Whether it’s horseback riding, go-kart zipping, hiking, cycling, or just wanting to take your dog for a walk, there is plenty to do and experience in the Northwoods.
You’re never far from any number of picturesque locations to take a hike, snap photos of gushing waterfalls and spend quiet time surrounded by nature.
Take a taste of the Northwoods tour. Dozens of night clubs, pubs and restaurants await your call for a reservation, or just pop in and enjoy a cocktail as you wait for a table to open up. You’re on vacation…enjoy the benefits of having a skilled cook or chef prepare a meal. They’re a perfect deal for fishermen who want a pub burger before heading back out on the pristine water.
August is a prime getaway month for families. The Northwoods beckons with great swimming beaches, visits to wildlife zoos, zip lines, miniature golf, and much, much more. Come September, the air turns cooler, great for visiting any number of festivals. Bicyclists don’t have to go out early morning to catch a cool breeze, especially in late September.
Colorama time comes knocking on the door in late September. The robust colors hang on – even get bolder – in the first two weeks of October. Which is your Post-it note to return to the land they call “Up North.”
Dean S. Acheson | Editor
Inside This Issue
Map & Index
NORTHEAST REGION - page 8
NORTHWEST REGION - page 36
Covering the following counties:
Florence • Forest • Marinette
Oconto • Menominee • Shawano
NORTHCENTRAL REGION - page 11
Covering the following counties:
Iron • Vilas • Price • Oneida • Lincoln
Langlade • Taylor • Marathon
Covering the following counties: Ashland • Bayfield • Douglas • Burnett
Washburn • Sawyer • Rusk • Barron
Polk • St. Croix • Dunn • Chippewa
U.P. MICHIGAN REGION - page 44
Covering the following counties: Baraga • Gogebic • Ontonagon
Houghton • Iron • Dickinson • Menominee
Experience the Northwoods Like Never Before -Visit Western U.P.
Imagine thunderous waterfalls, ATV/UTV trails you can call your own, a gigantic wading pool called Lake Superior, mountain tops from where you can see forever, pubs and hubs of lively nightlife, all of these are your welcoming invite to experience the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The above and so much more await everyone looking for new experiences they will want to tell their family and friends about.
Fun and adventure are season-long, year-long pursuits that all ages can experience in Western U.P.: Spring brings an awakening of hibernating forest creatures, snowmelt and rainfall combine to make the torrents that spill over waterfalls (150 of them!), Summer welcomes hikers, mountain bikers, and intrepid ATV/UTV explorers.
Fall comes into its own with stunning leaf colors reflecting reds, or-
anges and yellows everywhere. While some forest residents slow down or take extended naps during winter, the U.P. winter is every snowmobiler’s and skier’s dream season to unwind, whether it’s on carefully groomed trails, zipping down a ski hill or finding one’s inner spirit on cross-country trails.
Anglers of every level of skill will find success on the lakes, streams, and rivers of the Western U.P. Lake Gogebic is just one of many examples of quality fishery found in this region. The chunky walleyes and perch bring wide smiles to anglers who know the answer to “What’s for supper?” Trout abound in the lightly-pressured Class A streams where a fly rod or a crawler will bring them home to you -- the East and Middle branches of the Ontonagon River come to mind as favorites. You might find your next “secret” spot for brook trout on an out-of-the-way stream.
The U.P. is home to an amazing mix of man-made and natural attractions. There is the famous Copper Peak Adventure Ride north of Bessemer, where an 18-story elevator takes you to the ski-jump top, where the “Wow!” reaction is immediate! Especially during autumn, the view from the top of Copper Peak is unrivaled in the whole U.S.A.!
A short journey north takes you to the famed Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, where an overlook of the Lake of
the Clouds is just a short walk from the parking area. (Handicap accessible.) With more than 60,000 acres of stunning forests, secluded lakes and scenic rivers, the “Porkies” is one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. We might suggest beach lovers (and rock hounds) take a trip to Ontonagon Township Park where kids and adults can enjoy the mile-long stretch of beach along Lake Superior. We can’t guarantee you’ll find an agate, but “pretty rocks” abound everywhere (including the mysterious “Yooperlites”).
Historically, mining was an integral part of the region’s economy, and you can re-live the underground experience of these miners at the Adventure Mining Company in Greenland, where they will take you down, down, down for an unground mining experience like no other. Options include easy walking tours to rappelling down a shaft, and more. Over in Rockland, at the Old Victoria Restoration, you can step inside an early copper miner’s home, one of several structures onsite.
Lovers of the fine arts shouldn’t miss a production at the Historic Ironwood Theatre in Ironwood, which started out in 1928 as a vaudeville and silent movie palace. Now, it hosts movies and concerts for all ages. And almost every U.P. community has a museum featuring local history artifacts and displays. The Ontonagon County Historical Society Museum is a must-stop. Be sure to check out the lighthouse at Ontonagon!
As your day winds down, you can find craft brews, local wines and menus loaded with tasty dishes at any number of restaurants and pubs. Friday fish frys are traditional fare, but so are sizzlin’ steaks, chef’s specials, and scrumptious desserts.
The calendar of events in this issue of Up North Action magazine will guide you to all the festivals and celebrations happening throughout Western U.P.
You’ve come this far, and there’s still much more to see and do, so it’s just natural you’ll want to reserve a room or campsite for further exploration. Western U.P. has a full range of comfortable lodging, ranging from locally-owned and national chain motels, B&B’s, downhill ski resorts, to campgrounds.
CALENDAR
Northeast Region
Aug. 2-3 Bowler – Bowler Bash
Aug. 3 Bonduel – Lions Club Corn Roast
Aug. 3 Lakewood – Lakes Country Arts & Crafts Show
Aug. 3 Laona – Community Soup
Aug. 9-11 Shawano – Folk Music Festival
Aug. 17 Shawano – Airport Fly-In and Car Show
Aug. 17 Mountain – ATV/UTV Fun Day
Aug. 22-25 Gillett – Oconto Co. Youth Fair
Aug. 28-Sept. 2 Shawano – Shawano Co. Fair
Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Crandon – Off Road Races
Aug. 31 Townsend – Corn Roast ATV/UTV Parade
Aug. 31 Riverview Fire Dept. – Corn Roast
Aug. 31 Shawano – Amish Consignment & Quilt Auction
Sept. 8 Shawano – Customs and Classics Car Show
Sept. 14 Lakewood – Festi-Fall
Sept. 21 Oconto – Elks Fly-In
Sept. 21 Crandon – Art in the Square
Sept. 28 Oconto – Harvest Fest
Sept. 28-29 Wabeno – Big Woods 200 Dual Sport
Oct. 5 Shawano -- Octoberfest
Lost Lake Campground & Cabins
FLORENCE -- If you are looking for a base camp to explore area trails or a rustic campground with a family atmosphere, try the Lost Lake Recreation Area off Highway 70 west of Florence.
The Lost Lake Recreation Area on the Florence District consists of a campground on the north side of the lake with 27 campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings with grills, accessible facilities and drinking water from a pressurized system or hand pump. The cost is $15/night.
On the south side of the lake eight rustic cabins are available to rent in a remote forested setting. These cabins are located in a group setting and can provide a quiet get-away for an individual, family or serve as a base camp for fishing and hunting. Cabins can be rented from mid-May through mid-October.
