LOCAL GEMS

Northern Wisconsin & Upper Michigan LOCAL GEMS Options

Discover Local Gems in Hurley, WI, and Ironwood, MI

The small businesses and local sights in the Hurley, WI, and Ironwood, MI areas are true local gems, offering a glimpse into the unique character and charm of the Upper Peninsula. These businesses are the backbone of the community, providing essential services and fostering a sense of connection and pride. Supporting small businesses helps preserve the region’s distinct identity, where personalized service, quality products, and local expertise thrive.

Shops and Cafes in Hurley and Ironwood

Local shops, cafes, and restaurants in Ironwood and Hurley offer a variety of experiences that reflect the cultural richness of the area. Independent cafes serve locally sourced meals and baked goods, creating a warm atmosphere where visitors can connect with both locals and the region’s culinary traditions. Charming shops provide one-of-a-kind finds, from handcrafted jewelry to vintage treasures, giving visitors a chance to take home a piece of the area’s unique history.

Outdoor Adventures in Hurley and Ironwood

Beyond shopping, the local sights in these communities are invaluable treasures. The natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula, with its forests, rivers, and Lake Superior shoreline, offers ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Local parks, hiking trails, and lakes provide residents and visitors alike a chance to explore the region’s landscapes. Historic landmarks, like the Ironwood Depot and the Hurley Historical Society Museum, offer a window into the area’s rich mining and immigrant history.

Support Local Businesses

These local businesses and sights not only offer practical services but also contribute to the cultural fabric of the community, preserving the small-town charm and sense of place. By supporting small businesses and exploring local attractions, visitors and residents help sustain the unique character and history of Hurley and Ironwood for generations to come.

Featured image for “Abelman Clothing and Footwear”
Bessemer

Abelman Clothing and Footwear

Founded in 1887 by Abe Abelman, a Lithuanian immigrant,
Abelman’s in Bessemer sells high-quality clothing and footwear. The store is known for offering dependable customer service and a range of durable, stylish apparel for various needs, maintaining its reputation for quality products and traditional values.

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Featured image for “Agate Surprise”
Ironwood

Agate Surprise

– Unique agate treasures
– Handcrafted jewelry
– Stunning natural stones
Ideal for
– A must-stop for rock enthusiasts
– Anyone looking for unique gifts

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Featured image for “Bald Mountain”
Ironwood

Bald Mountain


ON THE TRAIL – ATV/UTV & SNOWMOBILE

Scenic Vista
– View of Lake Superior to the North
– 6-mile panorama of the Gogebic Range Mountains to the South
Bald Mountain Teepee
– Warming shelter in winter
– Cool spot to visit year-round
– Add a sticker to the collection on the wall!
Location & Access
– Located on Trail 160
– Accessible from Ironwood, MI, or via Trail 3 from Saxon Harbor, WI

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Featured image for “Cold Iron Brewery”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Cold Iron Brewery

Features
– Large variety of Craft beer brewed on-site
– Bring your own food or take-out to enjoy with our beverages
– Leashed dogs welcome
Events
– Live music
– Team trivia
Summer
– Outdoor seating

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Featured image for “Dan’s Antique Mall”
Ironwood

Dan’s Antique Mall

Wide range of antiques for sale

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Featured image for “Downtown Art Place (The DAP)”
Ironwood

Downtown Art Place (The DAP)

Features
– Showcases art across various mediums at reasonable prices
– Celebrates local artists from the Northwoods
Classes
– Offers a variety of art classes taught by local artists

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Featured image for “Erwin Heritage Park”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Erwin Heritage Park

Erwin Township Historical Society Museum
– Housed in an original schoolhouse building
– Features exhibits of local artifacts, legends, and immigration stories
Winter Activities
– X-country ski and snowshoe trails connecting to the ABR trail system
– Antique farm equipment display from Erwin Township pioneers
Summer Activities
– Ahti Nurmela Trail: self-paced history walking tour with displays of farm implements and a historic Finnish sauna
– Park amenities: pickleball court, playground, picnic tables, and benches
– Paved, stroller- and wheelchair-accessible paths
– Open sunrise to sunset, weather permitting

TRAIL MAP
MUSUEM INFO

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Featured image for “European Treats”
Ironwood

European Treats

Offering a wide variety of foods and treats imported from Europe.

