Area Travel - AmericInn^® of Iron River, MI

Welcome to Beautiful Michigan! Read about Iron River Michigan attractions and things to do nearby AmericInn.

Those who come to visit the area will find a wide range of activities in an ideal four-season paradise. For the winter adventurers, Ski Brule provides a challenging snow experience. There are also the Crystella Ski Hill in Crystal Falls and the ski slope in Caspian. The many waterways offer opportunities for canoeing as well as kayaking, the newest water sport. While outdoor recreation is abundant during the summer, there are also many events that take place.

The Iron County Museum in Caspian is a central site for heritage as well as special events. The Museum is considered one of the top historical sites in Michigan with its twenty-five buildings that make up Heritage Village. The Museum has a full schedule of special events to augment the tours that take place, events such as Scandinavian Day, Italian Day and Ferrous Frolics.

There are many other events dotting the summer schedule. The Father’s Day Antique Car show, The Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo and the Iron County Fair, along with the Lions Club Bass Festival and Humoungus Fungus Fest in Crystal Falls (13 miles from IR). The fall season in Iron County is one of Nature’s best. The color tour is a celebration of outdoor art. The Museum holds its 10-day Christmas Tree Galleria in November, The Potato Fest is held in Mansfield Township in October and the throughout the year the historic Crystal Theatre features programs, including performances with its unique Pipe Organ. For additional details about Iron County, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 906-265-3822 or 888-TRY-IRON or www.iron.org.

There are so many things to do in Iron River Michigan, you'll find something for everyone to enjoy!

Seasonal Events in Iron County 

Spring/Summer

• Golfing
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Youth Camps
• Waterfalls

Autumn/Winter

• Cross Country Skiing
• Hunting
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Skiing

Year-Round

• Heritage Trail
• Crystal Theatre
• Harbour House
• Shopping

Hiking Trails

Bewabic State Park: It has a trail that starts in the campground and ends in the day-use area of the park. Easy trail to hike and only takes around an hour. Located on US2 - 15 minutes from Iron River.

Glidden Lake Foot Paths: Offers three loops that start in the parking lot.

• Loop 1 - 3.4 miles
• Loop 2 - 4.5 miles
• Loop 3 - 3.9 miles

Lake Ottawa: The Ge-Che trail begins at the Lake Ottawa Recreation Area Boat Landing. There are nine miles of hiking between Lake Ottawa and Hagerman Lake. The Bennan Lake loop (2 miles) and the Ge-Che loop (2.5 miles) are the most popular summer loops. Located off of M-73 - 20 minutes from Iron River.

Brule Lake: A stateline historic site, a 1/2 mile recreation trail to historical Treaty Tree and the Wisconsin/Michigan overland border. There is a parking lot at the Brule Lake picnic grounds. Located off of M-73 - 30 minutes from Iron River.

Pentoga Park: The Brule River Trail starts at the registration booth, crosses Co Rd 424 and continues to the Brule River - a 5 mile pathway - located on Cty Rd 424 - 25 minutes from Iron River.

Wolf Track Nature Trail: A unique self-guided interpretive nature walk offered to the public by George Young Recreational Complex. A 1/2 mile look trail (with a 1/3 mile spur to Mt. Margaret) winds leisurely through scenic  woods, paced by well stationed signs interpreting nature in words and art.

Skiing

Cross Country Trails

Ski Brule: Cross country skiing enthusiasts are welcome by the 23 kilometers of groomed trails that span the resort. Rentals are available onsite. Off of 189 on Osterlund Rd - 15 minutes from Iron River.

The Listening Inn: Beautiful groomed cross country skiing trails. Fourteen kilometers of trails, the Tidd Tech Grooming system works well. XC-Ski and snowshow rentals available at the inn. Located 30 minutes from Iron River.

Ge-Che Trails: Skiers are welcome to test the Ge-Che (meaning big lake) cross country ski trails in the Ottawa National Forest. Double-tracked trails allow skiing in either direction. Located 25 minutes from Iron River.

Lake Mary Plains Pathway: Test your endurance on the Lake Mary Plains Pathway cross country skiing trails. They are located in Copper County State Forest outside of Crystal Falls. Twenty minutes from Iron River.

Downhill Skiing

Caspian Hill: Are you interested in skiing but not ready for a mountain? The Caspian Ski Hill just might be for you! The gentle slopes and affordable ticket prices make it accessible to everyone. Located on 424 - 5 minutes from Iron River.

Ski Brule: Ski Brule, rated the #1 Family Resort in the Midwest, presents quality downhill and cross country skiing, among other fun family activities. Ski Brule has a reputation of offering one of the longest seasons anywhere. The quality experience found at Ski Brule is demonstrated in the way the staff treat the youth visiting. Children age nine and under are offered free skiing, exclusive children’s learning areas. The Homestead side of the mountain is many visitors favorite spot for great skiing. Besides the scenic trails the cozy Homestead Lodge is popular for being a friendly warm-up location to many skiers. Nobody can visit the resort without joining in the traditional rib or pig roast served every Saturday. Ski Brule is more than just a mountain. Between the friendly, helpful staff, well-manicured trails and the tons of smiling faces that leave the hill, everyone agrees that Ski Brule is a four-star resort. For more information visit www.skibrule.com.

Waterfalls

Chicagon Falls: Chicagon Creek, 7 miles NW of Crystal Falls. Walking time 15-45 minutes. Vertical drop 5-20 feet.

Chipmunk Falls: Net River, 6.5 miles NW of Amasa. Walking time 45 minutes or more. Vertical drop 5 feet and under.

Glidden Rapids: Michigamme River, 5.5 miles E of Crystal Falls. Walking time 15-45 minutes. Vertical drop 5 feet and under.