Beyer Home Museum Offers Guided Tours
OCONTO – While in Oconto, be sure to visit the Beyer Home Museum located at 917 Park Avenue. Built in 1868 by Cyrus and Kitty Hart, it is believed to be one of the first brick homes in the county.
The building passed through several owners before becoming the home of George and Fanny Beyer in 1881. Though the original structure was an Italianate-style, the Beyers remodeled it into a Queen Anne style home adding a wrap-around porch, three-story tower room and entry, a south bay addition, and new windows, many of which included leaded glass.
In 1941, the county acquired this home and turned it over to the
Day use facilities include the 86-acre crystal-clear lake stocked with brown trout, rainbow trout and smallmouth bass for yearround fishing. No motors are permitted on Lost Lake. A boat access area, small picnic area, and a sandy swimming beach are available.
Here you will find many opportunities for scenic strolls amid the aspen and sugar maple. A one-mile interpretive trail through a stand of 150-year-old hemlock and pine is adjacent to the campground. Trails also connect to the Chipmunk Rapids Trail and Lauterman National Recreation Trail system.
Sites can be reserved at recreation.gov or by calling Reserve America at 1-877-444-6777. The campground will still have first come first served sites available for those who prefer a more spontaneous adventure.
county historical society with the stipulation that it become a museum. During the 1970s the interior of the home was completely restored to the 1890s and furnished in Victorian fashion. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
The adjacent annex contains Copper Culture artifacts, old Main Street Oconto store exhibits, and early settler and logging items. The Carriage House opened in 2016. The buildings are open to the public as a fine example of how the small-town wealthy residents lived. Guided tours are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. For additional information contact the Oconto County Historical Society at 920-834-6206 or visit ocontoctyhistsoc.org.
Fall Festival Season is Nearing
LAKEWOOD -- Lakewood will usher in the season of fall festivals at Festi-Fall, an outdoor celebration of food, live music, and artisans on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are invited to stroll through the heart of Lakewood to view artist demonstrations and see handicrafts created by talented Northwoods artists. Visitors can grab a bite to eat, sample local and global wines, and enjoy open-air musical performances.
Festi-Fall features more than 30 vendors displaying a wide array of merchandise, including jewelry, rugs, jams, paintings, photos, ceramics and wood carvings. The enchanting boutiques and shops in Lakewood also will participate in Festi-Fall, opening their doors to festival shoppers.
Food stands will be serving a variety of food and refreshments. Ample public parking will be available, and Lakewood’s public restrooms will be open during the festival.
OCONTO -- The Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Harvest Fest, the city’s beloved autumn celebration, will be Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oconto’s downtown will come to life with a variety of activities and offerings for all ages. Harvest Fest will feature a wide array of arts and crafts, other merchandise, and seasonal produce from pumpkins for carving to hearty vegetables for cooking. Local shops will be participating with sidewalk sales and Harvest Fest specials.
Kids can enjoy activities, while adults can browse the vendors and enjoy food and refreshments. Live music will also be playing throughout the day. The event will take place on Main Street from Huron Avenue to Millidge Avenue, in the heart of Oconto.
Northcentral Region
Paddles Up! It’s Dragon Boat Festival Time
MINOCQUA – When the paddlers have fire in their bellies and are smoking the competition, you know it’s Dragon Boat Festival time in Minocqua. The annual event will again be held at Torpy Park in downtown Minocqua on Saturday, Aug. 17.
Spectator admission is free. A shuttle bus will run continuously from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the Professional Plaza at the intersection of Hwy. 51/Hwy. 70W (by Home Medical) to and from Torpy Park. The bus ride is also free.
The 8:30 a.m. opening ceremony, called Awakening of the Dragon, is conducted “to cleanse the area of competition, to bless the competitors and their boats, and to charge the boats and their crews with the Spirit of the Dragon and the Goddess of the Sea.”
CALENDAR
Aug. 1-4
Aug. 7 Mercer – Loon Day Art & Craft Fair
Aug. 7-10 Deerbrook – MC Fest
Aug. 7-11 Merrill – Lincoln Co. Fair
Aug. 8-11 Eagle River – Vilas Co. Fair
Aug. 9-11
Junction – Musky Jamboree Weekend
Dae
Aug. 15-18 Eagle River – Nat’l Championship Musky Open
Starting at 9 a.m. teams (3 each) will race in subsequent heats on Lake Minocqua. Guided by a steersperson and to the beat of a drum, teams paddle 300 meters from west to east, finishing in front of Torpy Park’s swimming beach in an intense display of strength and teamwork. The race finale comes at 3 p.m. when the top six teams race 2,000 meters in non-stop, hard-core paddling.
This a family event so bring the young ones. The cultural themed interactive activities in the children’s tent will delight the “dragonlings.” Visitors can enjoy food and soft drinks (beer and wine also available) while taking in a performance on the main stage or when watching paddlers race.
Awards will be presented for race winners and spirit, including best-dressed drummer, most spirited team, wisest dragon, and fundraising champion. All event proceeds will help purchase a 128-slice CT scanner for Aspirus Eagle River Hospital, plus advanced technology for both Howard Young Medical Center and Eagle River CT scanners to improve the initial treatment of acute stroke patients.
Aug. 17 Minocqua – Dragon Boat Festival
Aug. 17 Presque Isle – Corn Roast, Music
Aug. 17 Merrill – Underdown Trail Races
Aug. 17 Phillips – Charity Classic Musky Tournament
Aug. 18 Antigo – Badgerland Classics & Customs Car Show
Aug. 21-25 Phillips – Price Co. Fair
Aug. 24 Rhinelander – W.I.L.D. Hodag Mini Triathlon
Aug. 24 Eagle River – Car and Truck Show
Aug. 24 Merrill – Auto Show
Aug. 24 Phelps – DC (Musky) Fishing Classic
Aug. 25 Conover – Disc Golf Tournament
Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Prentice – Prentice Progress Days
Aug. 31 Park Falls – Tour de Flambeau Bike Race
Aug. 31 Hurley – Festival Italiano
Aug. 31 Minocqua – Pig Roast
Aug. 31 Phelps – Swen Musky Tournament
Sept. 1 Star Lake – Stillwaters Star Lake Mayor’s Race
Sept. 21 Land O’ Lakes – Octoberfest, LOLA Art Harvest
Sept. 21 Three Lakes – Oktoberfest
Sept. 21 St. Germain -- Colorama
Sept. 21 Gleason – Truck/Tractor Pull & Crafts
Sept. 21 Boulder Junction – Colorama Arts & Crafts Fair
Sept. 21 Merrill – Colorama Bike Tour
Sept. 21-22 Eagle River – Paul’s Pro Am Musky Tournament
Sept. 27-29 Eagle River – PMTT World (Musky) Championship
Sept. 28 Ogema – Christmas Tree Festival
Sept. 28 Land O’ Lakes – Art Festival
Sept. 28 Minocqua – Beef-A-Rama
Sept. 28 St. Germain – ATV Club Fall Fest
Loon Day and Duck Race to Keynote the Fun in Mercer
MERCER – More than 250 arts and crafts exhibitor booths will cover the grounds in Mercer during the 44th annual Loon Day on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Preceding Loon Day will be a street dance on Aug. 6 from 7-10 p.m. at Around the Corner Pub on Railroad Street. L & E Jamboree will be playing.
Saturday brings sidewalk and
bake sales, raffles, food and refreshments in downtown Mercer. One of the highlights will be the loon calling contest at 1:30 p.m. in front of the town hall. There will be divisions for both youngsters and adults.
