Summer Fun

While all the seasons offer fun for visitors, summer offers guests a variety of family fun. 

Weather - You can expect the weather to be ideal for summer activities.  Highs in the 60’s to 80’s on a regular basis and bright blue skies.  Iron River Weather Forecast

Walking, Biking & Hiking Trails

Apple Blossom Trail:  The 2 mile walking-biking trail goes from Caspian (near the museum) to Iron River (near the Chamber of Commerce).  It travels along the Iron River and near the site of the original railroad line that carried iron ore from the area.  The site of Harvey Mellen’s discovery of iron ore in 1851 is on the route.  At the time, there was only one settler in the area. 

Paint River Walk:  As one crosses the M69 bridge in Crystal Falls, the Paint River walk on the north side of the road draws attention for its beauty and connection to nature. 

Hagerman-Ottawa Lake Bike & Hike Trail:  There are several distances available on this Ottawa National Forest bike trail. 

More Iron County Hiking Trails

Iron County Museum

The campus is situated on 10 acres of former mining company property.  The main exhibition hall has displays from the mining industry, logging, ethnic backgrounds, barber shop, Monigal Miniatures, doctor’s office and others. There are a number of out-buildings available to tour, including the Toti Tavern, the Carrie Jacobs Bond House, the St. Mary’s Church, Brandon Giovanelli House, Stager Railroad Depot and many more.     The Iron County Museum is a ‘can’t miss’ on your trip to Iron County.

Bird Watching

There are many different species of birds that inhabit the county.  From blue jays to cardinals, mourning doves to sandpipers, bird watchers have a field day spotting what’s living here.  And of course, sightings of ospray, bald eagles, blue haren, hawks and turkey vultures are an extra special treat!

River Fun- Be it a wet and wild afternoon you seek, a cruise down a lazy river or casting a rod and reel under the summer sun, your ideal water adventure awaits you on the Brule River, Iron River, Hemlock Rapids and Paint River.

Canoe, raft & tube rental is available at Ski Brule. 

$10 Tube Rental

$25 Canoe or Raft Rental  

ATV Trails

Imagine an ATV trip and only having to unload your ATV once!  That is all it takes when you stay at Anderson Lake Lodge.  The endless ATV trails of Iron County & Upper Peninsula are accessible right beyond the entrance gate to this 350 acre property.  Don’t worry about hearing other ATV enthusiasts while you are relaxing at the lodge because acres and acres of property lie between the Lodge and the trail system.

ATV travelers enjoy Iron County, Michigan, because it has so many wide-open spaces. The premier trail is from Iron River west to Marenisco, about 67 miles, but there are access trails all through the county that can get travelers to shops, convenience stores, fueling stations and dining locations.

Click Here For: Iron County ATV Trail Maps 

ATV travelers to Iron County will enjoy the wilderness areas, including the Ottawa National Forest, which makes up the western half of the county. Along the way, a traveler should not be surprised to meet up with a deer, a fox, or any of the many types of animal inhabitants that call Iron County home. ATV travelers can also come in contact with one of the many picturesque rivers that are found in Iron County, from the Brule River on the southern border to the Paint River which runs through the middle of the county. The county can be the ideal location for sight-seers who have an interest in the flora and the fauna. 

As one of the four border counties to Wisconsin, Iron County is an entry-way to the Upper Peninsula. The Upper Peninsula was selected as one of the Top Ten Summer Destinations in the world in 2007.  That's because the people are friendly, and there's something for everyone from the casual traveler to the person on a mission.

Golf - Iron County is a golfer’s paradise.  There are three golf courses to enjoy in Iron County and another 90 holes within a 40 minute drive.  George Young Golf Course is a championship course, 7,100 yards long on the shores of Chicaugon Lake.  Iron River Country Club is a 9 hole course south of Iron River.  Crystal View 9 hole golf course offers challenging, hilly terrain.

More Information: Golf Courses in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula & Wisconsin 

Rummage & Antique Sales

There are “treasures” to be found at rummage and antique sales that occur on a regular basis in Iron River & Crystal Falls.  Diligent shoppers are rewarded with a “special find”.

