Welcome to Iron County,

Plan your next vacation and getaways to Iron County, Michigan. Discover, explore and enjoy the natural wonders that Iron County offers. Open to all, lush forests and sparkling lakes dominate the land- scape here. Far away from city life that you’ll think you’ve not only crossed a different time zone, but into a different era. Folks are downright friendly and anxious to get to know you. Life is laidback . . . but not where you can’t enjoy power boating, zip- ping across the lake on your personal watercraft and ATVing the many trails. WELCOME Golfing continues to grow in popularity, whether for a 9- or 18-hole round or with the new pursuit, disc golf. The silent sports are very much in vogue. In addition to road biking and mountain biking, those geared toward fat bikes are pushing the pedals in Iron County. Color- ful kayaks, SUPs and canoes dot the lakes and rivers. And dare we say it -- drones are becoming the next outdoor sport with quadcopters and the like recording the beauty from up above. Camping is big – especially watching the sparks from the campfire mingle with the stars -- but our motels and cabins welcome their share of guests anxious for a comfy bed and maybe a Jacuzzi. There’s more to Iron County than natural beauty. Our restaurants and taverns are pretty special places to visit for a meal and shooting the breeze over a craft beer. Our communities invite all to celebrate with them on special occasions. Summer brings exciting rodeo action when the UP Pro Rodeo pays a visit to Iron River. All generations will love the Iron County Fair. We’re also bringing back Humongous Fungus Fest – better than ever! Stop by at the Iron County Chamber of Commerce office in down- town Iron River for information about all the above, as well as for shopping and lodging suggestions. Visit online at www.iron.org for updates on our many events.

Inside this Issue Welcome Letter...... page 4 Calendar of Events...... page 6 Golf...... page 7

INDEX Communities...... page 8 Colorama...... page 10 Published By: Fishing...... page 12 5 Star Marketing & Distribution Camping...... page 14 409 Southpark Drive Tomahawk, WI 54487 Trails...... page 16 715-453-4511 Area Map...... page 18 E-mail: [email protected] Theater & Arts...... page 20

4 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 5 Calendar of Events

WIC High School Gym Business Expo April 8 Crystal Theatre Oliver! Musical April 28 & 30 Windsor Center Oliver! Musical May 5-7 Crystal Theatre Annie Musical May 20 WIC High School Gym UP History Conference June 23-25 Klint Safford Memorial RV Park River Fest at the RV Park June 24 Crystal Falls Bass Festival July 7-9 Iron River Fairgrounds 50th UP Pro Rodeo July 13-15 Crystal Falls Summer Fest July 22 Crystal Falls Humongous Fungus Fest August 4-6 Iron River Fairgrounds Iron County Fair August 10-13 Alpha Blues Fest August 26 Iron River Senior Center 2nd Saturdays Senior Center Dance Iron River Senior Center 3rd Saturdays Pancake Breakfast Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp 2nd Sundays Folk Dancing EVENTS *Please check iron.org/calendar for more events, updates and event details.

6 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 1...2...3... Fore! Iron County offers the best in Upper Michigan golf courses and clubs. Come and experience all three of our exciting courses, which offer WIC High School Gym challenging courses, fantastic scenery, warm Business Expo April 8 Crystal Theatre hospitality and fun for all ages. All three are GOLFING Oliver! Musical open to the public and each has a clubhouse. April 28 & 30 Windsor Center Oliver! Musical George Young Golf Course situated along Chi- May 5-7 Crystal Theatre Annie Musical caugon Lake about 8 miles east of Iron River is May 20 WIC High School Gym a championship 18-hole course (Golf Digest “4- UP History Conference June 23-25 Klint Safford Memorial RV Park Star” rated). At 7,100 yards long, it’s the longest River Fest at the RV Park June 24 Crystal Falls 18-hole course in the Upper Peninsula. Bass Festival July 7-9 Iron River Fairgrounds Iron River Country Club is a 9-hole golf course 50th UP Pro Rodeo located on M-189 just 2 miles south of Iron Riv- July 13-15 Crystal Falls Summer Fest er. Close to all the city offers, this course offers July 22 Crystal Falls a shorter layout and multiple tee boxes for the Humongous Fungus Fest August 4-6 Iron River Fairgrounds “pro” to the senior citizen. A small stream runs Iron County Fair through the course. August 10-13 Alpha Blues Fest Crystal View Golf Course is another 9-hole August 26 course located one-half mile east of downtown Iron River Senior Center 2nd Saturdays Crystal Falls off M-69. It’s challenging as it Senior Center Dance Iron River Senior Center runs through a hilly terrain and along the banks 3rd Saturdays Pancake Breakfast Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp of the beautiful Paint River. It also overlooks 2nd Sundays the city. Folk Dancing

*Please check iron.org/calendar for more events, updates and event details.