Horse Race Rapids: Paint River, 7.5 miles SE of Crystal Falls. Walking time 15 minutes or less. Vertical drop 20 feet +.

Snake Rapids: Net River, 7 miles W of Amasa. Walking time 15-45 minutes. Vertical Drop 5 feet and under.

Bond Falls: Middle branch of Ontonagon River, 3.5 miles E of Paulding. Walking time 15-45 minutes. Vertical drop 5-20 feet.

All 45 minutes or less from the AmericInn!! For more information go to www.iron.org or call 1-88-TRY-IRON.

Antique and Specialty Shops

Cathi’s Cottage Floral & Gifts
Address: 331 W Genesse St, Iron River, MI 49935
Phone: 906-265-9424

Central Arts & Gifts
Address: 216 W Genesee St, Iron River, MI 49935
Phone: 906-265-2114
Retail gifts, collectibles, art supplies, jewelry, limited edition prints, custom framing, books.

Into the Woods Gift Shop
Address: 4148 W US 2, Iron River, MI 49935
Phone: 906-265-9887
Up North cabin featuring home décor, custom florals, Christmas decorations, local artisans gifts.

Flower Garden & Gifts
Address: 1353 W HWY US 2, Crystal Falls, MI 49920
Phone: 906-875-7444
Floral arrangements and gifts.

Laughing Loon Emphorium
Address: 212 W Genesee St, Iron River, MI 49935
Phone: 906-265-6300
Antiques, collectables, jewelry, art works, quilts, clothing, Special fly fishing section.

Miners Harvest Jewelers
Address: 319 W Genesee St, Iron River, MI 49935
Phone: 906-265-6350
Fine jewelry and gifts.

Syrjanen’s Ben Franklin
Address: 301 Superior Ave, Crystal Falls, MI 49920
Phone: 906-875-3272
Yarn, fabric, souvenirs and gifts .

Wardo’s
Address: 215 W Genesee St, Iron River, MI 49935
Phone: 906-265-2812
Quilt shop, yarns, northwood gifts, souvenir t-shirts & sweatshirts, floral pieces, prints and custom framing, gifts, and Christmas shop.

Winks Woods Gifts
Address: 1225 W US 2, Crystal Falls, MI 49920
Phone: 906-875-3750
Over 490 crafters featuring 30,000 items, displaying the latest trends in crafts.

Iron County, Michigan Snowmobiling

Wide open trails and groomed scenic journeys through the woods are Iron County’s trademark. When you plan a trip to snowmobile, be sure to pack warm clothes as the temperature can drop below zero. For the adventurous traveler a forest map and compass will take you to deep powder. Over 200 miles of well-marked and groomed snowmobile trails make the Iron County a snowmobiler’s paradise. The Iron Range Trails cover Amasa, Crystal Falls, Iron River and Sidnaw, providing well over 200 miles of excellent snowmobiling. These trails also connect with the vast trail systems of the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin. Snowmobile maps are available at the Iron County Chamber of Commerce office (1-800-IRON), at most area gas stations, and many local business. Trail permits can be purchased at the Chamber office. Contact either organization below for information or current trail conditions.  

Chippewa Snowkats
Address: 293 Highway 141, Crystal Falls, MI 49920
Phone: 906-875-4993

Iron Range Trail Club
Address: 11 West Maple, Iron River, MI 49935
Phone: 906-265-7152

Other Family Attractions and Activities

Iron County Museum- Relive the past as you explore the 10-acre outdoor museum with 22 buildings that reveal the early pioneer, mining and logging days. Plan to spend the entire day to view Iron County’s largest collection of historic objects and information.

Pentoga Park Indian Burial Grounds - Wooden burial structures have endured time to protect and mark the graves of these ancient Native Americans. When Chief Edwards moved west in 1891, he disposed of these lands with their traditional burial grounds. The county purchased the land in 1924 to develop a park on the beautiful shores of Chicagon Lake, and to preserve the burial grounds as a tribute to Native Americans.

Iron County Courthouse - Enjoy an amazing vista of the surrounding area while listening to the chimes from its bell tower. The wealth and pride of the pioneers are revealed through the architecture and construction of their County Courthouse.

Harbour House- Explore the feeling of early life as residents in a small rural mining town. Originally built in 1900, this Queen Anne Colonial Revival home has been restored and is now a museum. The first floor furnishing and decorations reflect the craftsmanship and culture available to wealthy mine town residents. Six rooms on the second floor display artifacts of the past area influences, such as logging and mining, military veterans, and the Ojibwe Indians.

Amasa Museum - The building, formerly the township hall, is a fine example of late 1800s balloon style architecture. The main floor has many pictorial displays of the mining and logging industries that helped build Amasa.

Apple Blossom Trail - Begins on Brady Avenue in Caspian across from the Iron County Museum. This restored walking/biking trail along the banks of the Iron River was originally the major corridor for the rail lines that hauled thousands of tons of iron ore from local mines to the steel mills of Chicago. See the site of Harvey Mellon’s discovery of iron ore along this route in 1851, when only one settler lived here.

Lake Ottawa Recreation- A 30 minute hike to “Orville’s Bench” on the Ge-Che trail in the Ottawa National Forest will introduce you to one of the most breathtaking natural views in the county. When you return, walk along the shore of this pristine lake which archeologists affirm contain the remnants of some of the areas earliest residents.

Crystal Theatre- It is the lone survivor of a half dozen theaters built in Crystal Falls during the heyday of the 1920’s cinema. The original art deco wall murals and architectural detailing have remained remarkably intact, and a 3/21 Moeller Theatre Pipe Organ has been found as a replacement for the

Moyle Race Track - Moyle Racing Team
Website: www.moyleracingusa.com