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Featured image for “Fabric Patch”
Ironwood

Fabric Patch

Products & Services
– Premier dealer for Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines and Software
– Unlimited owners classes included with all machine and software purchases
– Over 4,000 bolts of quilting fabrics
– Books, patterns, and two floors of shopping
Expertise
– Goldstar certified machine technician with over 30 years of Husqvarna Viking experience

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Featured image for “Historic Ironwood Theatre”
Ironwood

Historic Ironwood Theatre

– Offers a variety of performances, including plays, concerts, and community events
– Beautifully restored theatre rich in local history
– Originally opened in 1928, the theatre was renovated to preserve its historic charm while offering modern amenities
– Features stunning architectural details, such as its vintage marquee and grand interior

The Historic Ironwood Theatre is a cultural gem in the area, offering a space for creativity, entertainment, and community gatherings. It plays a key role in the cultural life of Ironwood!

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Featured image for “Hurley School”
Hurley

Hurley School

Hurley School
– Free
– Community and visitors welcome
– Maintains a 1.22-mile snowshoe trail and a 1.39-mile X-country ski trail
Parking
– Park in the lot closest to the starting point of both trails

A great place for outdoor winter activities, Hurley School offers well-maintained trails for snowshoeing and X-country skiing, open to all who wish to enjoy them.

SNOWSHOE TRAIL MAP
X-COUNTRY SKI TRAIL MAP

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Featured image for “Iron Belle Trail”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Iron Belle Trail

Good Starting Points
#1. Downtown Ironwood at Depot Park (Mile “0”)
#2. Parking area on the south side of US 2 at the Walmart intersection
#3. Parking area in Bessemer at the intersection of S Moore and W Colby streets
Explore
– Miles of scenic trail running from Ironwood to Ramsay
– Visit the historic Ironwood Depot Museum
Enjoy
– Ideal for walking, biking, and connecting with the natural beauty of the area
Winter Activities
– X-country skiing, fat tire biking and snowshoeing
Summer Activities
– Easy walking and biking

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Featured image for “Iron County Historical Museum”

Iron County Historical Museum

– Three full floors of exhibits showcasing the history of iron mining, railroads, timber, veterans, and home life
– Featuring old photos that bring the past to life
Heart of the Museum: The Weaving Room
– Experience living history as weavers use ancient methods and looms to craft beautiful rag rugs
– Volunteer weavers contribute to the museum’s primary source of income
– Hand-woven rugs and placemats available for purchase, directly supporting the museum’s efforts

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Featured image for “Ironwood Depot Park”
Ironwood

Ironwood Depot Park

– Home to the Depot Museum, park pavilion, and volleyball courts
– Starting point for Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail
Depot Features
– Houses the Ironwood Area Historical Society
– Includes the Ironwood Chamber of Commerce


OLD DEPOT MUSEUM BROCHURE

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Featured image for “Lake Gogebic State Park”
Marenisco

Lake Gogebic State Park

Fishing
– Known for Walleyes, Smallmouth Bass, and Jumbo Perch throughout the year
– Shore fishing available at the DNR pier in Bergland
Watercraft Rentals
– Rent kayaks, canoes, SUPs, or personal watercraft at the park office
– Use the park’s launch for fishing boats, speedboats, pontoon boats, and more
Boating
– Public boat launches in Bergland and four other sites on the lake
Ice Fishing
– Popular, primarily accessed by snowmobile
Park Amenities
– Pavilion with picnic tables, playground equipment, self-guided hiking interpretive trail, paved boat launch, swimming area, pier access, and restrooms
Hiking
– Lake Gogebic Forest Trail (2 miles), perfect for bird spotting, fern, and fungi photography
Snowmobiling
– Access via Trail 1 or Trail 13 for snowmobiling on the 20-square-mile lake

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Featured image for “Leather & Gift Shop”
Bessemer

Leather & Gift Shop

Gifts for you or any other special person in your life. Candles, jewelry, purses, scarves, wearables, baby gifts, all leather belts, men’s and women’s wallets, hats, home decor, seasonal decor, and much more.

FACEBOOK

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Featured image for “Little Finland”
Hurley

Little Finland

Heritage
– Celebrates the Finnish immigrant community through song, dance, and ethnic foods
Attractions
– Authentic Finnish log homes and a traditional sauna
Purpose
– A cultural center dedicated to preserving and sharing Finnish heritage
Gift Shop
– Open April through December, Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm

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Featured image for “Miner’s Memorial Heritage Park”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Miner’s Memorial Heritage Park

– Built on the site of the late 1800s/early 1900s iron mines
– Supplied metal for America’s industrial revolution
– Known by the locals as the “caves”
– 165 acres of woods and trails
– Free
Winter Activits
– X-country skiing and snowshoeing
Summer Activities
– Hiking and biking


TRAIL MAPS
FRIEND’S OF MINER’S PARK FACEBOOK
SISU DIRT CREW

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Featured image for “Montreal Ski Trails”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Montreal Ski Trails

