14 minute read
U.P. MICHIGAN REGION
Calendar
Feb. 4-6 Iron Mountain – FIS Continental Ski Jump Feb. 12 Ironwood – Project Connect Nordic Event Feb. 19-20 Ironwood -- Snowmobile Hill Climb Feb. 26 Saxon -- Terra-X Snowmobile Races Feb. 26 Antoine – Kites Over Awesome Lake Antoine March 11-13 Ironwood – State U14 Bantam Hockey Tournament March 18-19 Wakefield – Mountain Top Festival
Lake Gogebic is a Snowmobiling Paradise
By Mary Beth DeFazio In most parts of the country, getting dumped on with three feet of snow in two days would give folks a good reason to stay inside and hibernate. However, in the Upper Peninsula’s Big Snow Country, it’s a welcome sight as it signals adventure and good times are on the horizon.
No matter what trails they travel or how much they ride, all those who know the Lake Gogebic area in the Western U.P. of Michigan have one wish in common – let it snow! When you enter the Lake Gogebic area you have entered every snowmobiler’s utopia. The “sledhead” culture is intense here, and locals and visitors alike wouldn’t have it any other way. In these parts, it’s not uncommon to find more snowmobiles than cars at the local gas station or restaurant.
Voted one of the Top Snowmobile Destinations by Snowmobiler Magazine, this region receives 200 to 300 inches of snow each year complemented by some of the best-groomed trails and gorgeous scenery on virtually every turn. Trails officially open Dec. 1 and won’t close until April 1. While January and February are prime season, some of the best riding and lodging options are attainable during those shoulder periods.
Hub of UP trails
What’s exceptionally nice about the Western UP is that it’s centrally located in the heart of Big Snow Country and has been coined the snowmobile “hub,” as there are many choices of great rides whether you fancy a weekend getaway, a week of family fun, or just an overnighter. There are more than 600 miles of groomed trails that offer riders the opportunity to experience winding forest trails, scenic overlooks, railroad grades, waterfalls U.P. Michigan Region
and bridges, hills, lakes, and logging roads – all in a day’s ride. Lake Gogebic itself is less than 20 miles from Lake Superior, Porcupine Mountains and Lake of the Clouds. Lake Superior graciously provides the moisture, and the Porcupine Mountains provide the lift to the moist air that brings down that wonderful lake effect snow that lasts for days and days! There are some trails around Lake Gogebic where you feel you are nowhere. You can turn off your engine, listen to nature, and soak in the beauty of this pristine region. Also, it’s only on Lake Gogebic can you ring in the New Year twice as this 18-mile long lake occupies two time zones. One will find plenty of dining and lodging on Lake Gogebic. On the north shore you can stop in Bergland Bay Bar, enjoy a wood-fire pizza at AJ’s Oven, fill up with gas at the Outpost, and have a choice of several lodging options. If you don’t own a sled, that’s not a problem as you’ll find Timberline Sports right on the north shore of Lake Gogebic.
Established Rides
You can’t visit Lake Gogebic without riding the Lake Gogebic loop. Circling the lake on trails 1, 100, 13 and 8 will take you on a ride of about 72 picturesque miles. This is a good family ride as it’s not too challenging and there most likely will be wildlife. There are several restaurants located right on the lake including Fishtails on the west side of the lake and the Root Cellar on the east shore. On the south end, you can always find a good time at Gogebic Lodge, and on the north shore is the iconic Hoop and Holler and the newly opened AJ’s Oven, which is a lakefront restaurant featuring wood fired pizzas and Chicago style sandwiches. One of the most popular rides on a sunny winter day is what’s known as “Lake da Lake,” which takes riders from Lake Gogebic to Lake of the Clouds. This tour starts on the north shore and follows Trail 1 north toward White Pine to Silver City. In White Pine you will find Konteka which is a good place to stop off and get a bite to eat, fill up for gas, and catch up with other riders. Continuing Trail 1 north to Silver City, then west to the Porcupine Mountains and Lake of the Clouds for an amazing view. You can head back the same way, or on the way back down from Lake of the Clouds, you can pick up Trail 11 South and follow that to 102. Follow 102 back down to Lake Gogebic where you can visit your favorite stop and catch up with friends. One favorite destination for both the diehard rider as well as the seasoned novice is the “Copper Harbor Cruise,” which you can make as either a day trip or an overnighter. From Lake Gogebic, head north on Trail 13 out of Bergland to Rockland and Greenland. There you pick up Trail 3 – known as the Bill Nichols Trail, popular for riders as it’s scenic and you’ll also cross the famous Firesteel Trestles. These former railroad trestles soar hundreds of feet over deep gorges. Continuing into Houghton, take Trail 3 to Trail 132 and into Copper Harbor. Gogebic Area Groomers do a great job of not only maintaining trails, but also in updates on the trails so that guests know what to expect before they arrive. You can follow Gogebic Area Grooming on Facebook and on their website at gogebicareagrooming.com. Mary Beth DeFazio is an owner of AJ’s Lodge & Oven, along with James Eismueller and their son, Anthony.
