Winter Fun and Dining Guide 2015 by Daily Globe

2015-16 Travel Guide for The Northwoods

Good health. Great adventure.

Aspirus Grand View is here to help you enjoy every last slope, slide and festive sleigh ride. For help finding the closest Aspirus Clinic or Hospital near you, call

800.847.4707 or visit aspirus.org

Aspirus Grand View Hospital Emergency Room 24/7 N10561 Grand View Lane Ironwood, MI 906.932.2525

Aspirus Grand View Walk-In Clinic N10565 Grand View Lane Ironwood, MI 906.932.2525

Page 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Winter Fun & Dining Guide

Aspirus Grand View Hurley Clinic 501 Granite Street Hurley, WI 715.561.2255

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Presque Isle

Yacht Club

Open at 11:00 am ~ 7 Days A Week Snowmobile Season at 10:00 am

Chili • Burgers • Pizzas & more

Winter Hours: 6am-6pm Mon.-Sat.; 7am-5pm Sunday CHECK OUT OUR NEW BEER CAVE!

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~ NEWLY REMODELED ~

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HAPPY HOUR MON.-FRI. 11AM-6PM $4.50 16 OZ. BLOODYS W/7 OZ. BEER SAT.-SUN. 11-5 SPORTS ON 5 TVS • VIDEO GAMES • POOL • JUKE BOX MEATLOAF MONDAY “WING DINGS” TUESDAY WACKY WEDNESDAY - 1/2 PRICE PIZZA FISH/SMELT FRY FRIDAY COD A.U.C.E. MEXICAN SUNDAY

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11583 COUNTY HWY. B • 715-686-2522

YOUR HOSTS: Linda Harrison & Jack Harrison Winter Fun & Dining Guide – Page 3

Index of

advertisers

2nd Street Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 906Boom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7 A&A Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 17 Abelman Clothing & Footwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 America’s Best Value Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 Antonio’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 48 Arbor Vitae Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 11 Around The Corner Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13 Aspirus Grand View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2 Bad River Lodge & Casino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 Barber Road Stables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 33 Ben Franklin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31 Bessemer Chamber-Trading Post . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7 Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 Big Snow Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19 Big Valley Ford Chrysler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 17 Borseth Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 17 Branding Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 46 Burgers Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 45 C & M Oil/U.S. 2 Service Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 Christ Lutheran Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 43 Citizen State Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 Cloverland Motor Sports Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19 Creative Spirits Rubberstamping & More . . . . . . . page 33 Days Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 11 Gateway Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 Giovanoni’s True Value Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 33 Gogebic Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21 Gogebic-Iron Airport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 Gooch’s A-One Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 47 Great Northern Motel/Wolf’s Den Restaurant . . . . page 13 H.O.P.E. Animal Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 33 Haven North Condos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 Headwaters Polaris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 34 Hitt’s Fine Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 Hobby Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 33 Hoop N’ Holler Tavern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 48 Hurley Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 11 Iron County Community Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . page 27 Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15 JW’s BBQ & Brew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 48 Karsyn’s Korner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 Konteka Black Bear Resort and Dining . . . . . . . . . page 36 Koski Collision and Custom Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . page 48 Lake Gogebic Motel & Sled Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 48 Lake Gogebic Outpost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 48

Lake of the Torches Resort Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31 Lake Tomahawk Meat Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27 Land O’ Lakes Recreation Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 Last Wilderness Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 Legendary Waters Resort and Casino . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 Liberty Bell Chalet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 44 Link Family Smokehouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 45 Logger’s Alley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 17 Lonesome Pine Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 17 Lutey’s Flower Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 Maplewood Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 Ma’s Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 44 Michigan State Police Post 86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 33 Mike’s Family Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 46 Northwoods Accents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13 Olde Suffolk Ale House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 46 Olkie’s Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 33 Ontonagon Consignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . page 41 P.I. Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 Plunkett’s Pest Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7 Porcupine Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 36 Presque Isle Yacht Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 Quality Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 ReMax Action North Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 35 Retreat Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 Rigoni’s Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31 RJ Hoeft Construction Co. Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15 Sharon’s Coffee Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 11 Silver Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31 Skyview Lodge & Supper Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 47 Smokey’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 46 SS Sport Store Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13 St. Mary of the Seven Dolars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 41 Steigers Ace Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7 Stormy Kromer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27 Sylvania Outfitters Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 35 Tacconelli’s To Go Pizza & Deli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 46 The Porkies Ski Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21 The Real Estate Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 The Timber’s Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 48 Timberline Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 48 Timbers Food & Spirits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 46 Twilly’s Sports Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 17 Wesley United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 41 Your Place Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 Z Place Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25

