U.P. MICHIGAN REGION

Calendar

Dec. 10 Crystal Falls – Crystal Christmas Celebration, Parade Dec. 10 L’Anse – Light Up Baraga Co. Parade Dec. 10-11 Ironwood – “Fire on the Hill” Snocross Races Dec. 17-18 Ironwood – Christmas Around the World Show Jan. 6-7 Ironwood – SISU Ski Fest

Baraga County piles on the snow fun

Discover all that Baraga County has to offer winter enthusiasts when you visit this 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. Snowmobiling and skiing benefit from the lake effect snowfall in the region.

There are 145 miles of groomed snowmobile trails taking you to all points in Baraga County, including Mt. Arvon – the highest natural point in Michigan! Information concerning snow conditions in Baraga County can be found in the snow and trail report, listed on the Baraga County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website: baragacounty.org. There are nearly 450 miles of snowmobile trails across the entirety of the Ottawa National Forest (ONF) for snowmobile enthusiasts. For more information on snowmobiling opportunities on the ONF, visit: fs.usda.gov/.../ recreation/wintersports. try 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 that 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. Another local favorite is the peaceful Pinery Lake Cross-Country Ski Trails east of L’Anse. Each February brings a lantern lit snowshoe outing on the L’Anse Township Trails. Check the Convention and Visitor Bureau’s website 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. U.P. Michigan Region

SISU Ski Fest celebrates the Finnish art of inner strength

IRONWOOD – Sponsors of the 14th annual SISU Ski Fest in Ironwood on Friday & Saturday, Jan. 6 & 7 are gearing up for another banner year of cross-country ski races, including related fun activities.

The race title takes its name from the word Sisu, a Finnish cultural concept encompassing strength and determination in the face of adversity. Like when the legs want to surrender 500 yards from the finish line, but you push on to win!

Racing centers around the signature SISU 30K ski race on Saturday, along with the Heikki Lunta 15K ski race and the Hauska Hiihto 5K Fun Ski for those who want to participate without racing. The SISU 30K race course begins at the ABR Trails in Erwin Township and ends in downtown Ironwood. Racers can expect well-groomed trails that pass through forested landscapes, ups and downs among rocky outcrops, gentle sections along the Montreal River and a former railroad grade, and a few twists and turns through the Miners Memorial Heritage Park before the final K to the “Finnish” line in Downtown City Square.

Spectators should check the map on the SISU website for places along the route with easy access and parking to view racers, in addition at the finish line. The website will also have updates on the races and activities, including Friday’s Depot Dash, snowshoe book walk for kids and the SISU Expo on both Friday and Saturday.

After Saturday’s races, skiers will return to the Ironwood Memorial Building for pasties and awards. Everyone is invited to join the SISU party featuring live music and cash bar at the Historic Ironwood Theatre from 6-9 p.m. Admission is free.

Midwest Snocross Series brings ‘Fire on the Hill’ to Ironwood

IRONWOOD – The Midwest Snocross Series opens its 2022-23 season with two days of “Fire on the Hill” snocross racing at Mt. Zion on the campus of Gogebic Community College in Ironwood.

Set for Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 10 & 11, the Round 1 & 2 opener will have multiple classes for different age groups. Pro racers will be competing for prize money, season points and trophies. Racing gets underway at 10 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m. both days. There are daily and weekend passes, with children 12 and under getting in free.

On-site concessions will be available. For updates and more information on registering to race, go to midwestsnocross.com.

Th e U.P. of Michigan is fi lled with adventures waiting for you!

Area Events!

12/2-12/4 Ontonagon: Hometown Christmas Festival 12/2-12/3 Ironwood: Noel Holiday Crafts Market 12/3 Ironwood: Jack Frost Festival of Lights Parade 12/3-12/4 Ironwood: PeeWee Level B Hockey Tournament 12/9-12/11 Ironwood: Mt. Zion Snowcross Races 1/6-1/8 Ironwood: SISU Ski Fest

Ironwood Chamber of Commerce

Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce

150 N Lowell St. Ironwood, Michigan 49938 1-906-932-1122 chamber@ironwoodchamber.org

ironwoodchamber.org

facebook.com/IronwoodChamber/ PO Box 114 Bergland, Michigan 49910 1-888-464-3242 info@lakegogebicarea.com

lakegogebicarea.com

facebook.com/lakegogebicarea

Wakefi 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