Winter-Time Adventures Await for All Visitors
DICKINSON COUNTY – 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. Iron Mountain is on the border with Wisconsin, and has all the lodging and trail amenities you may desire for a snowmobile or ski trip to the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Tourism Association of Dickinson County says the scenery on the snowmobile trails is simply “breathtaking.” In addition to the 118+ miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the county, the county system networks with the rest of the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. There’s no shortage of trail riding available for the adventurous!
The snowmobile trails traverse deep woods, pass by vertical granite outcroppings glistening with frozen waterfalls, and 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 frys. Not a snowmobiler? Or looking for a two- or three-peat on winter fun?
Pine Mountain Resort, off Pine Mountain Road, has excellent downhill ski opportunities for the family. The facility features a 500-foot drop with 26 runs, 2 double and 1 triple chair lift, rope tow, 2 terrain parks under lights and more. The nearby Pine Mountain Ski Jump in Iron Mountain is one of the highest artificially created ski jumps in the world. Picture yourself gliding through a silent forest full of fresh, white snow. Cross-country skiing is a rejuvenating sport that pairs physical exercise with the beauty of nature. There are about a dozen XC trails within 20 miles of downtown Iron Mountain. Most are groomed, marked and have plowed parking trailheads. Snowshoeing is popular at various locations throughout the county. Fat biking is quite popular with trails very close to Iron Mountain. Check out the Dickinson Trail Network website for details. There are two public sledding hills for all-day family fun: City Park in Iron Mt (lighted and steps) and Strawberry Lake Park in Norway. There’s a special magic about ice fishing, especially when the flag on the tip-up springs up! The cry of “Fish on!” causes all fishermen within earshot to suddenly pay attention to the lucky angler pulling up a keeper walleye or northern pike. Coupled with loads of panfish, anglers will find success on any number of lakes found here (over 7,600 acres in total).A professional kite flying event, Kites Over Awesome Lake Antoine, is set for Feb. 26, 11a.m. to 4 p.m. See the Lake Antoine Park Partners Facebook page for full details.
BIG SNO OUTFITTERS
Hi Tech Ski and Snowboard Rentals Ski Tuning and Custom Boot Fitting
US Highway 2 Bessmer, Michigan – In the heart of Big Snow Ski Country!
906-663-4646
U.P. Michigan Region
U.P. We Go: To Exciting Hillclimbs
SOUTH RANGE & IRONWOOD – There’s nothing that tops the thrills and spills those that accompany the snowmobile hillclimbs in the U.P. of Michigan. Another season of hillclimb action organized by the Mid America Snow and Terran Expert Racers (MASTERS) organization is providing lots of entertainment for spectators. For the weekend of Feb. 5-6, the series will be at South Range for the Winternationals Snowmobile/Snow Bike Hillclimbs. Whealkate Bluff has been re-done to make it even more challenging. At last summer’s motorcycle hill climb, only one rider out of 100 attempts made it to the top! Another upcoming event is the Snowmobile/Snow Bike Hillclimb on Feb. 19-20 at Copper Peak, just north of Ironwood. It’s been 10 years since the MASTERS ran a hillclimb at Copper Peak. It’s being promoted as the largest such event east of the Mississippi. The gates will open at 7:30 a.m. CT, with competition to start at 9 a.m. CT on both days. Concessions and souvenirs will be on-site at Copper Peak during the event. The qualifying rounds will be Saturday, Feb. 19, along with running of the Children’s 120 & 250 cc, Vintage 1, Vintage II and Junior Finals. Then on Sunday, Feb. 20, events will feature the finals in the Pro Stock, Pro Mod, Women’s, Spirit, and Snow Bike. The goal is simple: make it to the top of the extremely steep Copper Peak hill while zig-zagging around gates. This event will send its Pro Stock, Pro Mod, and Spirit King of the Hill winners, along with the Queen of the Hill title, to the World Championship in Jackson, WY. Later that month, the MASTERS Top Dog Terra-X schedule dips down into Wisconsin. It will be at the Iron County Fairgrounds in Saxon on Saturday, Feb. 26. Terra X Racing is a form of snow oval/snocross racing and consists of time trials with the top 3 advancing per class. For the more skilled riders, there is a Pro Stock Open and Pro Mod Open class for cash. The final race will be the Vintage Enduro, which is for 1999 and older 500cc sleds. The MASTERS season concludes with the Terra-X Top Dog Championship on March 5 at Greenland. Visit mastersracing.net for information on registration, ticket prices and other information.