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2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 7 Our Communities Welcome You Crystal Falls Alpha Crystal Falls is the county seat of Iron County and was The Village of Alpha is on the Heritage Trail tour and in- named for the falls on the Paint River. The city’s heritage cludes the historic Porter School and Alpha Museum, both includes early iron mining and timber exploration. The in the Alpha Circle Historic District. Several buildings are pride of downtown Crystal Falls is the 1890 Romanesque- on the National Register of Historic Places. The Village of style Iron County Courthouse, which sits on top of the hill Alpha was incorporated in 1914, which also marked the and affords those who tour it a stunning vista of the coun- opening of the K-12 Alpha Porter School. The last class tryside. The Harbour House Museum is also located in the to graduate from Porter School was in 1967. Several small city. The city owns and operates its own hydroelectric plant businesses are now located in the former school, as well as and cable TV system. Its industrial park is located one-half a summer/fall farmers market held on the school grounds. mile west of town. The local golf course overlooks the As of the 2010 census, the village population was 145. Paint River and offers 9-holes of challenging play. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,469. Amasa The unincorporated community of Amasa is home to re- Gaastra - nowned NBA and NCAA basketball flooring manufacturer, Gaastra is named after Douwe Gaastra, a building contrac Connor Sports Flooring. The community began in 1910 as tor and real estate speculator who bought the land in Oc- a Finnish iron mining and logging boomtown of just over tober 1908 and platted the town. It was incorporated as a 1,000 people. Now with a population of 283, Amasa resi- village in 1919 and as a city in 1949. As of the 2010 census, dents are largely employed in the forest products industry. the city population was 347. Attractions include the Amasa Historical Society Museum, which includes replicas of a trapper’s cabin and old time barbershop. Iron River Iron River is the largest city in Iron County and home to the Caspian Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo, held in late July- each year, and the Iron County Fair. Like other communi The City of Caspian’s development mirrors the expansion ties in the county, it owes its existence to the iron first mined COMMUNITIES of the mining industry on the west side of the county after here in 1879. In a 2000 election, adjoining Stambaugh and the turn of the century. At one time, six mines operated in Mineral Hills were consolidated with Iron River, adding the immediate area, including the Caspian from which the about 1,500 citizens to Iron River, now pop. 3,029. The settlement took its name by 1913. Caspian was incorporated city has an 18-hole disc golf course (The Tailings), which as a city with a commission-manager form of government has drawn good reviews. Ski Brule, one of the Northwoods in 1950. The city includes the Iron County Multi-Purpose busiest ski hill complexes, is located just a few miles south Building/Ice Arena, Apple Blossom Biking and Walking of the city. Trail, Caspian Community Center and an Industrial Park. Caspian is also home to the Iron County Museum that com- prises 25 buildings that make up the Heritage Village. The museum is home of the Lee LeBlanc Wildlife Art Gallery.

8 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 9 Bright foliage bedecks hills and valleys during Colorama COLORAMA

Bring your camera and get inspired with a weekend getaway to US-2 east, M-189 south and M-73south all provide their unique Iron County during autumn when the hues of changing leaf colors opportunities for a Color Tour supreme. Whether you want to see are absolutely breathtaking. color up-close -- or prefer a panoramic color -- the highways will As the daylight hours get shorter, the leaves begin to transition offer you a view to behold. from the bright green of summer to autumn’s palette of reds, yel- But for the top spot for Color Tour viewing in Iron County, park lows and oranges. Historically, the “Color Tour” season starts your vehicle near the Iron County Courthouse in Crystal Falls mid-September and runs for almost three weeks. and look east across a valley that will be awe-inspiring. The view Make your overnight lodging reservation, top off the tank and from the second floor of the Courthouse gets even better. And the head to Iron County for a scenic fall drive. Be sure to call the view from the Courthouse bell tower observation deck is “worth chamber office for the latest on peak color recommendations. a million dollars.” Here are a few tried-and-true tips to reach these majestic places Autumn brings with it any number of Iron County festivals that whether biking, hiking or driving: celebrate both the heritage of the area and the bountiful harvest Head west over the rolling hills of US-2 and experience the chang- gathered from the fields, gardens and orchards. Enjoy a home- ing of the seasons. Or travel north on either Forest Highway 16 or made apple pie or take home a bushel of the UP’s best apples to US-141. Those stretches feature some of the more “mountainous” make your own pies. Wild blueberries, raspberries and blackber- regions of the county, for views of reds, oranges, and yellows in ries are just an arm’s length away. the valleys and hills. As you drive around the next curve in the highway, you may be Taking the main road east will bring travelers to some of the high- greeted with a local farmer’s hay wagon covered with orange and est spots in Iron County. The zenith of the 4-lane of US-2 between yellow pumpkins. A few can be characterized as huge and you Iron River and Crystal Falls will provide an expansive picture that better have strong arms and the car with a big trunk to take home covers miles of territory. one of these monsters! It’s a great time to be in Iron County!