Color Tours

There are many who believe that the most picturesque time of year is fall season.  The warm weather is waning, and the forest is beginning to make its transition from bright green to the multi-colors.  An abundance of the tree species provide breathtaking scenery.  Color tour season begins in September.

Ottawa National Forest

The western half of Iron County is Ottawa National Forest.  The almost 1 million acres provide the opportunities for hiking, hunting, fishing, winter sports and biking.

Berry Picking

Anderson Lake has an abundance of berries, ready for the picking.  Some pick for pies, others for jams, still others for popping into their mouth and enjoying.  Iron County grows a plethora of wild berries, just waiting to be picked.  During the summer months, different berries including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries can be found growing along roadsides, near parks, campgrounds, picnic area and at Anderson Lake Lodge for your eating pleasure!

What is Sporting Clays?
 Sporting clays is a shotgun shooting game in which clay pigeons are presented to the gunner in ways that mirror the flight pattern of game birds, or occasionally rabbits, in their natural habitats. The shooting grounds are laid out in stations, with each station representing one type of bird or a combination of game; a rabbit and a grouse, for example. At each station, clay pigeons are thrown in pairs or singly. A course consists of several different stations, with a total of 50 or 100 targets. Sometimes birds from the same traps may be shot from different positions, so the gunner sees the same target from an entirely different angles, which creates entirely new shooting presentation. With variations in trap position, trap speed, shooting position, and flight paths of different types of target size, targets can come through the trees, straight down, over your head, quartering, going away, left to right, right to left, and in any path a real bird might choose. It's a great way to prepare for bird season

stations, with a total of 50 or 100 targets. Sometimes birds from the same traps may be shot from different positions, so the gunner sees the same target from entirely different angles, which creates entirely new shooting presentation. With variations in trap position, trap speed, shooting position, and flight paths of different types of target size, targets can come through the trees, straight down, over your head, quartering, going away, left to right, right to left, and in any path a real bird might choose. It's a great way to prepare for bird season

Brule Sporting Clays Is Located At Ski Brule Resort
 Open Daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
 50 Targets $15 / 100 Targets $25
 Gun Rental $10

Online Brule Sporting Clays Information

Summer Events

May:  Memorial Day festivities honoring veterans including parades, music, games and fun for all ages.

June:  Father’s Day weekend features the demolition derby and antique car show.

July:  Forth of July festivities with music, street dance, fireworks and more.

July:  Rum Rebellion Days commemorates a unique Iron River historical event dating back to 1920.

July:  UP Championship Rodeo with preformances , Wild West parade and many other activities.

August:  Humungus Fungus Fest is a salute to one of the three largest organisms in the world.  Giant mushroom pizza, games, contests and fun!

August:  Iron County Fair is one of the longest running fairs in Michigan including a carnival, 4H displays, demolition derby and more!

Iron County Calendar of Events

Rainy Day Ideas..

Bowling - Iron River

Movie Theater - Iron River

Museums

Iron Mine Tour - Iron Mountain

Dining

The Depot - Iron River

The Station - Iron River

Alices - Iron River

Zippy Du Da - Iron River

Mr. T’s - Iron River

Scott’s Subs - Iron River

Subway - Iron River

Click Here For More..

Shopping:

Wardos - Iron River

Into The Woods - Iron River

Winks Woods - Crystal Falls

Acorn Cottage - Florence

Angelis Central Plaza - Iron River

Our Family Foods - Iron River

Casino - Lac Vieux Desert

Wildlife

One of the great advantages of being in Iron County is the wildlife that can be seen.  Yes, there are deer but Iron County has a lot more than the familiar deer to see.

One of the more thrilling sights is a bald eagle flying overhead.  Iron County is considered the “bald eagle capital” because of the prevalence of the majestic bird.

Wild turkeys wander along the side of roads and through open fields.  There are several families of turkeys residing at Anderson Lake Lodge.

Occasionally bear are seen crossing the road, dining on choke cherries or wandering through a field.

There are martens and fishers to be found.  And of course, there are skunks, raccoons and all the representatives of smaller animal population.