– 11km of trails groomed for classic x-country skiing
– Dogs welcome
– Donation
Winter Activites
– X-country skiing and snowshoeing
Summer Activities
– Hiking and mountain biking
Trailheads
#1 – Rose Wreath
#2 – Old School
#3 – Pence

TRAIL MAPS

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Featured image for “Mt Zion”
Ironwood

Mt Zion

– Located on Gogebic Community College campus with panoramic views
– Functions as a laboratory for GCC’s nationally acclaimed Ski Area Management Program
Winter Activities
– Downhill skiing, snowboarding and X-country skiing
– Free X-Country Ski Trail
– Features 10 slopes and trails for all skill levels
– Senior citizens 62+ ski/snowboard free!
– Snow Tubing Park
Rentals
– Quality Downhill Ski and Snowboard Rentals
Summer Activities
– Beautiful vistas, mountain biking, and disc golf
SISU DIRT CREW

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Featured image for “Mt Zion Scenic Overlook”
Ironwood

Mt Zion Scenic Overlook

Overlook
– Beautiful view of the countryside, including Copper Peak in the distance
– Perfect location for fall color photos

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Featured image for “Nanette’s Knits and Gifts”
Wakefield

Nanette’s Knits and Gifts

Shop
– Quality yarns, custom knives, alpaca socks, unique gifts, baby items, baskets, hummingbird feeders
Hours
– Tues-Sat 9-5 Mon 10-2

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Featured image for “Norrie Park”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Norrie Park

Norrie Park
– Originally built as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the Great Depression
– Now a cherished destination for outdoor activities and community events
Activities and Feature
– Hiking and biking trails
– Disc golf course
– Montreal River walk
– Ironwood community gardens
Amenities
– Playground, pavilion, picnic tables, and grills

DISC GOLF SCORE CARD

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Featured image for “Pat O’Donnell Civic Center”
Ironwood

Pat O’Donnell Civic Center

– Located on the campus of Gogebic Community College
Winter Activities
– Ice Skating
Summer Activities
– Pickleball

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Featured image for “Porkies Winter Sports Complex”
Ontonagon

Porkies Winter Sports Complex

Rentals
Downhill skis, snowboards, sno bikes, X-country skis, snowshoes
Downhill Skiing
20 runs with groomed trails or powder, serviced by a chairlift and tow rope
Trails
Over 20 miles for X-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking
Views
Panoramic views of Lake Superior and snow-covered forests
Amenities
Fireside Grill, gift shop

MAPS
TICKETS
RENTALS/LESSONS

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Featured image for “Ramsay Keystone Bridge”
Bessemer

Ramsay Keystone Bridge

ATV/UTV & SNOWMOBILE ACCESSIBLE

Keystone Bridge
– One of Michigan’s largest stone arch bridges, dating back to 1891
– Built by the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad for its rail line at a cost of $48,322
– Can be viewed from the Ramsay Bridge or from a small park to the south
Historical Significance
– The bridge likely saw significant cargoes of iron ore leaving the area during its operational years
– A notable piece of local history, reflecting the area’s mining and industrial past

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Featured image for “Riverside Cemetery Trails”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Riverside Cemetery Trails

Winter Activities
– Free snowshoe trails along the Montreal River
– 3 active loops offering half-mile, 1-mile, and 1.5-mile routes
– Start at the Pure Michigan Welcome Center
– Explore open fields in the cemetery for a challenging workout
– Dog-friendly
Summer Activities
– 3 loops of hiking and biking trails starting at either the Pure Michigan Welcome Center or Riverside Cemetery
– Trails wind through the cemetery and along the Montreal River
– In the Spring, be prepared for muddy paths; wear hiking shoes or boots
– Continue south on Hemlock Street to connect to Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail, eventually reaching Downtown Ironwood

TRAIL MAP
SISU DIRT CREW

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Featured image for “Saint Maud’s Makerspace & Studios”
Hurley

Saint Maud’s Makerspace & Studios

WOODWORKING CLASSES
– A center for people to do meaningful work, learn, and feel at home
– Features a 2000-square-foot workshop with shared tools and space for members
– Offers woodworking classes and one-on-one assisted builds by appointment
– Open to everyone, fostering a community of creativity and collaboration

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Featured image for “Saxon Falls”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Saxon Falls

ACCESS VIA CTY B – ATV/UTV

• Trail difficulty: Easy
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 90 feet


Saxon Falls
– Cascades 90 feet over several drops into a deep gorge
– Best visited in the spring during run-off to see the falls at their peak
– Located at the site of a dam and power plant
– A hidden gem offering stunning views and powerful water flow
White Water Rafting and Kayaking
For those who are experienced in white water rafting, this is the starting point.

