Top 10 Ironwood, MI Winter Destinations

The Upper Peninsula’s Finest!

Welcome to Ironwood Michigan’s Top 10 Winter Destinations. Ironwood has the best Winter adventure in the entire Midwest!  Getting National and International recognition for cross-country skiing, Ironwood is a top Winter destination, with: 6 different ski areas, hundreds of miles of cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails, and snowmobile trails, 200+ annual inches of snow each year, and the pristine seclusion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  Ironwood is also recognized as the top 20 best cities for a Winter getaway and the #1 most affordable getaway in the United States according to moveBudda.com.

Visiting in the Fall? Learn more about The Top 10 Ironwood Fall Color Destinations here.


10. Downtown Ironwood & Miners Park

What!? Downtown made the list?  It sure did!  Downtown Ironwood is the place to come when all of your outdoor adventure is complete!  Stop in at one of the local hangouts, enjoy shopping, dining, art and history, or take in a show at the Historic Ironwood Theatre on the weekend.  There are also many events throughout the Winter.  The Jack Frost Festival (Dec-Jan), Northern Elves Festival (Dec.), SISU Ski Fest (Jan.), and more!  It’s literally like a Hallmark movie!

Miners Park Memorial Heritage Park (MMHP) is also part of the Downtown area with the new installation of the Downtown City Square as a trail head for the MMHP.  The MMHP is a 167 acre park complete with two plus miles of classic and skate ski trails and a few miles of snowshoe trails weaving in and out of the historical mine sites of Ironwood. The park is also home to the new Emberlight Festival Art in the Park, and bike trails that will  be built all happening the  summer of 2021! This park is enjoyed by all ages, locals and tourists alike!

 

 


9. Porcupine Mountains

Ski the Porcupine Mountains!  That’s right, the Porcupine Mountains has a ski hill!  Run by Gogebic Community College Ski Area Management Program along with Mt. Zion in Ironwood, the Porcupine Mountains is one of the most picturesque and secluded resorts in the region.

Get off-piste with glades cut between every run to provide wide open spaces.  Find numerous areas to make your own tracks on untouched powder.  Best backcountry skiing in the area!

Find out more about Gogebic Community College Ski Area Management Program today!


8. Lake Gogebic

From great ice fishing to snowmobiling!  As the largest inland lake in Michigan, Lake Gogebic is well known for it’s abundance of fish.

If you are more in the mood for adventure, then snowmobiling on and around Lake Gogebic is a must.  Lake Gogebic acts as a natural hub for Snowmobiles and has many trails in and around the lake.


7. Black River Scenic By-Way

Black River Scenic By-Way is the best place to for a Winter hike.  Follow the river through ancient forests along the North Country Trail and witness the most breathtaking Winter waterfall experience in the Upper Peninsula!  Enjoy on snow shoes, but be carful, the stairs aren’t very forgiving.  Follow your way all the way down to Lake Superior and enjoy a hike along the beach.  Be careful by the stairs, watch your kids, and don’t go on the Lake Superior ice.

Don’t miss out on Copper Peak the only ski flying hill outside of Europe, which is also on the Black River Scenic By-Way!  The lift is closed in the Winter but renovations are happening to hopefully soon bring back ski flying to the Western U.P.  Even though you can’t make it to the top, it’s worth seeing!


6. Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails

Fat Tire Bike Ironwood Michigan

Mostly run by volunteers, Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails in Ironwood offers 24K of ski trails including several loops for classic striding and skate skiing. There are 14K of marked snowshoe trails and 7K of snow bike trails. Lake Effect snow provides the area with snow that tends to arrive earlier, pile deeper, and last longer than anywhere else in the Midwest. The rolling terrain offers trails for all levels of skiing, snowshoeing, snow biking hiking, and trail running.

Wolverine Ski Trails also connects into the Big Powderhorn Ski area.


5. Whitecap Mountains

And another ski hill!!!  Whitecap Mountains is one of those places that you just have to experience.  A secluded resort rising up from Lake Webber makes you feel like you are truly some place special!  Whitecap boasts two mountain tops and is rated as the most scenic ski experience of them all.


4. Ironwood & Hurley Area Snowmobiling

Ironwood and Hurley are located directly in the middle of two giant snowmobiling trail systems. Iron County and the Western U.P. Trail Systems are connected by trail #2 that runs right through Ironwood Michigan and Hurley Wisconsin.  Where else can you get so many trails in two separate states in one outing.  We also have to mention the many snowmobiling races throughout the Winter!


3. Big Powderhorn Mountain

Another Ski Hill!!  Big Powderhorn is great for the entire family.  Try runs from beginner to advanced, Big Powderhorn Mountain has it all. Big Powderhorn Mountain is tucked away in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula along the Black River Scenic By-way. Your escape to the Northwoods begins with 17 feet of average natural snowfall, renowned grooming, family friendly specials, and a down-home staff who treats you like family.

 


2. Snowriver Mountain Resort (Black River Basin & Jackson Creek Summit)

2 Legendary Mountains, 1 Lift Ticket, No Worries!

Which mountain is right for you? Why not both? At Snowriver Mountain Resort BOTH mountains are included with your lift ticket. One on the morning, one in the evening. One on your first day and the other on your second. It’s up to you.  Snowriver Mountain Resort even has a shuttle to take you back and forth as you like. Both are guaranteed to show you a great time! BUY YOUR LIFT TICKETS NOW!

Jackson Creek Summit (formerly Indianhead Mountain) and Black River Basin (formerly Blackjack Mountain) are famous for the quantity and quality of their snow and downhill terrain, offering a great ski and snowboard experience. The full-service resort offers lodging at both Black River Basin and Jackson Creek Summit, dining, a health & racquet club, indoor pool, spa and sauna.  Big snow also has many events throughout the ski season.


1. Active Backwoods Retreat (ABR Ski Trails)

ABR Ski Trails – Voted 4th Best Nordic Ski Resort in the United States by USA Today!

How could any other Ironwood Winter Destination be #1?  ABR Ski Trails is a full service ski touring center located on over 1100 scenic acres and 78 km (cross-country) and 10 km (snowshoe) of varied terrain along the Montreal River in Ironwood Michigan.  ABR Ski Trails offers skate/classic combination trails along with single-track classic and even snowshoeing and multi-use/skijoring trails. This full service resort offers a heated warming cabin with light concessions, a full service ski shop, rentals, changing rooms, indoor restrooms, a large heated wax area with many wax benches. Lessons available, waxing services, Saunas for rent, and lodging options within the resort area.