10 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 11 Anglers will net lots of memories

Michigan’s waters run deep and clear in Iron County and that’s where you will find some of the hottest fishing action of the summer. The county boasts 314 lakes and more than 902 miles of rivers and streams. Walleye, northern pike and muskie are the most sought after game fish in the lakes, with several species of trout in rivers and lakes also popular with anglers. Brook trout can be found in the following rivers: Brule, Cooks Run, Deer, Fence, Hem- lock, Iron, and Paint. Cooks Run and Paint are also known for brown trout. Best bets: Three miles below Elvoy Creek M-73 crosses the river, and from there to M-179 the Brule has been designated a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. The Paint is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best trout rivers. Switching gears – and bait – you can also find walleye in Michigamme and smallmouth bass in Paint. Peavy Pond is a multi-species hatchery, giving up walleye, northern pike, smallies and yellow perch. Chicaugon has all the above, and adds in lake trout as a bonus. Another multi-species lake is Lake Emily with walleye, northern pike, muskie, yellow perch and panfish fund in good numbers. Help is at hand: The local bait shop owners and operators not only do they know where

FISHING the fish are biting, they also know what they’re hitting on. Check with the Outpost or Lucky’s Bait shops in Iron River or Crystal Bait in Crystal Falls for tips and fresh bait. Or, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr for more fishy details. Obtain a map of Iron County showing the location of rivers by contacting the Iron County Chamber of Commerce at 888-TRY-IRON or iron.org.

12 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 13 Camping options range from wilderness to full services When it’s time to park the backside against a sleeping bag, or park Excellent beach, a boat launch to Fortune Lake, two playgrounds, the camper in the reserved area, you are certain to find the perfect hiking trail XC ski in the winter), picnic areas, tennis court, water, camping spot whether it’s rustic in nature or loaded with ameni- sewer, toilet, electric. 906-875-3324. Reservations 800-44PARKS. ties with your RV as “the home away from home.” Camping is Deer Lake, North Iron County. 12 rustic sites for tent and small very popular in Iron County so be sure to make reservations early, trailer use. Swimming, fishing, boat launch. (906) 875-6622. Glid- particularly for the major holidays. Also, check to see if the camp- den Lake, East Iron County. 23 sites. Picnic area. 906-875-6622. ground allows pets. Some campgrounds do not have reservation Perch Lake, 10 miles south of Sindaw. 20 drive-in sites. Picnic options or even a telephone, so it’s first-come, first-served. area. Fishing, boat ramp. Though they may be located in a wilderness setting, all camp- Federal Forest Campgrounds grounds are within an easy drive to towns and cities for food, Ottawa Lake, 32 sites on crystal-clear, 551-acre Ottawa Lake. Pic- camping supplies and sunscreen. Remember, firewood must be nic area, dump station, swimming, boating, hiking trails, fishing purchased locally as none can be brought in from out of the area. pier, CCC-era pavilion/bathhouse with fireplaces. Among the more popular campgrounds in Iron County are: Golden Lake, 22 sites. Swimming, fishing. Iron River RV Park, downtown Iron River, easy access to retail shopping, restaurants, and services. 32 sites. 17 sites have water, Block-House, 3 sites. Picnic area. Fishing, canoeing. electric, sewer, cable. 1 site has water, electric and cable. 14 sites St. Katherine, 25 sites. Picnic area. Swimming, fishing. have water and electric. Access to showers & restrooms. 906-265- Norway, 28 sites. Picnic area. Swimming, fishing. 3822. Paint River Forks, 3 sites. Fishing & canoeing. Pentoga Park, located on 1,100-acre Chicaugon Lake. 135 sites, Crystal Falls Township