DIRECTIONS
Take Hwy 122 north of Hwy 2 for about 2.1 miles, turn right on County B. Go approximately 1.7 miles and turn left on Saxon Falls Road as County B goes sharply to the right. Turn right at the fork in the road after 0.4 mile and proceed to the parking area. Walk to the left and cross the steel footbridge over the river. Once across the bridge, take the path to the left.
46.535797° 90.380255°

WHITE WATER RAFTING – MONTREAL RIVER CANYON MAP

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Featured image for “Schomberg Park”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Schomberg Park

Schomberg Park
– Features 2 loops totaling 1.7 miles of easy terrain
– One-hour hike through various forest types and management practices
– Trail marked with blue blazers for easy navigation
– Located between Mercer and Hurley, with parking available off Highway 51 at the south parking lot entrance
– Free
Winter Activities
– Snowshoeing only, no cross-country skiing
Summer Activities
– Walking trails
– Washing station, loading ramp, park and ride for ATV/UTV


SNOWSHOE MAP

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Featured image for “Split Rock Trails”
Wakefield
Dogs Allowed

Split Rock Trails

– Historic site of the Flink Location iron ore mine
– Trails offer a beautiful forest tour with scenic overlooks and various rock formations
– Explore remnants of a once-thriving U.P. mining town
Winter Activities
– Snowshoeing
Summer Activities
– Hiking and Mountain Biking
Parking
– All-season parking lot located on Castile Rd, just before the turn onto Best Rd


TRAIL MAP
SISU DIRT CREW

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Featured image for “Stormy Kromer on Aurora”
Ironwood

Stormy Kromer on Aurora

Shop for many of the Stormy Kromer classics, including the iconic hat. Conveniently located in downtown Ironwood.

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Featured image for “Sunday Lake”
Wakefield
Dogs Allowed

Sunday Lake

– Popular spot for fishing, swimming, or paddling
– Access via Eddy City Park or Southwest City Park
– Enjoy a 3-mile walk, bike ride, or snowshoe around the lake on a paved trail
ATV/UTV & Snowmobile Access
– Trail access for ATV/UTV and snowmobiles
– Easy access from both parks, connecting to nearby trail systems.

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Featured image for “The Gile Flowage”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

The Gile Flowage

– 3400-acre lake located in northern Iron County, WI
– Created in 1945 for hydroelectric power generation, now one of the last undeveloped large water bodies in northern Wisconsin
– Rocky shores and bedrock islands
– ATV/UTV and snowmobile access
Recreation
– Northern pike, muskellunge, and panfish
– Scenic area popular for wildlife viewing, including bald eagles and loons
– Ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding due to its peaceful and secluded waters
– Great location for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons
Amenities
– Features a park, pavilion, swimming area, and boat launch (no dock)

BOAT LAUNCHES

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Featured image for “The Wine Hut”
Upson

The Wine Hut


ACCESS VIA TRAIL 6 – ATV/UTV & SNOWMOBILE
Near Whitecap Mt Resort, at The Wine Hut you can sit by the fire, drink your favorite beverages and spend time with friends. Swim, kayak, atv, boat or hike over from Weber Lake.

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Featured image for “Theatre North”
Ironwood

Theatre North

Historic Ironwood Theatre
– A beautifully restored 1920s theater offering a variety of live performances, films, and community events
– Features a stunning interior with classic architecture, including a grand proscenium arch and a vintage organ
– Among the three oldest continuously operating community theatres in the United States

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Featured image for “Uller Trails”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Uller Trails

Trail Details
– 29km of trails near Weber Lake and Iron Belt, WI, offering a back-country, rustic experience
– Trails groomed for classic X-country skiing with space for snowshoers, walkers, and dogs
– Three consecutive loops of varying distances, with parking at Weber Lake
– Ultimate scenic beauty and challenge on the Uller Back Country Ski Trail (30 km) and Krankala Spur (5 km) through the Penokee Range
– All abilities welcome, ideal for those seeking remote rolling and hilly terrain
Amenities
– After the hike, build a fire in the warming cabin
Winter Activities
– X-country skiing and snowshoeing
Summer Activities
– Hiking and biking


TRAIL MAPS

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Featured image for “Weber Lake”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Weber Lake

– Great for panfish, largemouth bass, and trout fishing
– Ideal for kayaking or canoeing with a peaceful, slow-no-wake environment
– 65-acre lake perfect for a relaxing day on the water
– Popular “Wine Hut” nearby
Access
– ATV/UTV trail access and day use parking

LAKE MAP

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