Birds of a different feather will be strutting their stuff at the 14th annual Turtle River Duck Race on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Ruggers Landing, 5643 U.S. 51. The event is sponsored by the Mercer Lions Club.
Hundreds of little yellow ducks will be dumped at 1 p.m. in Turtle River two miles north of Mercer. Cash prizes will be given for the top finishers and the last four at Rugger’s Landing. “Buy” a duck for $5 or a flock for $20.
Top Runners Can Bag Awards at Tater Trot
ANTIGO – The 44th annual Antigo Tater Trot will welcome runners on Saturday, Aug. 10 with competitive and fun races, along with the event’s unique “goodie bag” for the longer distance runners. All races start and finish at Antigo City Park, located four blocks east of Hwy. 45 on Aurora Street. Route options are a 10K run (9 a.m. start), 6K run/walk (9:05 a.m.) and a 2K fun run (8:30 a.m.). The 10k route is USA Track & Field certified. Virtual options for all three are being offered.
Participants can register online at antigotatertrot.com or in person Friday evening or Saturday morning at City Park. The registration fee for the 6K and 10K includes a tee and 5-pound bag of potatoes!
Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each race. First place finishers in each division of the 10K will receive a custom potato trophy. Proceeds will support Antigo’s track and cross-country teams, along with other community organizations that promote running and wellness.
Still Rowdy, Underdown Trail Races Return in 2024
MERRILL – The Underdown trails in Lincoln County will be rocking with mountain bikers and runners on Saturday, Aug. 17. Under the title of Underdown Trail Races, the event’s offerings are no easy walk in the park.
The Underdown Trail Run comprises three events: 60K, marathon, and half marathon. While the “Thunderdown in the Underdown” mountain bike component offers bikers three options: 111 miles, 37 miles, and 13 miles. The Thunderdown in the Underdown is affiliated with the Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Biking Series (WEMS) races.
The first mountain bike race starts at 8 a.m. with the first runners taking off at 9:30 a.m. Spectators are welcomed; no admission fee. There will be live music; food and beer available for racers and spectators beginning at 2:30 p.m.
The event offers runners and bikers a wilderness experience on challenging trails formed from glaciers that swept the area thousands of years ago. The course is primarily singletrack climbing hills (up to 75!) that pass by isolated lakes and across dozens of boardwalks.
The organizers caution new participants, “This is a challenging trail run/bike on challenging terrain that goes through some remote areas.” Oh yes, it adds, there are “bears in the area.” (Edit note: Black bears are notoriously wary of humans.)
The trail system is located 6 miles off Highway 51. For more information call 715-848-5949 or visit ironbull.org or wemseries.com.
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Three Lakes: No Dog Left Behind
THREE LAKES – If you can’t bear to leave your fourlegged friend behind while Up North, Three Lakes – a community of dog lovers -- understands fully and invites visitors to bring Fido to the Three Lakes Dog Park, located across from the fire station at 1921 Epler Court.
It’s a welcoming 2-acre fenced park with separate areas for large and small dogs. It has running water, a dog bath, bins and bags, and for humans, ADA restroom and a pavilion with picnic tables. Check it out at threelakesdogpark.com.
There’s no need to tie up your dog outside while you enjoy a cold one, either. The Brew Station, located on Superior Street, welcomes dogs in their newly opened addition, the Brittanica Garden. The Brew Station was the winner of the 2023 Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s annual Main Street Place-Makeover Contest. The business received design assistance and $5,000 to create an outdoor patio space. Learn more at 3lakesbrewstation.com.
There’s so much to experience at Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari. Our lush 259 acres are home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. Take your zoo visit to the next level with animal feedings, tram ride, animal programs and other incredible experiences. There’s something for everyone! Wildwood Wildlife Park is all about providing special experiences that last a lifetime with every visit no matter your age!
OFFERING EXTRAORDINARY ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
Hand Feeding: Goat, aoudad, and sheep - an experience for all ages. Stroll leisurely throughout the park, where the deer roam among you and have them eat right out of your hand. Experience magical moments with our goats and watch them frolic all over and even feed them their special treats!
Parakeet Encounter: Surround yourself in the beauty of our Budgie Buddies aviary, and experience the excitement where you can handfeed budgies.
Tiger: Stop by and watch these magnificent cats as they folic around!
Penguin Cove- This immersive exhibit is home to a cozy colony of endangered African BlackFooted Penguins.
White-Handed Gibbon: Guests will watch these most agile animals on the planet, as they easily move hand over hand with their body suspended below, a movement called brachiation.
Giraffe Encounter: Get eye to eye with the tallest and most fascinating animals in the world during the giraffe feeding.
Flamingo:
Our guests will often find our flamingos marching in their exhibit during the Flamingo Mingle! A memorable experience that will tickle you pink!
Siamang: A performance and sound that guests will never forget! You will have the opportunity to hear these silly monkeys as they fill up their air sack to call out- which can be heard over 2 miles away!
Koi and Trout Feeding: Buy trout pellets from the feed machines and toss into the pond and see the entire surface come alive with a frenzy of trout or koi. Guests can just sit and relax in this peaceful and tranquil area.
Primates & Reptile Center: Featuring North American, Desert and Rainforest habitats.
Learn about these creepy, crawly critters and come nose to nose to a lemur and hear them vocalize while the sloth’s siesta all day long.
Amphitheater: Learn about your favorite animals during our Zoo Chats and meet our animal ambassadors.
William E. Gardner Educational Center: The educational center is full of amazing things to see and do. You will peer into the world of honeybees and witness honeybees performing their specialized duties to produce honey. Other activities includeartifacts, microscopes, amphibians, snakes, lizards, arthropods, and insect displays.
Safari Tram Ride: Jump on the tram and enjoy a narrated journey winding through the sprawling woods. Spot Zebra grazing near a spring fed pond, watch Eland studding across an open field. Search for the camouflaged
Scimitar Horned Oryx concealed in the thickets or the Wildebeest sunning on the savannah.
COME SPEND THE DAY WITH US AND YOU WILL FIND A MILLION REASONS TO SMILE. WE CAN'T WAIT TO SHOW YOU AROUND.
Indian Mounds Campground Includes Beach, Picnic Area, Boat Launch
LAKE TOMAHAWK – Many people have come to associate the Northern Highlands-American Legion Forest (NHAL) with smaller, quieter, traditional rustic-style campgrounds. The NHAL has 14 such rustic campgrounds totaling 505 campsites.
Among them is Indian Mounds Campground, which affords a beautiful view of sunsets over Lake Tomahawk, the largest lake in Oneida County at 3,392 acres. It offers excellent fishing and boating. Even kayakers, canoers and paddleboarders can find quiet areas midday to paddle
There are 39 campsites at Indian Mounds, located two miles north of the community of Lake Tomahawk. The sites range from walk-in tents to ones accommodating large rigs, including motor homes. The campground has vault toilet buildings, hand pumps for drinking water, and separate trash and recycling dumpsters. There is an adjacent boat launch. The roads are paved, making it easy to bike for all ages.
The campground’s four conical burial mounds can be viewed in the picnic area.
Your park pass will give you access to the nearby Clear Lake campground, which has showers, another beach, and firewood sales. Beach and picnic area are available there also, but access requires a state park sticker on the vehicle. No sticker or fee is required for the boat launch.
Visit reserveamerica.com for reservation details. Reservations at Indian Mounds may also be made by going to the Clear Lake Ranger Station prior to setting up camp. Or by calling 1-888947-2757.
