Top 20 – Best Things To Do In Ironwood, MI
We recently spent a 3 day weekend in Ironwood, Michigan & wow, were we surprised by how much there is to do & see there. Ironwood is located in the western part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan & it is certainly a hidden gem that you would never expect!
Plan a trip to Ironwood, MI with my Best Things To Do In Ironwood guide below!
Best Things To Do In Ironwood, MI
1. Miners Memorial Heritage Park
The Miners Memorial Heritage Park is an exceptional spot to visit in Ironwood, Michigan. The late 1800s and early 1900 mines that supplied America’s industrial revolution are now a beautiful 165 acres for you explore!
2. Explore Downtown Ironwood
One of the best things to do in Ironwood, MI is to explore it’s rich downtown. To get right to it, Ironwood is super cute & there are many local shops, places to eat & more.
3. Travel To Ottawa National Forest
Whether you’re an avid hiker, nature lover or just looking for a scenic escape from the hustle and bustles of everyday life – there is something in this forest that will suit your needs.
Exploring Ottawa National Forest is one of the best things to do in Ironwood, MI because of it’s rich wildlife, lakes, waterfalls, hills, & so much more.
4. Go To Porcupine Mountain State Park
The Porcupine Mountains State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has everything that nature lovers want. From hiking, fishing and camping to wildlife watching or just enjoying one of the many scenic drives through Gogebic & Ontonagon Counties!
5. Visit Lake Superior
Ironwood is only 25 minutes from Lake Superior – so of course you have to swing by to take in the beautiful views of Lady Superior while you are there!
6. Drive To Copper Peak
Copper Peak is the most iconic ski jump in Michigan. It’s not too hard to see why, with its unique red color and dramatically inclined run-out area that makes for some cool photo opportunities! During the months of May-October you can even take the ski lift to the top of the peak & see for hundreds of miles.
7. Check Out The Miners Mural
Mining has been an important part of our country’s economic growth for decades. The Miner’s Mural located on the corner of McLeod Ave and Suffolk St in Downtown Ironwood, Michigan captures that history with its two murals – paying homage to all those who have labored in Ironwood’s mines over time.
8. Big Powderhorn Mountain
The Big Powderhorn Mountain ski resort is a 250-acre property in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan near Ironwood. The mountain has nearly 1,640 ft elevation making it one interesting spot for winter sports enthusiasts!
9. Go Snowshoeing On The Many Trails
Like skiing, snowboarding, & snowmobiling – snowshoeing is another great thing to do in Ironwood, MI. Some awesome trails are: The Mecca Trails, Active Backwoods Retreat (ABR), The North Country Trail, Cemetery Riverside Trails, and/or Mt. Zion.
For more details check out Travel Ironwood Snowshoeing
10. Visit the Hiawatha Statue
One of the more unique things to do in Ironwood, MI is to visit the Hiawatha Statue located right near downtown Ironwood. It’s known as the World’s Largest Indian Statue, the Hiawatha Indian Statue soars 52 feet tall & made out of fiberglass.
You have to check it out for yourself to truly see how big it is & learn about the statue’s history.
11. Cross-Country Ski on the ABR Ski Trails
Winter activities are some of the most popular things to do in Ironwood, MI. The cross-country skiing in Irownwood has been ranked across the world & the US as top-tier destination for their trails, snow & community experience!
Learn more here.
12. Mt Zion Scenic Overlook
Among all the things to do in Ironwood, MI – Mt. Zion offers a great variety. From disc golf, snow-tubing, mountain biking, & of course, the beautiful view from it’s observation deck.
13. Check out Little Girls Point
Little Girls Point County Park is located along Lake Superior. This park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors – by camping, swimming, fishing & many other activities are all popular activities for people who visit this beautiful area of Michigan during any season!
Things To Do In Ironwood, MI – Waterfalls
14. Potawatomi Falls
There are many beautiful waterfalls in the area, but if you’re looking for a unique experience that provides an accessible viewing platform overlooking one of our most picturesque falls then look no further than Potawatomi Falls.
15. Gabbro Falls
Gabbro Falls is a hidden gem located near Blackjack Ski Resort in Bessemer, Michigan. The three separate drops that fall 40 feet total give this beauty its unique name and make for an unforgettable experience amidst nature’s perfect crafted landscape!
16. Superior Falls
This beautiful natural wonder can be found near Ironwood, Michigan and makes up part of both states’ borders with Wisconsin on its north side where it forms into Lake Superior. This impressive 325-foot tall series falls consists not only from one drop but several smaller drops.
Wondering where this picture was taken? Check out my 12 Breathtaking Waterfalls near Ironwood, MI blog post to learn about the location. (COMING SOON!)
Things To Do In Ironwood, MI – Eat & Drink
17. Contrast Coffee
Contrast Coffee is locally owned & has 4 locations in the Upper Peninsula. They not only have a great selection of coffee but they also have seasonal/holiday drinks, smoothies, baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, crepes & so much more. Yum!
18. Bake Superior Bread
Bake Superior Bread offer fresh bread daily & you can smell the deliciousness as soon as you walk through the door! They also offer a delicious sandwich menu, check it out here.
19. Cold Iron Brewing
Located in downtown Ironwood, MI – Cold Iron Brewing is a great space with open concept seating while offering light snacks or they even allow you to bring in food from other place or have it delivered. They also have an outdoor patio which is dog-friendly.
20. Brewsters Northwoods Bar
Located right next to Cold Iron Brewing is Brewsters. It feels exactly how you would expect a Northwoods Bar to feel with a log cabin vibe, pool table, a few TV’s, & chainsaws hanging from the ceiling! Their menu offers a wide range of options – the Western U.P. Burger & Chili Bowl
Is Ironwood MI safe?
Like many Midwesterner towns with a population under 5,000 – Ironwood is pretty safe. Just be aware & prepared for the cold temps they experience in the winter. Dress appropriately to the weather, keep a decent tank full of gas, & etc..
What Is In Ironwood MI?
Ironwood, MI is known to be an iron mining town back in the day. As you explore this cute town you will find traces of it’s history, as well as it’s many winter activities from snowmobiling, skiing & so much more.
Overview: Things To Do In Ironwood, MI
There are so many great things to do in Ironwood, MI during all seasons. Although they are known for their winter activities – spring, summer & fall are also a great time to visit with it’s abundance of natural beauty. Don’t skip out on this town in the Upper Peninsula, you will be glad you stopped!
Want more help planning your trip? Check out Travel Ironwood’s website!