Iron County has wolves and coyotes wandering through the wooded areas as well as badgers, bobcats, minks, foxes and otters and beavers are often seen swimming in Anderson Lake.

And what about moose?  Yes, a lucky few have had spotted this great animal in Iron County.

Waterfalls

There are four major waterfalls that surround Iron County.  On U.S. 141, about five miles south of Crystal Falls, Horserace Rapids is located by the end of Airport Road.  On north US 45 in Paulding, Bond Falls is a natural beauty and easily accessible.  Just east of Bruce Crossing on M28 is Agate Falls.  On US 41, south of L’Anse, Canyon Falls is south of the roadside park.  There are many other waterfalls throughout the U.P. with varying degrees of accessibility. And right by Anderson Lake are the Chicaugon Falls.

Water Falls Of The U.P. Map

Parks

Pentoga Park:  Iron County enjoys a reputation of having great parks and campgrounds.  Pentoga Park, easily accessible on County Road 424 between Gaastra and Alpha, should be on everyone’s list to visit this summer. The park has a large grassy area, playground, beach, beach house, volleyball nets, horseshoes, shuffle board and campground.  The 1,100 acre Chicaugon Lake is unusually deep (115 feet at the deepest) and becomes an active playground for boaters, water skiers and swimmers.  Fisherman will find bass, muskellunge, lake trout and walleyes throughout the year. 

Small wooden structures known as “spirit houses” - protected historical Indian burial grounds that can be found at Pentoga Park.  The burial grounds of the ancient Ojibwa bands date back to the 1800’s.  The burial grounds were once part of a large Indian Village on the southeastern shore of Chicaugon Lake.  An old Indian trail leads to the Brule River three miles away from the park.

Bachman Park, Iron River:  Located at the Fairgrounds.  Playground equipment, ball fields, tennis & basketball courts.

More Parks

Hagerman Lake Park:  M73, beach & boat launch.

Holmes Lake Park:  South Federal Forest Hwy 16 on Little Smokey Lake.  Boat landing, beach.

Ice Lake Park, Iron River:  South of US2, sandy beach, playground, swimming.

Nanimo Park, Iron River:  Picnic tables, pavilion, playground.

Nelson Field, Iron River:  Picnic area, playground, lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball field, paved walking track, football field. 

Runkle Lake Park, Crystal Falls:  baseball diamond, tennis courts, sandy beach, swimming.

Stager Lake Park, Mastodon Township:  west of US2 on Stager Lake Road.  Swimming, picnic area.

Sunset Lake Park, Bates Township:  beach, baseball diamond, picnic area.

Glidden Lake, Crystal Falls:  South of M69, swimming

Dawson Lake Park: Mansfield Township:  Off M69, picnic area, swimming. Glidden Lake, Crystal Falls:  South of M69, swimming. Gibson Lake Park:  Just south of Amasa on US141, swimming, pavilion, playground.

And More Parks…

Bewabic State Park:  On the shores of Fortune Lake, Bewabic State Park has 137 modern and rustic campsites, tennis court, beach, volleyball and boat launch.  This park is located across US2 from Anderson Lake Lodge.  Bewabic State Park is a 315-acre parcel located within a virgin forest on a chain of lakes that provide prime fishing opportunities. Easily accessed off US-2, this park has over 100 campsites, picnic facilities, and a sandy beach for summer lake fun.  Those visiting in summer can enjoy tennis courts and a sandy swimming beach with modern changing house.  Two playgrounds equipped with swings, slides and other apparatus are available for children. A hiking trail beginning in the campground takes about one hour to hike. The trail will lead you towards the day use area. As you move along the trail, you will find that benches are provided for those who may wish to stop for a moment and enjoy the beauty that surrounds them. Anglers can depend on plenty of perch, bass, bluegills and walleyes to be caught in Fortune Lake. There is a boat launch for those who have their own boat. The day use area is situated on Fortune Lake. A shelter building, equipped with picnic tables, electricity and a fireplace is available for use.  Visitors to Bewabic State Park enjoy lake swimming, tennis, hiking, camping, picnicking and some of Michigan finest fishing opportunities.