CAMPING with sewer, water, hot showers, electric, picnic area, pavilion, con- cession stand, excellent sand beach for swimming, fishing, boating, Gibson Lake Campground, 4 sites. Swimming, fishing, picnic, sand volleyball. 906-265-3979. playground. Crystal Falls Township 906-875-3062. Sunset Lake Park, Bates Township. 13 sites. Swimming, fishing, Private boating. Runkle Lake Park, about 1 mile east of Crystal Falls. 57 Camp Christine, Crystal Falls, 906-875-6456. modern and primitive sites, some with water, sewer, electric. Pic- nic area, swimming, boating, fishing, wheelchair accessible fishing Paint River Hills, Crystal Falls. 40 sites. Hiking trail. 906-875- pier, tennis, ball diamond. No entry fee. 906-875-3051. 4977. Holmes Lake Park, Southwest Iron County. 4 sites. Swimming, Wilderness Shores, Developed by Wisconsin Electric Power, fishing. there are 15 wilderness recreation areas located on Michigamme Reservoir and Peavy Falls Pond. Primitive camping in wilderness State Campgrounds setting with vault toilets, boat launches, refuse containers, fire pits. Bewabic, on Fortune Lake. The 144-site campground is situated in Swimming, fishing. 906-779-2481. a shady, wooded area with buffer strips between most of the sites.

14 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide Klint Safford Memorial RV Park Nestled on the Iron River and Apple Blossom Trail, the Klint Saf- ford Memorial RV Park is a full-service RV Park with 32 sites lo- cated in downtown Iron River. The park offers direct access to an ORV trail on one side and a walking/biking trail on the other, a Blue-Ribbon trout stream with a canoe/boat launch. We’ve partnered with Peddelars and Paddlers, making canoe, kayak, and bicycle rental a breeze. Downtown shopping, eateries and coffee shops are nearby. Crystal clear lakes and rivers are only a short drive away for swim- ming, boating and fishing, as well as beautiful hiking trails, a top- notch museum, and several waterfalls for the adventurer inside you! Available are full hookup (water, electricity, WiFi, cable, sewer), basic hookup (water, electricity, WiFi) and tent camping (not avail- able on high-traffic weekends). Check with the chamber of com- merce staff for our new lower rates, including discounted weekly and monthly rates. Other amenities include indoor showers/toilets, dump station, RV wash station, bike rental, firewood/kindling, and fresh, morning coffee if you come up and say hello to the office staff. Look for the park sign on Genesee Street – just one block off U.S. Highway 2. Call 1-888-TRY-IRON to make your reservation today.

2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 15 Scenic trails are full of rewards TRAILS hether you’re a gear-grinding mountain biker or a lei- the site of the original railroad line that carried iron ore from the surely hiker, Iron County has many scenic hike and area. The site of Harvey Mellen’s discovery of iron ore in 1851 Wbike trails that meander through forests, along sky- is on the route. Among the scenic views are the abandoned mine blue waterways and even a couple in the cityscape -- close to ice quarry stocked with trout and a view of a small waterfall on the cream shops! Some pull double-duty in the winter and serve as Iron River. Don’t miss the humorous sign at the trailhead that cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. We invite you to sample speaks the “language” of dogs! these popular trails: Bewabie State Park Apple Blossom Trail Located on US-2 west of Crystal Falls on Fortune Lake. The tail The 2.5-mile paved trail (wheelchair accessible) starts across the starts in the campground and ends in the day-use area of the park. road from the Iron County Museum in Caspian and weaves its The easy hike takes about an hour to complete. Vehicle entrance way through areas of beautiful and historical Iron County, ending fee. at North Fourth Avenue. It travels along the Iron River and near Stateline Historical Site Trail 0.5-mile trail starts at the picnic area and boat launch on the southwest end of Brule Lake, headwaters of the Brule River. The serene trail leads to the Historic Treaty Tree and Wisconsin-Michigan overland border, about a 10- to 15-min- ute hike. Lake Mary Plains Pathway (also known as Glidden Lake Foot Paths) Glidden Lake is on Lake Mary Road, south of M-69 about five miles east of Crystal Falls. There are three loops (3.4, 4.5 and 3.9 miles) to these well-marked trails with signs every half-mile. The starting point is in the parking area adjacent to Glidden Lake. Cool off after your hike or bike with a dip in Glidden Lake. There’s a

