Outdoor enthusiasts seeking the best nature offers can find it everywhere in Iron County. It’s hours of wholesome fun for your whole family — a good “freshair” experience for your children — and an easy time for your wallet. Why spend a single day at an expensive theme park when you can spend the whole week here?
With half of all property in Iron County available for hunting and recreation, you are never far from your perfect outdoor spot. In fact, you can start in town and be far away from everything in just minutes. Our abundance of rivers and lakes also means great canoeing, kayaking, boating and swimming…skiing at Ski Brule … plus this is a mecca for ORV and ATV riders.
Fishing so plentiful that you couldn’t fish all of our locations in an entire lifetime
Anglers flow into Iron County for a Canadian fishing experience that you don’t have to fly to reach. With more than 900 miles of streams and rivers and nearly 100 inland lakes, there’s an inexhaustible list of great fishing spots all year-round. The 7,000 surface acres of the Michigamme Reservoir will let you spin your own fishing yarn with trophy sized pike that spring from the cool waters below. In Champion, catch a glimpse of local moose and relax under the stars at your campsite in Van Riper State Park with a sandy beachfront on the reservoir.
When you’re ready to dive into the picture-perfect up north lake, head for the pristine waters of Chicagon Lake. Majestic native trees ring this 1,000 acre lake, along shores that are largely unspoiled by development. Spend a peaceful day swimming, sailing or water skiing. Fishing steals the show here in both winter and summer. Spend some time at the south end of the lake exploring Pentoga Park where you can view the remains of Ojibwa burial structures, still standing in timeless reverence. Winter brings snowmobiling along the lake. Speed along a series of interconnected trails throughout the Upper Peninsula that mingle with railroad beds left over from mining days long ago.
Located on over 3,000 acres, Young’s Golf & Recreation Restaurant, stays true to its founders vision to provide a place to enjoy the outdoors to all. Young’s offers offers a top experience for golf and features an aquatic center, as well as two miles of beachfront on Chicagon Lake and year round activities. After you’ve worked up an appetite on the water, dock & dine at the family-friendly FireBrick Bar & Grill, which features free shuttle service back to the lodge.
Cultural Curiosities, Rodeos to Modern Art
Iron County Historical Museum
Ready to learn more about the world you’re exploring? Iron County has dozens of cultural spots and events to liven your stay. With free admission and 125 years of historical artifacts and memorabilia, the Michigamme Historical Museum can’t be beat to learn stories of the area. Beyond the displays of logging and mining, film buffs will delight in the exclusive “Anatomy of a Murder” exhibit which features original writings, photographs and more from the 1959 movie which was filmed in Michigamme.
Visit the Iron County Historical Museum in Caspian, considered one of the top historical sites in Michigan with its 26 buildings that make up Heritage Village and home of the Lee LeBlanc Wildlife Art Gallery. Attend the Miner’s Labor Day Family Picnic and Pie Social, Italian Day, Log Cabin Day or the 10-day Christmas Galleria and Basket Raffle.
Iron County Rodeo
You will find these are just the beginning of activities that can fill your calendar with year ‘round fun. Iron County is big on hosting events, that will bring you back for more memories. Come to Iron County for tons of other events such as Rum Rebellion Days, Crystal Falls Lions Bass Festival, or the famous Humungus Fungus Fest. Topping the list for wild west-style fun is the annual U.P. Championship Rodeo in late July. Mosey in to this 50 year old U.P. tradition that takes place in late July and watch cowboys compete in thrilling events. Families will enjoy the pancake breakfast and parade. Stroll among antique tractors and delight in the crowning of rodeo royalty.
Enjoy regional artists and authors who range from realism to abstract at the Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery. You can also attend a play at Windsor Center and hear the unique pipe organ at the historic Crystal Theater. Architecture lovers will want to see the castle-like Iron County Courthouse, one of the finest buildings ever constructed in Michigan’s U.P.
