Weekend Guide: Six Fun Things to Do in Ironwood, Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula towns have a lot to offer visitors! Without a doubt, one of the best towns to visit in the Upper Peninsula is Ironwood, Michigan. With sights to see, things to do, and plenty of natural splendor, it’s no wonder that Ironwood is considered one of the best adventure spots in Michigan, and the entire Midwest, for that matter! Bearing that in mind, here are six fantastic things to do when visiting Ironwood and a few things to keep in mind as you plan your next visit.
What to Know When Visiting Ironwood
Ironwood has beautiful scenic areas for hiking, incredible waterfalls, Lake Superior access, and a quaint yet culture-filled historic downtown. As you plan your trip to Ironwood, Michigan, it can be helpful to create an in-depth itinerary and schedule activity plans based on the current weather conditions. After all, with so much to do and see, you will want to organize your activities thoughtfully so that you can fit in as much fun as possible.
Some people think of the Upper Peninsula as a place to visit in the summer. However, Ironwood offers fun for the whole family through every season. While it is true that in the summer, this adventure hotspot offers numerous scenic areas, kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, and more, there are lots of things to do in the fall and winter as well!
In autumn, few things can compare with the stunning colorful foliage changes and charming downtown feel of this town. Ironwood is also one of the best winter travel destinations for those who like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, tobogganing, and other delightful winter pastimes.
Fun Things to Do in Ironwood, Michigan: Unforgettable Fun in the U.P.
Without further ado, here are six incredibly fun things that will inspire you and help you plan your Ironwood travel itinerary!
1. Take in the Natural Majesty of the Waterfalls Near Ironwood
So what’s top on our list of amazing things to do in Ironwood, Michigan? Take in the natural magnificence of the local falls, of course! No question about it, one of the most unforgettable things to do in Ironwood is soaking in nature’s splendor at numerous jaw-dropping waterfall locations.
For example, you can hike through the beautiful Black River Scenic Area and check out the five splendid yet secluded waterfalls near Ironwood. These waterfalls flow directly into Lake Superior. A few of the top waterfalls to check out in the area are Potawatomi Falls, Gabbro Falls, and Superior Falls.
Potawatomi Falls are also easily accessible from a viewing platform that overlooks the entire picturesque area. Gabbro Falls descend 40 feet and have a magnificence that is impressive and unforgettable. Additionally, Superior Falls is a genuine natural wonder with a 325-foot tall series of waterfalls that consist of several cascading drops!
2. Come See the Fall Colors in the Upper Peninsula
As the weather begins to change in late September, the entire UP area seems to erupt in vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, gold, and amber. Indeed, there’s nothing quite like autumn in Ironwood, Michigan. Plus, this is a comparatively long season in the area, so you will likely have plenty of time to check out the local scenery changes!
Whether you want the perfect photography opportunity with a background of autumn excellence or simply want to wear your coziest sweater, grab a mug of apple cider, and take a walk in the woods, this is a grand natural display that you will not want to miss out on.
It can be helpful to remember that peak times to view these foliage colors can vary depending on the year’s weather patterns. Luckily, interactive maps are available from several websites, so you can time your trip to see this natural show of colors just right.
3. Escape to a True Winter Wonderland
While Ironwood is a fantastic place to visit in summer and fall, this is also one of the best winter wonderland destinations to explore in all of Michigan! First of all, there’s the Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort. This ski resort encompasses a 250-acre property near Ironwood with a mountain that’s 1,640 feet in elevation and is an incredibly enjoyable spot for winter sports enthusiasts!
Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding are also exciting activities to enjoy in the winter in Ironwood. Many trails and areas are ideal for those who want to snowshoe, such as Active Backwoods Retreat (ABR), Cemetery Riverside Trails, the Mecca Trails, the North Country Trail, and Mt. Zion.
Copper Mountain is also definitely worth visiting. Conveniently located near Ironwood, this is one of the world’s largest ski-jumping hills, according to the International Ski Federation. The views in this area are nothing short of excellent!
4. Explore the Shores of Lake Superior
Since Ironwood is only 25 minutes away from Lake Superior, it’s the perfect place to stay if you plan to enjoy some lakeside fun. Whether you want to hunt for rocks, kayak, or simply bask in the summer sun along the shoreline, this is one of the cleanest and most beautiful spots to investigate in all of Michigan.
In the summertime, you can swim in crystal-clear fresh waters and enjoy beautiful and diverse coastline views. Kayaking from place to place and checking out an array of inland wonders and coastal island gems is also incredibly fun. Or, get on a boat and do some fishing! Massive lake trout abound in the region. Some of the best local beaches to check out include Presque Isle State Park, Black River Harbor, Little Girls Point, and Saxon Harbor.
5. Check Out Downtown Ironwood
Looking for a little fun in town? No problem! Ironwood has a quaint cultural downtown area with plenty of super cute shops to visit, sights to check out, places to eat, and so much more. Stop by the Miners Mural, check out the Hiawatha Statue, or visit the Historic Ironwood Theater. Downtown Ironwood, Michigan, is full of fun things to do regardless of the season.
The Miners Mural is on the corner of McLeod Ave and Suffolk St and pays homage to those who have worked in Ironwood’s mines over the years. Or, the 52-foot-tall Hiawatha Statue is located right near downtown! The historic theater was built in 1928 and has been bustling for almost a century. It welcomes spectators to watch concerts, films, and even plays.
6. Grab a Bite to Eat or Stop in for a Drink
Ready for a little break and some delicious eats? Visitors can find plenty to eat and drink in Ironwood! For example, Contrast Coffee has a fantastic selection of drinks, baked goods, smoothies, and even crepes! Or, for a superior bakery treat, check out Bake Superior Bread. This place crafts fresh bread daily, and the smells wafting through the door will make your mouth water! For something cold to drink, Cold Iron Brewing is definitely worth a visit. This open-concept brewery also offers light snacks.
Looking for More Things to Do in Ironwood, Michigan? Just Contact Travel Ironwood!
It’s easy to uncover the wide array of beautiful Upper Peninsula towns! Before you head north, why not enrich your trip with some handy travel tips? Discover fun things to do in Ironwood, Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula with the help of Travel Ironwood. That way, you can maximize adventure as you plot your travel itinerary. Contact the Travel Ironwood team for further information or learn more about things to do in Ironwood and beyond. Travel Ironwood is here to offer comprehensive information and assist you in planning your perfect getaway!