Directions: To the Clear Lake Ranger Station from the intersection of Hwys. 51 and 47 travel south on Hwy. 47, for approximately 3.5 miles and turn left on Woodruff Road. The Clear Lake Ranger Station will be on the right.
Calendar Packed with Festivals
AREA WIDE – August and September in the Northwoods have any number of festivals and other events that will appeal to visitors and local residents alike. Get a jump start on having fun in the Northwoods by attending one or more of them. Listed below are some samples of those festivals. Be sure to check our extensive calendar of events for even more opportunities to experience the Northwoods lifestyle.
THREE LAKES – Raise your steins and say Prost! because the Three Lakes Oktoberfest will be Saturday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Three Lakes. There will be a variety of food, including German fare and a pig roast; entertainment, and vendors will have baked goods, crafted wares, live demonstrations, and more. There will be games and friendly competitions. The Pommersche Danz Gruppe from Wausau will perform German folk dances in authentic costumes, and the popular Jim Pekol band will be playing polka tunes.
The Three Lakes Car, Truck, Boat, and Motorcycle Show in Three Lakes on Saturday, Aug. 3 will boast an impressive array of vehicles. The event will take place at the Northwoods Petroleum Museum, 2141 Wykowski Road, just outside of Three Lakes. Scheduled hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees can enjoy live music, food, and beverages. For more information, or to enter a vehicle, call 715-525-2317.
SAYNER -- The Sayner Street Fair on Sunday, Aug. 4 will offer a full day of fun with children’s activities, crafters from throughout the Midwest, food, beer garden and live music. It’s all happening on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids of all ages will delight getting the green light for Touch-A-Truck. For more information, call 715-204-9336.
PHELPS -- Get an early start on fall colors with a trip to Phelps for its annual Scarecrow Fest on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lots of free family fun, including a scarecrow contest, pumpkin chuckin’ into North Twin Lake, free kid’s games, quilts and fine arts display, hay rides, craft fair, music, food and beverages, homemade wine tasting and a beer tent. Enjoy tasty food
from local restaurants and organizations, taffy apples, and free chili from the Woman’s Club.
LAND O’ LAKES – The all-new Land O’ Lakes Oktoberfest will be Saturday, Sept. 14, from 5-10 p.m. at the Snowflake, 6492 Town Hall Road in Land O’ Lakes. This will be a traditional German beer festival with a mix of modern music via a DJ and live bands, with a dance floor. Scheduled are a stein holding and best dressed contests, food vendors and more. For more information, contact the Land O’ Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Get tickets here: eventbrite.com/e/land-o-lakes-oktoberfest-2024-tickets-920260262217?aff=oddtdtcreator.
ST. GERMAIN -- Watch the calendar for the annual Colorama and Pints in the Park event in St. Germain on Saturday, Sept. 21. It’s all being held in the Community Park, including the craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A selection of beer from local breweries will be available from noon to 4 p.m. There’s also a mums plant sale, pumpkin painting for the kids and a nifty car show. Enjoy live music by the Lady and the Tramp, and Refuse to Rust. Local not-for-profits will have information about their organizations. For more information, call 715-477-2205.
MANITOWISH WATERS -- The Manitowish Waters Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 21 is an outdoor event that will showcase a variety of local vendors, food and drinks. Hours are 1-5 p.m. The Harvest Festival kicks off the fall season and the start of cranberry harvest in the Manitowish Waters area. Call the chamber office at 715-543-8488 for more details and any updates.
BOULDER JUNCTION – Boulder Junction will host its annual Musky Jamboree Friday-Sunday, Aug. 9-11. Friday’s events include the free “Learn to Fish Musky” event, the start of the two-day musky fishing tournament, and the evening street party with live music. Saturday will see the Musky Fun Run, followed by family activities at the Community Center. Sunday’s events include the arts and crafts show, flea market, food and beverage vendors, car show, kid’s casting contest and a kid’s zone. Musical performances will take place throughout the day. The Musky Day Fly-In will be at Payzer Memorial Field. For detailed information about the Musky Jamboree visit boulderjct.org or call the chamber at 715-385-2400.
Mecikalski Stovewood Building is Unique in Nation
PELICAN LAKE – Located in the small crossroads community of Jennings, in the southeastern corner of Oneida County, the Mecikalski Stovewood Building is the only known commercial example using the stovewood building method remaining in the U.S., according to local officials.
Stovewood construction involves placement of short logs laid perpendicular to the wall plane, like an ordinary wood pile, and mortared in place, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. In 1899, Russian immigrant John Mecikalski used cedar logs 18 inches in diameter and set in lime mortar to craft the self-support walls. Its vast size helps make it unique among stovewood structures in the U.S.
Over the decades the building housed a succession of businesses: General store, saloon, farmer’s co-op cheese factory, blacksmith shop and even sleeping quarters for local lumberjacks. All of those uses are reflected in the displays and artifacts housed in the museum portion of the complex.
Because of the unusual method of folk architecture, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s open Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m., from first weekend in June to Labor Day. Or by appointment. The building is located 5 miles east of Pelican Lake at the corner of Hwys. B & Z. Call 715-487-5222 for more information.
Lumberjacks Welcome Visitors to Woodruff
WOODRUFF - Weeks before the official start of summer, Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows begins preparing for the upcoming season. 2024 will mark the 40th year that Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows have been entertaining area visitors on Woodland Lake in downtown Woodruff.
A spin-off of the famous Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows that began in Hayward, the Woodruff show features the same world-class athletes in a performance that is identical in entertaining value to the Hayward venue. Preparing the site for the summer performances involves maintenance to guarantee the safety of performers, as well as guests. The climbing poles that rise 60 to 90 feet into the air are inspected and the pads are secured in place.
“When you are climbing that pole at record speed, the last thing you want on your mind is its stability,” says Cassidy Scheer, world champion pole climber.
The log dogs on which the lumberjacks stand and swing razor sharp axes in the event called the underhand chop are checked for structural safety. The specially turned cedar logs used for the logrolling and boom-run events are pulled out of storage and replaced if necessary.
The gear and equipment used by the lumberjacks are also checked for safety. Steel-toed boots, leather leg chaps, climbing belts and gaffs (the spikes on the side of a climber’s shoes) must be in tip-
No matter how good a log roller is, he or she will end up in the water eventually. It’s a cold swim before those first few shows of the season.
top shape to protect the performers. They inspect and repair the special leather guards that are placed over a portion of saw blades to protect children as they cross-cut saw with the lumberjacks during the kids matinees.
In addition to the lumberjack gear, the show site is prepared for the throng of summer guests who arrive with the warm weather. Bleachers, walkways and the handicap ramp are checked and the landscaping is refreshed.
How about all the logs the lumberjacks saw and chop? Over 20 tons of aspen logs are hauled to the site throughout the summer. Logs need to be uniform in diameter and stripped of bark – the same guidelines adhered to in the Lumberjack World Championships.
The season starts Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day weekend. The Lumberjacks are eager to entertain and display the athleticism they’ve worked hard to keep tuned during the winter months.
With everything checked out, cleaned up, and the staff eager to get another season underway, there is one element of the shows that cannot be controlled. That is the temperature of the water in Woodland Lake or Lake Hayward. Plan your trip to Sheer’s Lumberjack Show! For more information about Sheer’s Lumberjack shows go to sheerslumberjackshow.com.
