Top 10 Ironwood Fall Color Destinations


10. Whitecap Mountain/Corrigan’s Lookout

Corrigan’s Lookout

Whitecap Mountains Ski Resort located in Wisconsin, is beautiful any season and is a true hidden gem.  About 12 miles outside of Ironwood, the Whitecap Mountains are an extremely picturesque scene.  Located at the foot of Weber Lake, and deep in the forest, this ski hill is gorgeous.  Right outside of the Whitecap Mountain, Corrigan’s Lookout is a great fall color destination on it’s own.


9. Bessemer Bluff/Bluff Valley Park

The Bessemer Bluffs are magnificent hills that overlook the City of Bessemer and surrounding area.  This hike is a difficult one, which is one reason why it didn’t rank higher in our list. If you are able to do the hike, the reward is great!

 

 


8. Miners Memorial Heritage Park

Miners Park Aurora Open Pit Mine Pond

Miners Memorial Heritage Park– MMHP encompasses the former iron ore mining locations within the City of Ironwood. The discovery of these mines resulted in the establishment of the City of Ironwood in the latter part of the 19th century. The last iron ore mine in the City of Ironwood closed in 1966.

Non-motorized trails can be used for activities including hiking, biking (a brand new state of the art trail system coming soon), running, walking, snowshoeing, and cross county skiing, while providing safe corridors between many locations within the City of Ironwood and the opportunity for regional trail connections. Miners Memorial Heritage Park provides a unique attraction for residents and tourists alike! You will feel like you are in the middle of the forest, but you are right downtown!


7. Big Powderhorn Mountain/Wolverine Ski Trails

The Wolverine Ski Trails, which is a multi mile non motorized trail system for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing, connects to Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort. Though the Wolverine Ski Trail system doesn’t necessarily have many outlook experiences, the hike through the forest is some of the best in the region.  By taking the Powderhorn loop, you will arrive at Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort, take advantage of the view from the top.

 


6. Powers Road/Bald Mountain Scenic Drive

The Powers Road Trail, which is a multiple-use trail, is on e of the most scenic trails in the region.  The trail winds back and forth through vast areas of County Forest Land and over peaks of some of the highest points in the area.  Because portions of the trail may be more difficult for some users, connection loops bring users around these areas.

This trail system is open to multiple user groups, from hikers or bikers to four wheel or four legged modes of transportation. Or if you just want a scenic drive, this is perfect! Take Powers road to the end and head east to Little Girls Point, a must see beach on Lake Superior! Or head west to explore Superior Falls and Saxon Falls. Truly magnificent!

The Bald Mountain interpretive trail brings users, by way of an old two track, to the top of Bald Mountain with views to the south to take in the colors!

Click here to download the Powers Road Recreation Area Map.


5. Black River Scenic By-Way

Black River National Scenic By-way is surrounded by limitless adventure, wilderness, and peaceful scenic experiences in Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula.  As part of the North Country Trail, enjoy the rush of Black River waterfalls, which are some of the best in the world for sight seeing and whitewater kayaking, or head downstream to Black River Harbor to take a boating expedition or relax on the sandy beach on the shores of Lake Superior. Anywhere on the scenic by-way is worth it!


4. Mt. Zion

Mt. Zion

Mt. Zion is located on the campus of Gogebic Community College and is easily accessible.  A scenic destination in Spring, Summer, and Fall, and a Ski/Tubing hill in the Winter. Just outside of the City of Ironwood, hike or drive to the top, and enjoy the view!


3. Wolf Mountain

Just outside of Wakefield, Michigan (12 Miles from Ironwood), this is a beautiful gradual hike through lush northern hardwood foliage. It’s rather steep as you near the end but worth the climb.

If you are looking for a unique experience with few visitors, Wolf Mountain is an under rated Fall color destination that made our top 3, A breathtaking view awaits you at the top!


2. Porcupine Mountains – Lake of the Clouds

Pristine woods and outstanding recreational opportunities.

Porcupine Mountains

Porcupine-Mountains-Ironwood-MI

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 15 miles west of Ontonagon in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The park’s 60,000 acres are one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. Towering virgin timber, secluded lakes, and miles of wild rivers and streams make a visit to the “Porkies” a trip to remember.

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park was established in 1945 by Michigan’s Legislature. Since then, many changes have taken place in the way we live; however, the Porcupine Mountains are almost unchanged. The remote interior with its towering pine and hemlock seems to defy time. The solitude of the park is mysterious and exciting.

For information on waterfalls in the area, download the “Find Your North Waterfall Guide“.

 


1. Copper Peak

Copper Peak is the most visited attraction when it comes to fall colors in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Where else can you get a full 360 unimpeded view of vast wilderness and the largest fresh water lake in the world, Lake Superior.

Take the adventure ride to the top and get a 360 view of the beautiful North. Down below, take a hike along the Black River or enjoy the awesome, new Copper Peak Mountain Bike Trails.

Copper Peak is located on the Black River National Scenic By-way (which also made the list of fall color destinations) and is surrounded by limitless adventure, wilderness, and peaceful scenic experiences in Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula.  As part of the North Country Trail, enjoy the rush of Black River waterfalls, which are some of the best in the World for sight seeing and whitewater kayaking, or head downstream to Black River Harbor to take a boating expedition or relax on the sandy beach on the shores of Lake Superior.

The Copper Peak experience is definitely bucket-list worthy!

 

Ironwood has the best Summer adventure in the entire Midwest! Discover The Top 10 Ironwood Spring/Summer Destinations here.