Iron Mountain, Michigan is one of the gateways to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from Wisconsin. It is 2 hours from Green Bay, 3 1/2 hours from Milwaukee, and 5 hours from Chicago. Iron Mountain is one of the largest cities in the Upper Peninsula and offers everything from lush forests, miles of rivers and streams, four seasons of outdoor recreation and abundant wildlife along with festivals, museums, outdoor recreational opportunities and unique shopping and dining opportunities.
Fishing and boating
Opportunities abound! There are small lakes for fishing, large lakes for boating, and rivers within minutes of the campground. Check out the Menominee River, Bass Lake, Lake Antoine, Carney Lake, Rock Lake….just to name a few.
Hiking
There are numerous places to hiking, from marked trails around Fumee Lake or Piers Gorge, to off the beaten path areas in the Copper Country State Forest area just across the road from the campground. You can also meander through our trail through the woods right here at the campground!
Biking
You can bike through the park and on the roads around the park or head out to Fumee Lake or the George Young Recreational Complex for mountain biking trails.
ATV
Access into the Copper Country State Forest right from the campground, then head on over to the Norway Trail for miles of riding. We are also close to trails in Florence County, WI.
River Rafting
Looking for adventure? Try some at Northwoods Adventures on the Menominee through Piers Gorge. We are within 30 minutes of several rafting outfitters.
Kayaking, Canoeing, Tubing
The Menominee River is less than 1/2 mile from the campground which provides for some nice easy kayaking. There are several other areas close by to kayak and canoe as well as outfitters that will rent equipment and take you out such as Nature’s Water Park which offers river tubing and stand up paddle boarding as well. Also Wildman Adventure Resort which offers whitewater rafting, zip line tours, paintball, rock climbing and offerings for children.
Birdwatching and Wildlife viewing
We see many birds and critters right here at the campground from Orioles, Blue Jays, Goldfinches, Hawks, Eagles, deer, chipmunks,etc. At night you can hear the “peepers” in the spring along with the coyotes and the wolves. With so much wilderness and wetlands in the area it’s sure to provide for some wonderful wildlife/bird watching and nature photography! In 2007 a moose was spotted right in downtown Iron Mountain and in 2008 we had a black bear pass through the campground!
Spread Eagle Barrens and The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center are located about 10 minutes from camp in Spread Eagle, WI.
Festivals and Events
Iron Mountain is home to Tour de Dickinson/Italian Fest in August and also takes part in the Pine Mountain Music Festival all summer long as well as other arts and crafts fests and sports competitions.
Museums
Check out the Menominee Range Museums which consist of the Cornish Pump Museum, home of the largest steam engine in the USA, the World War II glider museum, and the Menominee Range Historical Museum, all located in Iron Mountain. In Norway you can explore the Jake Menghini Museum. There is a list of all museums in the U.P. and northern Wisconsin in the camp office.
Pine Mountain Ski Jump – check out one of the highest wooden ski jumps in the world!
Golfing
Several courses are within minutes of camp including 5 star rated Timberstone and a very nice (less expensive) Oak Crest Golf Course in Norway, MI. Both courses have restaurants too!
Misc
Iron Mine Tours in Vulcan, MI. Take a “tram” into the mine and enjoy a 45 minute tour with a fabulous gift shop at the end.
Norway Speedway – enjoy stock car racing every weekend!
Bears Den go carts and mini golf
Bjorkman’s Horse Rides, stagecoach, covered wagon, and hayrides
Millie Mine Bat Cave Right in downtown Iron Mountain.
Ski-ters waterski shows Free show twice weekly during the summer.
Waterfalls
Fumee Falls and Piers Gorge are close by. Also check out the Norway Spring. Within 1 1/2 hours of here you can see many other waterfalls including Bond Falls.
Gambling
Island Resort Casino is located 45 minutes East of the camp and Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino is about 90 minutes west of the campground. There is a bus that you can ride to either daily. There is also Bingo in town during the week.
Fall colors hit between September 15 and October 15 with peak being somewhere in the middle depending on the weather. The colors are beautiful and we have several maps of routes to follow.
We are 1 hour from Escanaba, MI…. 1 1/2 hours from Marquette, MI….. 2 hours from Houghton, MI…..2 1/2 hours from Munising, MI (Pictured Rocks) or the Porcupine Mountains, 3 1/2 – 4 hours from Tahquamenon Falls or the Mackinac Bridge.
There are many other attractions and places to explore…too numerous to mention! We are centrally located for you to use as a base camp to explore the area!