AUG/SEPT LAKESIDE LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE
August 1st: Scott Kirby
August 2nd: CJo & Trev
August 3rd: Evan Pingel
August 4th: Bret & Frisk
August 8th: TBD
August 9th: Jason Moon
August 10th: Phyl Wickham
Come Join the FUN!
August 18th: Bret & Frisk
August 22nd: Scott Kirby
August 23rd: Kevin Vick
August 24th: One Human Band
August 25th: Santy & Son
August 29th: Scott Kirby
August 30th: TBD
August 11th: Brian McLaughlin
August 15th: Scott Kirby
August 16th: Cjo & Trev
August 17th: TBD
August 31st: TBD
September 1st: Carolyn Jo & Friends
Please check our events page at www.eagleriverpirates.com or Facebook for performance times.
Get Ready for the Tour De Flambeau Bike Race
PARK FALLS – The 2024 Tour de Flambeau Bike Race (previously known as the Flambeau 40) is set for Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 31-Sept. 1 in Park Falls. The starting line will be at the intersection of 5th Ave. S and 4th Street. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on the racers.
Saturday’s full road race is a 35-mile loop consisting of picturesque rolling hills. The junior race will be a 6-mile loop on mostly level roads. Juniors can elect to do the full road race or the junior course. The 35-miler starts at 10 a.m. The junior race begins at 8:30 a.m. Both the road race and junior race will have special
awards going to the top overall male and female finishers.
Sunday’s 12-mile time trial will see the first racers being released at 9 a.m. and then at 1-minute intervals. The majority of the terrain is flat and straight. Special awards will go to the top overall male and female finishers; certificates to the top three finishers in each WISport age class.
They will have water and fruit before the race; lunch available afterwards. For more information about the races, call Park Falls Chamber of Commerce at 715-762-2703 or visit business.parkfalls.com.
Go Back to Nature
PRESQUE ISLE – Two outstanding examples of preserved forest land in the Presque Isle area are open for public use (some restrictions apply).
Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area -- Nature enthusiasts can enjoy a 2,249-acre preserve known as the Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area. The preserve allows only low-impact recreation such as hiking, bird watching and photography. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are recreation options.
Carry-in access for non-motorized boat and canoe use is allowed on the 15 wild lakes and ponds in the preserve. Fishing (catch and release with artificial lures only) is allowed only on three lakes: Lower Aimer, Knife and Bug.
The public may use the preserve only from sunrise to sunset. Fall hunting for grouse and deer is allowed.
From Boulder Junction, go north on Hwy. M for five miles to Hwy. B, turn left on Hwy. B and go about seven miles, turn right on East Bay Road. Travel about a half-mile to find the trailhead located on the east side of East Bay Road. A small parking area accommodates 10-15 cars.
Van Vliet Hemlocks -- This newly developed trail system gives visitors the opportunity to explore what was once abundant in Wisconsin; an old growth hemlock forest. The site’s 400 acres represent a rare remnant of this uniquely historic forest system.
It includes 2 1/2 miles of undisturbed shoreline primarily on Van Vliet and Averill lakes, but also on three smaller lakes mostly within the acreage. In addition, there is old growth yellow birch. Visitors can walk along undisturbed cedar swamps, bog lakes, climb scenic eskers, and take in the richness of the plant and animal life that abounds in this special place. The Wisconsin DNR has added Van Vliet Hemlocks to the state natural area program. The parcel is located at the end of West Van Vliet Road or you can go to the end of East Van Vliet Road. There are logging trails back in this undeveloped tract in the portion off East Van Vliet Road.
Northwest Region
CALENDAR
Aug. 1-2 Superior – Head of the Lakes Fair
Aug. 1-3 Hayward – Lumberjack World Championships
Aug. 1-4 Port Wing – Plein Air Painting Festival
Aug. 2-3 Spooner – Jack Pine Savage Days
Aug. 2-3 Chetek – Crazy Days
Aug. 3 Bayfield – Point to La Pointe Open Water Swim
Aug. 3 Cable – Chequamegon 100
Aug. 8 Cornucopia – Corny Days
Aug. 8-11 Iron River – Bayfield Co. Fair
Aug. 9 Chetek – Wine Walk
Aug. 9-11 Hayward-Cable Areas -- Art Crawl
Aug. 9-11 Webster – Gandy Dancer Days
Aug. 10 Winter -- Ojibwa Canoe & Kayak Race
Aug. 10 Luck -- Fireman’s Corn Feed
Aug. 10 Cameron – Past Reflection Car Show
Aug. 10-11 Chetek – Water Mania/Power Boat Races
Aug. 10-11 Lewis – Charles E. Lewis Days
Aug. 10-11 Radisson -- Harvest Fest
Aug. 11 Turtle Lake – Cars and Crafts in the Park
Aug. 15-18 Hayward – Sawyer Co. Fair
Aug. 15-18 Marengo – Ashland Co. Fair
Aug. 17 Seeley – Lions Pre-Fat Bike Race
Aug. 17 Brule – Brule Family Fun Day
Aug. 17 Cushing – Cushing Fun Days
Aug. 17 Barnes – Car Show & Chicken BBQ
Aug. 17 Hayward – Northwoods Music and Art Festival
Aug. 17-18 Cameron -- Vintage Baseball
Aug. 17-18 Clayton – Moon Lake Threshing Bee
Aug. 24 Webster – Augtoberfest
Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Shell Lake – Town & Country Days
Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Exeland – Trout Festival
Aug. 31 Iron River – Emergency Pig Out
Aug. 31 Balsam Lake – Corn-on-the-Curb Days
Sept. 5-7 Hayward – Lake Chippewa Flowage Musky Hunt
Sept. 6-8 Osceola – Community Fair & Parade
Sept. 6-8 Cameron -- Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 7 Ashland – Mural Fest & Classic Car Show
Sept. 7 Osceola – Wheels & Wings Show
Sept. 7-8 Bayfield – Festival of Arts
Sept. 7 Cornucopia – Art Crawl
Sept. 12-15 Amery – Amery Fall Festival
Sept. 13-14 Amery – Apple River Quilt Guild Show
Sept. 14 Hayward – Lions Oktoberfest
Sept. 14 Chetek – Harvest Fest
Sept. 14 Cable/Hayward -- Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival
September begins our count-down to Colorama time in northwest Wisconsin. You will have to bide your time to see nature’s spectacular array of tree color, which traditionally arrives in late September and early October. But don’t fret, as there are festivals to attend in the meantime, including those below:
ASHLAND -- The Ashland Chamber of Commerce will welcome visitors to the annual MuralFest, Car Show & Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 7. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along the Courthouse block on Historic Main Street. They will be celebrating with sidewalk sales, music, dozens of vintage vehicles, a cornhole tournament and various crafters and food vendors. Ashland is known as the “Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin,” reflecting the 21+ vibrant murals on its downtown buildings.
MELLEN – Then on Saturday, Sept. 21, it’s the Copper Falls State Park’s turn to celebrate with its annual Fall Festival & Art in the Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They plan to have a brat fry and pumpkin painting. Events are co-sponsored by the Friends of Copper Falls State Park and the Wisconsin DNR. All programs will be held rain or shine and are open to the public. For more information, call 715-274-5123.
HAYWARD – The upcoming Hayward Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 21 is an annual tradition that celebrates the changing of the seasons with fine art & craft booths, sidewalk sales, food vendors, a brat and brew tent, kids activities, and live music in downtown Hayward. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scheduled also are farmers market, scarecrow contest, Apple Alley activities, and mini pumpkin decorating. For more information, visit haywardareachamber.com or call 715-634-8662.
