U.P. MICHIGAN REGION

from Up North Action - Fall 2020

by 5 Star Marketing & Distribution

NORTHEAST REGION

Autumn Is the Right Time to Visit Copper Peak

IRONWOOD – Capture the magnificent landscapes that only the Upper Peninsula of Michigan can provide with a trip to International Copper Peak Ski Flying Hill and Recreation Complex, just northeast of Ironwood.

Known simply by locals as Copper Peak, the ski-flying hill is the only such facility outside of Europe. Thousands of visitors each year enjoy riding the chairlift and then the elevator to take in the views from the top of this unique attraction (for a fee). The mammoth structure rises some 241 feet above the crest of Chippewa Hill, a copper-bearing rock outcrop. An 18-story elevator provides access to the observation deck. Climbing the additional 60 feet stairs to the top starting gate will allow the visitor to “experience” the feelings of the ski flyer about to launch himself down the 469-foot inrun. No wonder the operators of the facility aptly named the trip up Copper Peak’s Adventure Ride! From the top of Copper Peak, it is possible to see 40 or more miles in every direction. The fall colors of the mixed conifers and hardwoods of the Ottawa National Forest and the Black River Scenic Byway are unequaled anywhere. The view overlooking Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park is truly impressive. Bring binoculars if you want to see the hills near Grand Marais, Minnesota, or Isle Royale National Park, visible some 70 miles to the north on a clear day. It goes almost without saying, but bring your camera, as Copper Peak is a photographer’s dream.

Dickinson County Has You Covered for Outdoor Recreation

DICKINSON COUNTY – As summer transitions to autumn, the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area and its membership invite day-trippers and extended-stay visitors to discover the natural beauty of the area, especially the Iron Mountain area, and all the friendly folks who call this part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan home. It’s nearing Colorama time, a period of 3–4 weeks when the trees dig into the Crayola box and pull out reds, oranges, and yellows and go full bore on redoing their green leaf color. The result is spectacular to see, whether you’re a hiker, biker, motorcyclist, or on four wheels. (Be sure to check out the four-season fun at the Fumee Lake Natural Area!) In fact, USA Today has announced their Readers’ Choice Award for best color in the entire United States was awarded this year to the Upper Peninsula! Speaking of the latter, the Dickinson County area offers many opportunities for ORV/ATV riders. Whether it is on a statedesignated trail, forest road, or shoulders of county roads, the county offers a wide range of trail conditions and spectacular scenery. Norway allows ATV use within the city limits. Iron Mountain allows ATV use to travel to outside of the city limits to trails. Kingsford allows ATV use to the outside of city limits to trails. Looking ahead, don’t let winter pass by without a trip or two to Iron Mountain, billed as “the Gateway to the U.P,” and the entire Dickinson County Area.

The Tourism Association folks say the scenery on the snowmobile trails is simply “breathtaking.” With over 118 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the county, there are plenty for fun in the snow. The county trail system also networks with the rest of the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin, so there’s no shortage of trail riding available for the adventurous. The trails traverse deep woods, pass by vertical granite outcroppings glistening with frozen waterfalls, and come to a crossing of the Menominee River via a trestle bridge. Dickinson County enjoys well-groomed and marked trails thanks to the volunteers of the Tri-County Snowmobile Club. When it’s time to refuel the body, check out the local restaurants and taverns offering delicious food from monster-size hamburgers to mouth-watering steaks and Friday night fish fry. Iron Mountain has all the lodging and trail amenities you may desire for a snowmobile or downhill or cross-country ski trip. There are about a dozen XC trails all within 20 miles of downtown Iron Mountain. Most are groomed and well marked and have plowed parking trailheads. There are two public sledding hills for all-day family fun: City Park in Iron Mountain (lighted and steps) and Strawberry Lake Park in Norway. In addition to downhill skiing opportunities at Pine Mountain, there are similar recreation facilities at Norway Mountain.

ADVENTURE TO THE TOP OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST ARTIFICIAL SKI JUMP TOWER IN IRONWOOD, MI & witness 360-degree, panoramic views overlooking the Ottawa National Forest, Black River, Lake Superior, and so much more.

Open Every Day until Mid-October www.copperpeak.com for specific times & prices

SOUTH RANGE – Great racing action for fans unfolds Saturday, Sept. 19, when the MASTERS racing circuit holds a motorcycle/ snowmobile hillclimb at Whealkate Bluff, South Range, MI. (This event had been postponed from its original June 20 date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.) The organizers expect this will be “the most challenging motorcycle hillclimb” at this facility since the MASTERS has put them on. “It’s truly going to be a test of racer and bike,” says MASTERS president Skip Schultz. “The racer will have to find the best way up this very steep hill, yet stay within the ‘cut’ of the hill.” There will be various categories, from youth to Open Mod. The fastest of the fast up the 500-foot bluff will be crowned Vollwerth Meats’s “King of the Hill.”

Racing starts after on-site registration closes at 9 a.m. EST. Parking and concessions will be available on the grounds. Admission is $10/ person, under 6 free. The MASTERS has a new sound system whereby people throughout the grounds will be able to clearly hear the PA system on 88.5 FM. Bring your boombox to listen to the PA.