County roads (excluding highways US 2, M-73, and M-189)
The Tailings Disc Golf Course
The Tailings is an 18 hole disc golf course that was completed in Iron River, Michigan July 2010. This unique course is set along the Apple Blossom Trail and the Iron River, which was once a busy railroad grade that provided iron ore shipments out of the community during the iron mining days. Play along the course reveals remnants of several mines that once thrived on the course grounds. Unique rock formations play a role in the difficulty of the course. The start and finish points parallel the Iron River with easy access from walking trail or ORV trail that is accessible from many part of Iron County.
Apple Blossom Trail
You can start this trail by the Chamber building in downtown Iron River, or the paved (wheelchair accessible) begins across the road from the Iron County Museum in Caspian. The trail, a segment of the Heritage Trail, starts along the Iron River and goes all the way to Pentoga Park. You will travel along the original railroad line that carried iron ore from the area and through Caspian to Gaastra. The path then takes you along the original roadbed, and through the countryside. You will walk by where Harvey Mellen’s discovered iron ore in 1851 and scenic views of the abandoned mine quarry now stocked with trout.