CABLE -- The 22nd annual Cable Area Fall Fest will be a two-day affair, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 & 28. For this event, they close the downtown streets to traffic so that visitors can browse the booths at their leisure. Cornstalks, hay bales, and pumpkins will line the roads throughout the Cable community. On Saturday enjoy the live music, a car/motorcycle/ truck show, arts & crafts vendors, and food vendors. There will be seasonal produce at the farmer’s market. For more information and updates, go to cable4fun.com.
photo by Dean Acheson
Big Chip to Host Musky Hunt
released alive will net that angler a $2,000 gift certificate. Find details at chippewaflowage.com.
HAYWARD – The Lake Chippewa Flowage – fondly known as “The Big Chip” – is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s been preserved in its pristine wilderness state for future generations to enjoy. Several fishing tournaments are held on the Big Chip each year, including for musky.
The Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association has announced its 2024 Musky Hunt will be Sept. 4-7. It’s the 25th anniversary of this catch-and-release tournament. Lots of door prizes, raffles and a $5,000 cash grand prize drawing are on tap. The largest fish
Lake Chippewa Flowage is Wisconsin’s third largest lake (and largest wilderness lake) with over 17,000 acres of water. Chippewa Flowage fishing is some of the finest in the Midwest. It is home to the world-record muskellunge: a 69-pound, 11-ounce monster taken by Louis Spray in 1949. Walleye, black crappie, musky and bluegill are the most popular species among Flowage anglers today. Other species drawing anglers’ interest are yellow perch, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and northern pike.
With its massive size, over 200 miles of undeveloped shoreline and 140 islands, a lake map is highly suggested for navigation. A map of the flowage showing all resort locations, associate memberships, fish cribs, camping islands and original lakebeds is also available. Go to chippewaflowage.com for more information. You might also consider hiring a professional fishing guide who can put you on fish in short order.
If you’re a golfer, don’t forget your clubs. There are 10 golf courses within a half-hour drive of the flowage’s many resorts. And your checkbook and credit cards – lots of prime shopping is available ranging from unique shops of the Northwoods to name-brand retailers. Various attractions and museums will keep other family members busy and happy throughout their stay, too.
www.madferry.com
Mt. Ashwabay Welcomes Music Lovers, Hikers and Mountain Bikers
BAYFIELD – Mt. Ashwabay located just a few miles south of Bayfield is well-known by skiers in the winter and music lovers who enjoy the performances at Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua each summer and early fall. But mountain bikers and hikers also sing the praises of the mountain’s exceptional trail system.
Big Top Chautauqua (sha-ta-qwa) is a non-profit performing arts organization with a rich history. They operate an intimate 900-seat tent theater, producing and presenting a season of 50 plus concerts, comedy and variety shows, plays, lectures and a highly acclaimed professional local troupe, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, which performs original multi-media musicals in the tent and on tour.
The schedule includes performances by renowned national, regional and touring musicians and runs from June through September.
On warm summer nights the tent sidewalls are lifted and people may sit outside and even up on the hillside. The sound is superb and on clear nights you can see the Milky Way and sometimes the Northern Lights. Starting two hours before show time, delicious (and many locally sourced) food and beverages are for sale on-site at the “Ashwabay Grill” and the “T-Bar.”
The Big Top is located at the base of Mt. Ashwabay. The address is 32525 Ski Hill Rd., Bayfield. For more information and schedule call 888-244-8368 or visit bigtop.org.
For mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts, Mt. Ashwabay trail system weaves through a beautiful forest with scenic views from the top (Mt. Ashwabay is a popular downhill ski destination also.)
Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) said this of the trail: “Ashwabay terrain is nothing like our other trail clusters and the trails are in a class of their own as well -- elevation with views of Lake Superior and twisty character make this a must-see cluster.”
The main mountain bike trailhead is on the south side of the road before the main gate, directly across from Sugarbush Road. The secondary trailhead is located off Whiting Road, near the powerline with access to the Hot Saw Trail.
Biking is permitted only on trails designated with a blue CAMBA singletrack trail marker. State law prohibits biking in the Nourse Sugarbush State Natural Area, adjacent to the Mt. Ashwabay property.
Hiking trails surround the main building at the top of Ski Hill Road. There is a mixture of county forest, State Natural Area and state forest. These trails include a mixture of the CAMBA mountain bike trails, Mt. Ashwabay Nordic ski trails and Mt. Ashwabay fat bike trails.
photo by Dean Acheson
Logging Lore Comes Alive at Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows
HAYWARD - Logging has been a vital part of Wisconsin’s history dating back into the late 1800s, and the life of the lumberjack remains a vivid element of Wisconsin folklore.
Before the days of rail roads and highways, loggers would often float their harvested logs down the rivers to the nearest sawmills. Lumberjacks would often have to go out on the floating mass of logs to clear jams that often occurred when floating wood down streams. Little did they know that their dangerous occupation would later become a demanding athletic pursuit.
Many of the Scheer kids’ family spent numerous summers balancing and rolling on the logs on Lake Hayward in the bay of Lumberjack Bowl…the home of the Lumberjack World Championships Competition. Their summer fun trained them to become fierce competitors in the logrolling event (birling) of the Lumberjack World Championships (LWC) held in Hayward every July. Eventually they expanded their activities and became skillful at the boom run and pole climbing, as well as other events that were part of the LWC.
In 1981, Fred and Robert Scheer established the original Scheer’s Lumberjack Show and used their lumberjack skills to entertain area tourists. More than a demonstration, the show features a competition between two lumberjack teams as they do 10 different events, including log rolling, pole climbing and crosscut saw. Cheering the teams on gets the crowd involved in the show and down-home humor has everybody chuckling.
The original venue for the show in 1981 was a small dock on the shore of Lake Hayward, behind what was then Windmill Square. The show’s lumberjacks delighted small crowds and it soon became apparent the production needed more space. In 1985 the Scheer brothers opened a second Show in Woodruff, WI and in 1988 they moved their Hayward Show to Lumberjack Village. The Hayward Show is now in its 44th year of operation
Fred is now the sole owner of Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows and the Lumberjack Village. Training young athletes to be lumberjacks is still a fulfilling role for Fred. Through the years many lumberjacks have come, performed and moved on to other careers. Numerous world champion logrollers, pole climbers and boom-runners had their start as apprentices in Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Show and the cast has always included world champion lumberjacks. A world champion log roller himself, Fred occasionally delights audiences by personally participating in a show.
“If you’re doing what you love, then nothing else matters....until you fall into either of the lakes during the pre-season. Then being good at water sports matters,” jokes Deven Blair, show manager.
For all the years Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows has been in Hayward and Woodruff, it continues to draw crowds. One might say that a visit to northern Wisconsin isn’t complete without seeing a Scheer’s Lumberjack Show.
Polk County’s ATV/UTV Trails
COUNTYWIDE – ATV/UTV enthusiasts can find 31 miles of ATV/UTV trails in Polk County that will provide hours of riding enjoyment through scenic routes. Some cities, such as Amery, allows ATV travel on city streets, with certain exceptions. Trails are also multi-use, welcoming bikers, hikers and horseback riding. For more information about the trails, call the Polk County Parks Department at 715-485-9278 or visit polkcountytourism.com.
