Fun Activities – Things to do in between festival performances
Here are some activities that we recommend to do in between the musical performances.
1. Explore Lake Superior
Ironwood is only 15 miles away from Lake Superior. Check out places like Little Girls Point (rock beach perfect for find Agates or Yooperlights), Black River Harbor (sandy beach, 5 massive waterfalls, hiking trails, marina, fishing spots), or Superior Falls & Cliffs (water access, massive lake side cliffs, hidden waterfalls) . There is also the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, which is always around for when you decide to come back to Ironwood.
2. Go Mountain Biking – Miners Park Trails & Copper Peak
Located in the old mine caves just one block from downtown Ironwood you can access to the Miners Park Mountain Bike Trails. These trails range from beginner to advanced with 10 miles of trail to explore. These trails are brand new located directly in the middle of town.
Copper Peak is located along the Black River Scenic By-Way. At the peak, there are 6 miles of trails which run along the black river and ride up to the Copper Peak Ski Flying Hill.
3. Disc Golfing – Mt. Zion & Norrie Park
Ironwood is home to two disc golf courses. Norrie Park is home to a 9 basket casual course along the Montreal River. The course is set up for a fun easy going time. Bring your discs, grab a lunch, go for a hike and relax at the park.
Mt. Zion which is also home to Gogebic Community College Ski Area Management program has a more intermediate to advanced 18 basket course within the slopes of the ski hill. Take your game to the top and also check in the sites from the viewing platform.
4. Copper Peak Adventure Ride
Copper Peak Adventure Ride takes you all the way to the top of the largest ski flying hill in the Western Hemisphere. Take a ride to the top and take in the unobstructed panoramic views of the Western U.P.
5. Find the Waterfalls
The Ironwood area has an abundance of amazing waterfalls. Some are closer to town, while others are found deep in the wilderness. Check out the Find Your North Waterfall Guide to see the locations of all of our waterfalls.
6. Shop Downtown and Enjoy Local Cuisine
Downtown is filled with unique local shops and cuisine. Find unique gifts from Ben Franklin (largest gift store in the Upper Peninsula), or places like European Treats. Dan’s Antiques is a location in downtown that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Enjoy true Yooper food like Pasty’s or enjoy some great cuisine from places like Suffolk Street Eatery.
7. Grab a Drink.
Grab a drink from one a few establishments. You can find a nice glass of wine at the White Rabbit Wine Bar, or a craft brew from Cold Iron Brewing, or a local U.P. made coffee drink from Contrast Coffee.
8. Find Local Art
The Downtown Art Place, located in downtown Ironwood, is home to a gallery that showcases regional art from the Western U.P. and Northern Wisconsin. With artist studios above, visit the DAP and find something truly unique.
9. Relax
Explore one of downtowns many parks, like Depot Park, Pocket Park, or the Downtown City Square. Ride your bike, or take a stroll along Michigan’s Iron Belle trail located at Depot Park in downtown. Visit one of the museums in downtown like the Depot Museum, Ironwood Memorial Building, Ironwood Carnegie Library.
10. Games – Bowling, gaming, etc.
Ironwood has many other things for you to do. Take in a game of bowling at Larry’s Lucky Strikes on US2. Join a board game at Holm’s Hobby in downtown. Take in a quick game of Golf at the Gogebic Country Club. Rent a spot at the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center for a quick game of pickleball, or rent the batting cage or virtual golf for an hour.