Winter Upper Peninsula Bucket List

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year yet. It transforms into a fantastic winter wonderland each winter season that leaves you with an array of activities, festivals, and sporting events to discover. Whether it is your first time visiting the area or your fiftieth, you’ll want to add these items to your bucket list for an adventure you’ll never forget.

See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are known for creating dazzling displays of colorful lights that brighten up the late-night sky. In the winter, the lights tend to hit their peak during November through the early part of December, but they flare continuously through April. To get the best view, you’ll want to find a place with low lights so that the sky is at its darkest. Northern Lights can be viewed year-round but are more accessible and brilliant in the winter.

Michigan has six dark sky preserves that are located near several prominent Upper Peninsula towns. You’ll also find internationally-designated dark sky parks, such as Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, where you can expect to catch a lovely view. If you’re spending time in Ironwood, MI, then you can plan to spend a day at Little Girls Point, where you can go rock hunting and enjoy gorgeous views as you wait for the sun to set.

Take Part In the Jack Frost Festival
Some cities host winter festivals that take place on a single weekend, but that’s not Ironwood’s style. The Jack Frost Festival is held in Ironwood, MI, and runs from November 1 through January 28. If you happen to be in the area for the kick-off, you can enjoy the magnificent tree-lighting ceremony that sets off the months-long series of events.

The first Saturday of December celebrates the beginning of Winter and holiday season with the famous Jack Frost Festival Parade of Lights, for the Upper Peninsula’s premier holiday family friendly Hallmark Channelesque event. As a Jack Frost Festival finale, the town gathers together around the enormous discarded pile of Christmas trees and lights up the night with the annual Norrie Athletic Club Christmas tree burning. No matter which part of the winter season you hit, you can bet that you’ll be able to check off some of the best things to do in Ironwood, MI, on your bucket list.

Explore the Eben Ice Caves
Visiting the ice caves leads you to some of the most picturesque views in the Upper Peninsula. The “caves” are formed when melting snow flows over the edge of a cliff and freezes over, which creates awe-inspiring ice formations that you can walk around, through, and behind. Getting to the caves does require a short hike that also involves trekking through the landowner’s private property, but with their permission, of course!

The sight of the ice caves is worth braving the frigid temperatures in the winter, and the hike isn’t strenuous, but you will want to come prepared. Make sure to pick up some ice cleats for each member of your crew to help avoid slips around the icy surfaces. Dress warmly, and be cautious of potentially stepping through a few partially frozen streams during the thawing season. You might also choose to thank the landowners for their kindness by purchasing a hot drink at their concession stand.

Snowshoe Copper Peak Ski Jump
Ironwood, MI, is also home to the largest artificial ski jump in the world. You don’t even have to be a skier to enjoy this majestic attraction. In the winter, the iconic jump isn’t open to climb but still makes a scenic area to exercise. Head up to the base of the jump and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding area.

Once there, you’ll have a 360-degree unobstructed view of nearly 40 miles in each direction. You might feel the ski jump slightly swaying on a windy day, but don’t worry. You’ll be perfectly safe as you enjoy a thrilling view that you won’t be able to forget. Here’s a few fun facts about Copper Peak and the ski jump that you can share with your group members on your excursion.

• The first international skiing competition was held here in 1970.
• A 104-pound piece of copper was discovered during the construction of the ski jump.
• The upper observation deck sits at 1782 feet above sea level.
• The 18-story elevator ride that you’ll enjoy only takes about 55 seconds.

 

Keep Warm Indoors at the Historic Ironwood Theater
Every bucket list should have a few indoor adventures that give you the chance to explore your favorite Upper Peninsula towns a little deeper while also taking a break from the cold. Theater buffs will be thrilled to visit the Ironwood theater, which was first built in 1928. In recent years, the theater has been restored to become a cultural centerpiece in Ironwood’s downtown area.

Currently, the theater shows several movies a month that range from classic holiday films to the most recent blockbusters. Also many musical performances and programs from all over the world. Make sure to get to the theater early since the tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis, much like they were in the past. You’ll also enjoy having some extra time to marvel at the architecture that makes this theater a favorite visit for everyone from the locals to tourists from all over the world.

Head to the Porcupine Mountains
The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park spans 60,000 acres, which makes it one of the largest remaining natural areas in the Upper Peninsula. Here, you’ll be able to find all of the features that you need for the ultimate outdoor adventure, including towering pine trees, wild rivers, and an abundance of wildlife.

In the winter, the state park offers a wide range of activities you can’t enjoy during any other part of the year. The Porkies Winter Sports Complex is the place to go for snowboarding, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing. If you’re new to skiing, plan to book a lesson to help you learn all the basics. When you’re all done skiing, then make sure to also stop by the Summit Peak observation tower. There, you’ll go 2,000 feet above sea level, where you’ll be able to see the Apostle Islands and Isle Royale on a clear day.

Spending time in Upper Peninsula towns allows you to enjoy some amazing winter adventures. Just remember that visiting during this time of year requires some planning to ensure that your group is ready for the weather and has reservations for the top attractions. Travel Ironwood is dedicated to keeping you up-to-date on the latest happenings in our bustling northern town so that you can look forward to completing every item on your bucket list this season.