OFF-ROAD OFF-ROAD RENTALS
The popular Cattail State Trail runs from Amery to Almena for a total of 18 miles of which 12 miles are in Polk County. The Amery trailhead is at the intersection of Center St. E and Riverside Blvd., where restrooms and picnic areas can be found. A changing landscape and various wildlife habitats surround the gravel trail, which passes through the Village of Turtle Lake. The multi-use trail is open to off-road motorcycles spring/summer/ fall.
The southern segment of the Gandy Dancer Trail begins at the Polk County Information Center in Saint Croix Falls and travels for 28 miles through the communities of Centuria, Milltown, Luck, Frederic, Siren and Webster, ending in the town of Danbury in Burnett County. Side trails are not open to ATV/UTV use.
The Clear Lake-Clayton Trail, another multi-use trail, is also open year-round. It follows 11 miles of railroad trail. There is an ATV/UTV trail through the Village of Clear Lake. Off-road motorcycles are allowed spring/summer/fall. Off-road motorcycles not licensed for highway use cannot use that village trail.
The Sawmill County Trail runs 14 miles between Clear Lake and Clayton. There is no designated trail access location in Polk County. It’s open year-round for ATV/UTV use. Off-road motorcycles are allowed spring/summer/fall.
Sterling/Jack Pine Loop ATV Trail & Campground is located 7 miles west of Cushing at the trailhead.
The ATV trails consist of two gravel closed loop trails open yearround. The Sterling Loop ATV Trail is 5.2 miles and the Jack Pine Loop ATV Trail that links into the Sterling Loop Trail is 13.7 miles. Both trails start at the trailhead located on Evergreen Avenue. From Saint Croix Falls go 15 miles north on US-87, take a left onto Evergreen Avenue for 9 miles. Off road motorcycles are not permitted.
The campground includes picnic areas and four primitive camping sites. Each site includes enough room to park a camping unit and hauling trailer. The sites are available on a first come, first serve basis through Oct. 31.
Looking for a River Race?
WINTER – Across the Northwoods landscape there are any number of running and biking events, but relatively few canoe and kayak races. One of them is upcoming, however. For paddlers out there seeking a river race, check out the annual Ojibwa Canoe & Kayak race on Saturday, Aug. 10.
Sponsored by the Ojibwa Community Club, the races follow a 5-mile course on the Chippewa River from the Wannigan Resort to the Ojibwa bridge on Cty. Rd. G.
As noted, the Wannigan Resort is the race headquarters with registration there beginning at 10 a.m. and the races underway at 11 a.m. sharp. There are multiple race classes and an open kayak class. Race rules state only standard hulls allowed; no race hulls. Then from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. enjoy food and refreshments, games for kids of all ages, and raffles at the Baird Community Park. For more information contact the Wannigan at 715-266-5141.
U.P. RegionMichigan
CALENDAR
Aug. 2-4 Pelkie -- Baraga County Fair
Aug. 2-24 Ironwood -- Emberlight Art in the Miner’s Park
Aug. 3 Iron Mountain -- Tour de Dickinson Bike Ride
Aug. 3-4 Ironwood Area -- Range Art Studio Tour
Aug. 8-11 Iron River -- Iron County Fair
Aug. 8-11 Ironwood -- Gogebic County Fair
Aug. 9-11 Watersmeet -- Lac Vieux Desert Traditional Pow Wow
Aug. 10 Iron Mountain -- Italian Fest
Aug. 11 Lake Gogebic -- Firemen’s Picnic
Aug. 17 Bessemer -- Marty’s Goldenaires Town Picnic
Aug. 18 Rockland -- Old Victoria Craft Fair
Aug. 18 Ironwood -- Emberlight Arts International Film Festival
Aug. 23-24 Crystal Falls -- Humongous Fungus Festival
Aug. 22-24 Ironwood -- Range Art Show
Aug. 23-24 Silver City -- Porcupine Mountain Music Festival
Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Wakefield -- Sand Volleyball Tournament
Aug. 30-Sept. 2 Bergland – Labor Day Celebration
Aug. 30-Sept. 2 Ontonagon -- Labor Day Celebration
Sept. 6-7 Marenisco -- Lake Gogebic Fall Walleye Tournament
Sept. 28 Beechwood -- Apple Festival & Craft Market
Sept. 28 Iron River -- Harvest & Haunt
ATV Wilderness Adventure Awaits Riders
SKANEE – Time is running out if you want to experience Baraga County like few other ATV/UTV riders have. The fifth annual Baraga County ATV Wilderness Adventure is accepting applications until the maximum 75 machines is reached. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28.
The guided ATV/UTV tour will take participants on trails not usually available to the general public. As they travel the back country of Baraga County, riders will be treated to Arvon Township
waterfalls, Mount Arvon -- the state’s highest natural point, and the historic Rock Cut.
The route will be on two tracks, railroad grades and unimproved trails. There will be three groups, with a maximum of 25 machines per group. One group will be for less experienced drivers or those wanting a slower-paced ride.
Ample parking will be accessible. Portable toilets will be provided at the parking lot and halfway location. Lunch will be available to purchase at the halfway location. Contact the Baraga County Chamber at 906-353-8808 or baragacountychamber@gmail for more information, including entry fees and departure times. The chamber office also has lodging information.
On the Hunt for the Humongous Fungus Festival
CRYSTAL FALLS – Join the people of Crystal Falls as they celebrate their very own Humongous Fungus, a Armillaria gallica fungus colony that stretches across 37 subterranean acres, weighs in at 21,000 pounds, and is around 1,500 years old.
The community’s 2024 Humongous Fungus Festival, sponsored by the Crystal Falls Business Association, will offer “morel” of fun, food and entertainment on Saturday, Aug. 24. Actually, the celebration starts the prior day with the start of the two-day city-wide rummage sale. But Saturday is when all-things mushroom takes center stage.
The town party begins with a 10 a.m. parade down Superior Avenue. Two guided mushroom forage tours will be offered. The soap box derby at 11 a.m. will welcome future Indy 500 drivers. The Vendor Village will be set up on 4th Street and also behind the Crystal Theatre and Harbour House. Visitors are encouraged to create sidewalk artwork using free chalk on Superior Avenue.
Chow down on the mushroom pizza slices at Crystal Steel House and the mushroom burgers and hot dogs at Harbour House. The latter is where the mushroom cook-off contest will be held at 1 p.m.
Wrapping up the full day of activities, the Crystal Theater will host “That 70s Music 24” at 7 p.m. For updates on other activities, go to crystalfalls.mi.com.
2024 Gogebic County Fair Will Be at a New Location
IRONWOOD – The Gogebic County Fair will return in 2024, despite a devastating fire the prior year that destroyed the grandstand and a couple of buildings. The fair will be located at a new venue this year, with many of the previous offerings.
The Gogebic County Fair dates are Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 8-11 and will be held at the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center, E4972 Jackson Rd., Ironwood. The Civic Center is located on the campus of Gogebic Community College and Mt. Zion Ski Hill in Ironwood. Admission to the fairgrounds this year is free, with donations gratefully accepted.
There will be a full carnival with wristbands for the rides at $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. The carnival will run all four days, with Thursday’s opening hours from 4-10 p.m. Inside the expo building will be exhibits featuring fruits, vegetables, arts, crafts, models, sewing, knitting, etc. With the exception of horses, there will be various animals on exhibit.
booths, vendor booths, chicken bingo, a youth challenge, tractor pedal pull, chili eating contest, and more. For updates, go to gogebiccountyfair.com.