Winter Fun • yourdailyglobe.com

cover photo

Winter Fun and Dining Guide 2015-16 is published annually by the Daily Globe Inc.

Writing and Photography Ralph Ansami, Kelsey Hansen, Larry Holcombe, Richard Jenkins, Jason Juno, Justin Libertoski, Tom Stankard and Jan Tucker

For more information about this guide or other products from the Daily Globe, call 906-932-2211 or email: ° Sue Mizell, Publisher, smizell@yourdailyglobe.com ° Larry Holcombe, Managing Editor, lholcombe@yourdailyglobe.com ° Heidi Ofstad, Advertising Manager, hofstad@yourdailyglobe.com

Page 4 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

The Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus will take place Jan. 2-3 at the Gogebic County Fairgrounds

welcome to winter wonderland

he Gogebic Range is full of natural beauty all year round, but its deep snow winters remain the most popular time of the year for visitors. Snowmobilers, downhill skiers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers find a myriad of winter playland opportunities. More than 400 miles of constantly groomed snowmobile trails, an array of alpine ski resorts, many kilometers of groomed Nordic ski trails and an abundance of wilderness to snowshoe through await outdoor enthusiasts. A long weekend of fun in the snow won’t be enough for any family —

plan a week on the Gogebic-Iron Range and visit the many shops and restaurants that dot the main streets of Ironwood, Hurley, Bessemer, Wakefield and surrounding towns. Take in a rare treat at one of Ironwood’s live theaters — many shows are performed by local talent. Discover the area’s rich history and how it turned from rugged wilderness where immigrant miners and loggers carved out a life in bustling communities in the 1880s, to the quaint small-town America it has become by touring one or all of the local history museums. The Iron County Historical Society’s Museum is open year-round in Hurley and downtown Ironwood features a museum in Depot Park.

Skiers can try one hill after another or choose the one that suits them best, including the college-run Mt. Zion on the campus of Gogebic Community College, Big Powderhorn Mountain, Indianhead, Blackjack, Whitecap or the Porcupine Mountains. Bundle up and go inside to the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center, also on the college campus. The civic center has open ice-skating hours throughout the winter. A snack bar is available. While on the GCC campus, try snow tubing down Mt. Zion. There are lodging options for any budget or taste and eateries found nowhere else. Seeing and experiencing the Gogebic Range covered with snow is proof that family vacations don’t require beaches and warm temperatures. Rather than hibernating through winter, embrace and enjoy the season and its snow at any number of events or venues across the Gogebic Range.

Winter Fun & Dining Guide – Page 5

family fun

Big Powderhorn Mountain

Dec. 12 tentative opener has been set for the 51st year of Big Powderhorn Mountain near Bessemer. With an annual snowfall averaging 214 inches, there’s always plenty of fluff for skiers and snowboarders on the slopes near the county seat in Gogebic County. The operators of the hill shoot for a 100-day ski season that could run longer if snow arrives early and stays late. Powderhorn opened for the 1963’64 winter season, and the main lodge was lost in in a fire in January of 2011. Since then, Big Powderhorn invested around $3 million in a modern, energy-efficient and skier-friendly lodge that is located near the Caribou Lodge, called Gun Barrel Lodge. This new main lodge is located right next to three ski lifts, with the beginners’ area right at the base of the lodge. Inside, the lodge features heated concrete floors and three fireplaces. The main draw to the resort is the 253 skiable acres with 33 trails and three terrain parks. It has an uphill capacity of 10,800 skiers per hour, and the longest run a full mile.

