Craig Lake State Park rewards those seeking adventure & solitude

CHAMPION, MI – When warm weather finally arrives, check out the camping and fishing possibilities in Baraga County. Discover a touch of wilderness and adventure at Craig Lake State Park. It’s the most remote state park in Michigan’s DNR system. Access to the park itself is a bit of an adventure, as the road is rocky. It’s recommended you go with vehicles with high ground clearance. The park is located one mile west of Michigamme. The park contains lakes and numerous small ponds along with a variety of wildlife such as deer, black bear, beaver, loons and a portion of the Upper Peninsula moose herd. The park offers walk-in campsites (first come, first served) and other camping options, including two cabins for rent and one yurt just a twomile hike from the parking area.

Don’t forget your fishing pole and bring only artificial lures. The 374-acre Craig Lake, largest of the six lakes, is known for its muskellunge, bass, walleye and northern pike fishing. It has six islands and high granite bluffs along its northern shore. Teddy Lake offers good panfish fishing. There are several portages ideal for canoes on both lakes. Keewaydin Lake offers the only boat launch in the park and is the only lake that allows motorboats; motorized boats are not permitted on any other lakes to preserve the area’s pristine qualities. Contact the park for more information.

Not surprising, this park offers some of the most rugged trails in Michigan. An eight-mile trail loops around Craig Lake and offers some great opportunities to view wildlife, fauna and the lakeshore. A 7.5-mile section of the North Country Trail runs through the park. The trail covers some rough terrain, but is well worth the effort. This national route from North Dakota to New York includes more than 1,500 miles in Michigan, including those in Baraga County.

Get U.P on that Bike!

Celebrate Women’s Mountain Biking Day!

IRONWOOD - Spring in the U.P. means putting the skis away, tuning up the bike, and getting all things ready for riding the trails! Ironwood will celebrate International Women’s Mountain Biking Day on Saturday, May 6th

Bikers will gather at the Aurora Inn, 424 East Ayer Street, at 3:00 p.m. for a group ride. Whether you are a seasoned rider or someone who is new to the sport, this is the perfect event where you can meet other women mountain bikers and experience the great fun and health benefits this sport provides!

Following the group ride there will be a social gathering at Cold Iron Brewing Co., 104 South Lowell Street, starting at 6:00 p.m. For more information about women’s mountain biking, check out: vimeo.com. For more information about the Ironwood event, email Andrea at: aurorainn424@gmail.com.

First Friday Music Series Begins

IRONWOOD - Ironwood First Friday events feature live music at the outdoor City Square stage. Made possible by a Michigan Arts & Culture Council grant and local sponsors, the annual Summer Music Series is a highlight of Ironwood’s First Friday of the month celebrations.

Artists appearing are Merrill Miller, June 2; Billy Bronsted, July 7; XTRA, August 8; and Paige Hargrove, September 8. All concerts are from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in Ironwood’s City Square. Downtown stores will be open late, and many will host both inside and outside craft vendors. First Friday at Ironwood’s City Square is not to be missed!