Among the many events planned will be live music, wood carving demonstrations, a pie auction, market auction, food and beer
A Favorite Fall Festival Returns to Bessemer
BESSEMER – The Bessemer Pumpkinfest each year celebrates the beginning of fall. Mark your calendar for this pumpkin-themed extended weekend going from Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27-29.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Northwood colors, visit craft fairs, take in a classic car show, the antique tractor pull, and the live entertainment. Most events are free and will be situated along Main Street. The carnival will be humming with favorite rides such as the Ferris Wheel and merry-go-rounds.
Pumpkin Fest offers an abundance of traditional fall food favorites like caramel apples and hot cider to savory delights such as pumpkin-spiced treats and hearty soups.
The lineup of live music includes, Friday -- Flashback, 7-9 p.m. and Saturday -- James Peace and Family, 6-8 p.m. and Superior Horns, 8-10 p.m.
The various vendors will showcase a wide range of crafts and products. Whether you’re looking for handmade jewelry, home decor, or one-of-a-kind gifts, you’re sure to find something special to take home. One of the highlights of Pumpkin Fest is the costume parade. From adorable little superheroes to majestic mythical creatures, the streets of Bessemer will come alive with a vibrant display of costumes and characters.
The tractor pull features powerful machines competing in various categories, showcasing each machine’s strength and the driver’s skill.
Throughout the weekend, Pumpkin Fest will feature live music performances from talented local artists. Groove to the rhythm of fall-themed melodies and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you explore the festival grounds. From folk to rock, there’s something for every musical taste.
August 2-24 – Ironwood: Emberlight Festival Art in the Miners Park
August 9-11 – Watersmeet: 41st Annual Traditional Pow Wow
August 17 - Michigan ATV/ORV Free Riding Weekend
August 30-Sept. 2 – Ontonagon: Labor Day Weekend Celebration
September 6-7 – Bergland: Lake Gogebic Fall Walleye Tournament
September 7 – Bessemer: Copper Peak Mountain Biking Trails Fest September 27-29 – Bessemer: Pumpkin Fest
Photo: Justin So a
photo by John Rudberg
photo by Amber Hollenbeck
Outdoor Action Awaits Bikers, Anglers
BESSEMER -- Calling all outdoor enthusiasts. A pair of Bessemer and Bergland events in the coming weeks will surely get your adrenaline flowing.
For mountain bikers and trail runners, the annual Copper Peak Trails Fest on Saturday, Sept. 7 will take place on the beautiful trails at Copper Peak, North America’s largest ski jump, near Bessemer.
The course navigates down to the Black River then climbs nearly 500 vertical feet to the historic Copper Peak ski flying jump. The downhills are fast and flowy with jumps, rollers, berms, rock gardens and bridges. Also scheduled are a sport bike race (7 miles), an expert bike race (17 miles), a kid’s bike race and a trail run (5 miles), followed by a 2-stage beginner and 4-stage sport enduro race.
LVD Traditional Powwow Welcomes Visitors
WATERSMEET -- The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians will be hosting their 41st annual Traditional Powwow on Friday, Aug. 9 through Sunday, Aug. 11. The powwow gathering will be held at Getegitigaaning (Old Planting Grounds).
The event will host many tribes from lower Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Canada. Dancers wear traditional regalia and handmade jewelry. Military veterans participate in the Grand Entry each day. They carry their service flags and wear tribal attire.
The organizers say they will have live music, food trucks and other entertainment during the day. For more information and updates, visit sisudirtcrew.org.
BERGLAND -- Over in Bergland, the 46th annual Lake Gogebic Fall Fishing Tournament will take place Sept. 6 & 7. The action will be on the famed Lake Gogebic, according to the event sponsor, the Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce. At over 13,000 surface acres, it’s the largest inland lake in the UP.
A full range of cash prizes await successful anglers, with the top one being $2,000 for the largest walleye. But don’t despair if old marble eyes doesn’t bite, there are also prizes for largest bass, perch and northern pike. Officials said all fish must be registered and released alive.
For more information and to register, contact the chamber of commerce at 1-888-GOGEBIC or info@lakegogebicarea.com or visit lakegogebicarea.com.
The traditional feast is 4 p.m. Saturday when participants will share in a meal of fish, venison, wild rice and berries. Vendors will also be selling traditional foods, jewelry, hides, ribbon skirts and shirts, moccasins, beads, blankets, jackets, sweaters, etc.
The Ojibwe Language is spoken in prayers with the four directions, North (Giiwedin), South (Zhaawanong), East (Waabanong), West (Ningaabii’an) the four medicines, tobacco (asemaa), sage (Bashkodejiibik), cedar (Giizhik) and sweet grass (Wiingashk).
. Grand Entry is 6 p.m. Friday; noon and 6 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. Spectator admission and rough camping are both free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to observe the ceremonies. Getegitigaaning is at the end of County Rd. 210, north shore of Lake Lac Vieux Desert Lake, and south of Watersmeet.
Iron Mountain’s Oktoberfest Celebrates Ten Years of Food, Fun and Entertainment
The Brevet, and Miko Marks are Announced Headliners of 2024 Porcupine Mtn. Music Festival
ONTONAGON – The much-anticipated Porcupine Mountains Music Festival returns to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23 & 24. Attendees will be treated to a diverse selection of musical styles: Americana, blues, country, bluegrass, rock, folk and more, performed by musicians from throughout the U.S.A. and even from abroad.
The festival organizers, Friends of the Porkies, announce that this year’s main stage lineup includes Friday’s headliner, The Brevet, and Saturday’s headliner, Miko Marks, as well as Chris Pierce, Ruen Brothers, The Arcadian Wild, Bywater Call, John Németh, Colby T. Helms & the Virginia Creepers, Joy Clark, Roosevelt Diggs, The Stillhouse Junkies and Joyann Parker.
The indoor chalet stage will feature the B-Side Growlers and an indigenous song and dance workshop by Migiziikwe Eagle Spirit Dancer. There will be 10 additional chalet stage performers.
The all-acoustic “Busking Barn” stage will host its first songwriter’s workshop featuring Joy Clark, and approximately 30 additional performers, including with daily jam sessions for anyone to join in the fun. The colorful “Kid’s Tent” is always bustling with crafts and activities for the young audience members.
A Michigan Recreation Passport is required to enter the state park, including the festival. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concessions are located inside the ski chalet, which will be open throughout the event. For more information about the festival, including ticket ordering, visit porkiesfestival.org.
IRON MOUNTAIN – Enjoy a traditional Oktoberfest celebration in downtown Iron Mountain on Saturday, Sept. 28 from noon to 10 p.m. There is an admission fee with children 12 years and younger admitted free.
With two food trucks serving mouthwatering fare and Oktoberfest brews, there’s no better way to raise a stein and celebrate a decade of Oktoberfest fun. The children’s area is where the kiddos can enjoy the bounce houses and outdoor games from noon to 5 p.m.
From competitive stein holding and Hammerschlagen (participants compete against each other to drive nails into a wooden beam) to outdoor yard games and lively music, the 10th annual festival will bring together locals and visitors alike for a day filled with fun, food and entertainment.
Kickstarting the festivities, The Daydreamers will bring their lively party tunes to the stage. Then, Backstage Pass will deliver an energetic performance that will have you singing along to your favorite hits. As the sun sets, prepare to rock out with Sixx Gunns Loaded. Prost to 10 years of laughter, camaraderie, and cheers!