Discover Baraga County’s Winter Recreation
COUNTYWIDE – Discover all that Baraga County has to offer winter enthusiasts with a visit to this Upper Peninsula winter wonderland. Skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling opportunities abound, with some trails available right from the doorstep of your lodging. Even in winter, the area’s beautiful waterfalls are a major attraction for visitors. Baraga County stretches along the south shore of Lake Superior and reaches down into the Ottawa National Forest. It is bordered to the east by Marquette County, to the south by Iron County and to the west by Houghton County. There are 145 miles of groomed snowmobile trails taking you to all points in Baraga County, including Mount Arvon – the highest natural point in Michigan! Information concerning snow conditions in Baraga County can be found at the snow and trail report, listed on the Baraga County Convention & Visitor Bureau’s website: baragacounty.org. Nordic-style warriors can explore the Pinery Lakes XC Ski Trails located off Indian Cemetery Road, five miles north of L’Anse on Main Street/Skanee Road. Set in a thick forest of red pines, the trail features three marked trail loops which can be combined for a total of five miles of groomed trails. The trails are groomed for the traditional skier (Sorry, no snowshoers, hikers or dog walkers on this trail.). For those favoring big ‘shoes, take a trip to L’Anse Township Park where you can snowshoe Cathy’s Path and Soup’s Loop. Parking is located on the Skanee Road, 2 miles northeast of downtown L’Anse and just 800 feet past the L’Anse Township Park entrance. There is a February lantern lit snowshoe outing planned on the L’Anse Township Trails. Check the chamber’s Facebook page for details.
Ice anglers aren’t forgotten in Baraga County, which boasts any number of lakes. Try your luck and skill ice fishing on Lake Superior’s Keweenaw or Huron Bay, or on the many inland lakes in Baraga County. Pick up fishing supplies and licenses at local retail outlets. There are a number of resorts and motels that offer relaxing accommodations.
Wolverine Nordic Trails Offers a Lot for XC Skiers, Others
IRONWOOD -- Another great silent sport trail complex on Lake Superior’s southern shore is Wolverine Nordic Trails, where the average winter starts early and lasts longer than other parts of the Midwest. The natural rolling terrain is perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. The trail offers 24 km of ski trails including, several loops for classic striding and skate skiing. There are 14 km of marked snowshoe trails and 7 km of snow bike trails. The Wolverine Nordic Ski Club members maintain and groom the trail system. Donation boxes are located at all trailheads and in the chalet.
The system’s four snowshoe trails are marked with red or blue diamonds and ribbons too indicate difficulty. The hardest of these is the Hospital Loop Trail, which is marked with blue. The easiest, the Snowflake Loop Trail, is marked with red. Ski and snowshoe trails can be accessed at the chalet trailhead at 5851 Sunset Road. There is also a trailhead behind Apsirus Ironwood Hospital. The Summit Road trailhead provides access to snow bike trails, as well as ski and snowshoe trails. The warming chalet offers a view of the historic wooden ski jump structure that was part of the club’s original activities. Cookies and hot chocolate are available in the chalet, which is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the ski season. Skiers, both classic and skate, are invited to join in on the Tuesday Night Ski which rotates between Wolverine Nordic Trails, MECCA Trails in Mercer, and Winman Trails in Manitowish Waters. Skiers meet at the chalet at 6 p.m. and ski for about an hour. A headlamp is needed. They break into groups: classic or freestyle and also fast pace or relaxed pace. Finally, the Wolverine Winter Challenge is back! Participants will snowshoe one or all of Wolverine’s 5 snowshoe trails, ski 10 km on any groomed trail and/or snow bike on one groomed snow bike trail. These activities can be done any time between Feb. 5 and 26. Register on the webpage and be entered into a drawing for door prizes for each trail completed. Register and get full details at wolverinenordic.com.
Th e U.P. of Michigan is fi lled with adventures waiting for you!
Area Events!
Wednesdays in Feb & March Ironwood Superior Snowshoe Walks February 4 & 5 Lake Gogebic Moonshine Riders Poker Run February 5 Midwest Cat Clowder at Big Powderhorn Mountain Feb 5-26 Wolverine Nordic Ski Winter Challenge February 19 -20 Copper Peak Snowmobile Hill Climb March 11-13 U14 Bantam Hockey Tournament, Ironwood Civic Center March 18-19 Mountain Top Ski/Music Festival, Indianhead
Ironwood Chamber of Commerce
Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce
150 N Lowell St.
ironwoodchamber.org
PO Box 114 Bergland, Michigan 49910 1-888-464-3242 info@lakegogebicarea.com lakegogebicarea.com facebook.com/lakegogebicarea
Wake eld Chamber of Commerce
M-28 at US-2 Wakefi eld, Michigan 49968 PO Box 93 1-906-224-2222 chamber@wakefi eldmi.org wakefi eldmi.org
Travel Ironwood
213 Marquette St. Ironwood, Michigan 49938 1-906-932-5050 info@travelironwood.com travelironwood.com