16 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide small sandy beach just off the parking area. The facility is part of the Copper Country State Forest managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Pentoga Park is an interesting, Ge-Che Trail beautiful park West of Iron River on Ottawa Lake Road, off M-73, one mile south of US-2. Ge-Che Trail begins at Lake Ottawa Park boat CRYSTAL FALLS -- Small wooded structures – known as landing and meanders for 10.8 km between Lake Otttawa and “spirit houses” -- protect the historical Indian burial grounds that Hagerman Lake. The Bennan Lake Loop (2 miles) and the can be found in Iron County’s Pentoga Park, located at Crystal Ge-Che Loop (2.5 miles) are the most popular. The Lake Ot- Falls in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. tawa Nature Trail is 1 mile in length. The park is a jewel of Iron County. It has everything you want in Pentoga Park a public park, including well-groomed and very clean grounds. The Brule River Trail starts at the registration booth, crosses This popular park also includes the burial grounds of the ancient County Road 424 and continues to the Brule River a distance Ojibwa bands that date back to the 1800s. The burial grounds of 2.5 miles. The Indian Ceremonial Bowl is a short 1-mile were once part of a large Indian village on the southeastern shore long trail from the registration booth to the Bowl. George of Gaa-namegosikaag, today known as Chicagon Lake. Iron Young Recreational Complex Wolf Track Nature Trail is a County purchased land for the park in 1924 and has preserved unique, self-guided nature walk open to the public, with a and protected the Native American burial grounds since then. An one-half mile loop trail (with a 1/3 mile spur to Mt. Margaret) old Indian trail leads to the Brule River three miles away. that winds leisurely through scenic woods. Interpretive signs Pentoga Park is located between Gaastra and Alpha on County along the way. Road 424. The park has a large grassy area, updated playground Paint River Walk equipment, beach, beach house, pavilion and campground. There is a daily/season admission fee. The 1,100-acre Chicaugon Lake As you cross the M-69 Bridge in Crystal Falls, the Paint Riv- is unusually deep (115 feet at its deepest). er Walk on the north side of the road draws attention for its beauty and connection to nature. The boardwalk is the site of The lake becomes an active playground for boaters, water ski- weddings, musical performances and picture taking. ers and swimmers in the warmer months. Wintertime finds ice fishermen drilling holes to place tip-ups and to jig lures and Mountain Bike Trails minnows. Fishermen will find bass, muskellunge, lake trout and At The Listening Inn. 8 miles of trails, some technical, rocky walleyes throughout the year. and hills. The park’s 135 scenic campsites offer water and electrical hook- ups. There are hot showers, changing/bath house, pavilion, a sanitary dump station and lots of shade. Supplies for shuffle- board, horseshoes and volleyball, in addition to firewood, are available at the entrance booth. The park store is open daily and the concession stand at the beach area is open during good weather. Directions: Take Country Road 424 off either US 2 (go west) or M189 (go east), or by taking Pentoga Trail south off UW 2 west of Crystal Falls. For more information call 906-265-3979 or visit pentogapark.net.

2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 17 Iron County Area Map

18 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 2017 Iron County Visitor Guide 19 Theatre & the Arts

vibrant and growing art community resonates throughout Iron County, promoting the fine arts through art shows, lo- Acal art galleries and theater performances as well as three art galleries at a large museum complex in Caspian. In addition, enjoy summer concerts on the Paint River Boardwalk in Crystal Falls and the Rum Rebellion Revue Players performances in the Windsor Center in Iron River. Crystal Theatre — The restored Crystal Theatre in downtown Crys- tal Falls opened its doors in the spring of 1991. It hosts a wide va- riety of entertainment. Artists marvel at the purity of the acoustics, which many modern theaters cannot match. Currently, the Crystal

Theatre hosts performances 2-3 times per month. 906-875-3208 and www.crystaltheater.org. Windsor Center – The West End Players hold theatrical produc- tions in the auditorium of the Windsor Center in Iron River. The Iron River Community Concepts presents its annual Rum Rebel- lion Revue in the auditorium of the former school. Open mic night last Saturday of each month. Recreational activities available also. Iron County Historical Museum – The museum is the home to three outstanding art galleries. The best known is the Lee LeB- lanc Wildlife Art Gallery. LeBlanc graduated from Iron River High School in 1931. He worked for a number of years in Hollywood as an animator and artist as well as art director for MGM. He returned THEATER/ARTS to his hometown and began painting wildlife. Over 200 of his works are on display at the museum. The complex also houses the Giovanelli Italianati Art Gallery. Giovanelli is another native son of Iron River. His artistic works range from Renaissance style to contemporary art. The Bernhardt Contemporary Art Gallery con- tains a collection of the works of prestigious 20th Century Ameri- can artists as well as some Canadian and Japanese artists. From the stoplight at US-2 in Iron River, take M-189 south to County Road 424 east and then Museum Drive (left).

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