10 Best Attractions in Ironwood, MI

Who knew one little Upper Peninsula town could pack in so many waterfalls, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures? Welcome to Ironwood—where every turn deserves a photo stop.

Ironwood, Michigan. At first glance, it's a quiet little town that looks like it'd be easy to overlook on a map. But don't let its small-town charm fool you; Ironwood has a whole lot more going on than you might think.

This Upper Peninsula gem is bursting with outdoor adventures, heaps of local history, some real foodie treats, and loads of scenic spots that'll make every visit truly unforgettable. You can spend your days hiking to waterfalls and tearing up the ski slopes; there's no shortage of things to keep you busy. In this guide, we'll check out the top 10 must-do things to do in Ironwood, MI, so you can really make the most of your trip there.

Little Girls Point is a picturesque spot sitting pretty on the shores of Lake Superior, a mere 12 miles north of Ironwood. As you'd expect, the beach is a combination of nice sand and smooth stones—perfect for a stroll or an afternoon of skipping rocks. Visitors can enjoy a swim, go fishing, have a picnic, or sit back and take in the lake's views.

The park's got all the essentials—picnic tables, grills, toilets, and a campsite to enjoy. And let's not forget the sunsets over Lake Superior, a big draw for many a visitor. Bonus—the North Country National Scenic Trail runs right through this beautiful spot.

Address:

Little Girls Point County Park, Little Girls Point Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938, USA

Fifteen miles north of Ironwood in the quiet town of Wakefield, Copper Peak's one of the best Ironwood attractions to enjoy. It's home to the world's largest artificial ski jump, and if you're feeling brave, you can take a chairlift and elevator ride to the observation deck at the top.

The views from up there? Absolutely stunning. You can see for miles over forests, hills, and lakes in the distance. If you want a guided tour, there's one available during the main tourist season.

Address:

Copper Peak, N13870 Copper Peak Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938, USA

The Black River Harbor Scenic Byway is a 15-mile drive that winds its way through the Ottawa National Forest. It connects Bessemer with Black River Harbor, a spot on the shores of Lake Superior. There are loads of overlooks and trailheads along the way, so you can stop whenever you like.

This route also gives you access to loads of waterfalls on the Black River. The drive is especially popular when the fall colors are on show. You'll find picnic areas and parking lots at various stops along the way.

Address:

Black River Harbor Scenic Byway, Black River Rd, Bessemer, MI 49911, USA

Potawatomi Falls is one of the five waterfalls along the Black River. You can get right up close to the action by walking along a wooden boardwalk and using a viewing platform. The falls themselves drop through a rocky section of the river.

There's a suspension bridge that crosses the river near the viewing area. It's an easy walk from the car park to the falls. The site is managed within the Ottawa National Forest.

Address:

Potawatomi Falls, Black River Scenic Byway, Bessemer, MI 49911, USA

Gorge Falls is the biggest of the Black River waterfalls. The water flows through a deep, rocky gorge surrounded by trees. There are viewing platforms where you can get a safe look at the water in all its fury.

The trail between Potawatomi Falls and Gorge Falls is nice and easy to walk. The falls really come to life after heavy rain or spring snowmelt. Like all the Black River waterfalls, Gorge Falls is part of the Ottawa National Forest.

Address:

Gorge Falls, Black River Scenic Byway, Bessemer, MI 49911, USA

Rainbow Falls is another beautiful spot along the Black River. You can walk there just a few minutes from the parking area. The waterfall flows over layered rock before spilling into a tight, rocky section of the river.

On a sunny day, the mist from the falls can create a rainbow effect—cool. There are viewing platforms so you can get a good look at the falls from all angles. Rainbow Falls is part of the Black River Waterfall Trail.

Address:

Rainbow Falls, Black River Scenic Byway, Bessemer, MI 49911, USA

Up at Mt. Zion Recreation Area in Ironwood lies the Mt. Zion Overlook, a spot where a long staircase will literally take you up to the viewing platform. From here, you can see the whole of Ironwood, the surrounding forests, and the hills in every direction.

Another big draw of the recreation area is a statue of Indian Chief Hiawatha near the base of the hill. In the winter, this place is a great spot for skiing and snow tubing. The overlook itself is only open during the warmer months.

Address:

Mt. Zion Recreation Area, N11281 Jackson Creek Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938, USA

Bluff Valley Park covers a whole 200-plus acres of ground in Ironwood; it's a big place! With hiking and mountain biking trails winding through all the wooded areas, a disc golf course, and the Montreal River flowing right by some of the park, it's a real outdoor enthusiast's dream come true.

You'll also find wooden bridges dotted around the trails to help you cross over the little streams. This park is open all year round, so you can get your outdoor fix whenever you like.

Address:

Bluff Valley Park, Lake Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938, USA

Superior Falls is tucked away near the state line, just a short drive from Wisconsin and Michigan. The Montreal River makes an impressive drop of 90 feet from here into Lake Superior. The viewing points are only a short walk from the parking area. You'll be rewarded with a pretty sight, surrounded by those steep, rocky cliffs and trees. A lot of people drop by on their way along the Lake Superior shoreline, and it's free to look around at any time of the year.

Address:

Superior Falls, County Rd 122, Saxon, WI 54559, USA

Stormy Kromer is a famous company from Ironwood that has been making its wool caps since 1903. You can still visit the factory store and buy all sorts of gear, from hats to jackets, shirts, and outdoor clothing.

They do a great job of telling the story of the brand, too. All their products are made here in the USA, so you can feel good about what you're buying. This factory store is a local favorite—when you visit Ironwood, it's a good place to pop in and check out what's on offer.

Address:

Stormy Kromer Factory Store, 1238 Wall St, Ironwood, MI 49938, USA

In a nutshell, these places to visit in Ironwood offer something for every traveler. Plan your trip to explore these top attractions and enjoy the natural beauty that makes Ironwood a great destination.

Book Royal Motel Ironwood for a convenient stay with free Wi-Fi, complimentary private parking, and access to nearby restaurants, trails, parks, and ski attractions. Check availability and reserve a room today.