Page 6 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

To access the runs, there are nine double chairlifts and a beginner handle tow. The tubing park also has a handle tow, and there’s a lighted outdoor ice rink. Big Powderhorn offers night skiing during the holidays and most Saturdays. On New Year’s Eve, there’s a torchlight parade and fireworks over the mountain. The resort operators make snow over 93 percent of the terrain. It boasts a grooming department that takes pride in the snow conditions every night for the next day’s of skiing.

Lodging and skiing take place in a charming Bavarian style village that comes to life under cover of snow. Food is available at the Caribou Lodge and the Hideout Grill and Bar in the Gun Barrel Lodge, along with live music and other entertainment. Ironwood and Hurley are only a few miles away, as are Bessemer and Wakefield. Rental ski and snowboard equipment is available, along with lessons. For more information about lift tickets and accommodations, visit Big Powderhorn’s Web site, bigpowderhorn.net, or call 906-932-4838 or 800501-7669.

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Winter Fun & Dining Guide – Page 7

winter fun

partners

Indianhead Mountain Resort / Blackjack Ski Area

year after merging, two Big Snow Country ski resorts continue to prepare for the 2015-â&#x20AC;&#x2122;16 winter season. Indianhead Mountain Resort, near Wakefield, sold its assets to Blackjack Ski Area, near Bessemer, combining the two Gogebic County resorts which are separated by about five miles. Along with Big Powderhorn Mountain near Bessemer and Whitecap Mountain, near Upson, Wis., Blackjack and Indianhead make up the big four of major skiing destinations in Continued on page 10

Page 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Winter Fun & Dining Guide

BAD RIVER

Lodge and Casino • WIFI • Breakfast • Pets Welcome

160 E. Cloverland Dr. • Ironwood, MI 49938 Phone: 906-932-3395 • Fax: 906-932-2507

156 E. Cloverland Dr. • Ironwood, MI 49938 (906) 932-2610

OPEN DAILY 7AM - 11PM

BIG POWDERHORN MOUNTAIN RESORT LOCAL SKI DAYS

Sunday - Thursday Every Week Excluding Dec. 27, 2015 - Jan. 2, 2016 (Valid ID is required for local ski days)

MI is Gogebic, Ontonagon & Iron Counties WI is Iron, Ashland, Bayfield, Oneida and Vilas Counties

$25.00 lift ticket $5.00 ski/snowboard rental with purchase of lift ticket 33 trails and 10 lifts

FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY AT CARIBOU LODGE! Lunch served every day 11-3 at the Hideout bigpowderhorn.net CALL US AT: 906.932.4838/800.501.7669 E-MAIL: info@bigpowderhorn.net

73370 US Hwy. 2, Odanah, WI texting@badriver.com Winter Fun & Dining Guide – Page 9

Continued from page 8 Big Snow Country. The four ski resorts offer a combined 125 trails, from slopes for the novice to runs that challenge experts. Blackjack Ski Area boasts a vertical drop of 490 feet, spread over 170 acres. The bigger Indianhead has a 638foot vertical drop over 230 acres. That 230 acres provides ample room for 30 wide open runs, with 15 Expert Black Runs, 10 Intermediate Blue Runs and five Beginner Green Runs. Both resorts average more than 200 inches of annual snowfall. The merger allows the resorts to offer a one-ticket package will be good for both resorts, calling it a “single ski and snowboard experience.” The merger continues the success the two destinations have experienced in recent years. Page 10 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

Blackjack has seen a revitalization in the past few winters under new ownership and Indianhead was voted Best Family Resort in the Midwest in

“

Indianhead and Blackjack offer fun for the whole family.

2013 by readers of Onthesnow.com. Both resorts also offer terrain parks for those wanting to test their limits.

Sharon’s CC

13355 N. US Hwy. 51 Hurley, WI 54534 (715) 561-3500 Toll Free 1-800-Days-Inn® www.hurleydaysinn.com

RESTAURANT & COFFEE NOW SERVING Full Breakfast until 11:00 a.m. ~ 7 Days a Week!

• Indoor saline (mineral) pool, whirlpool & sauna (open 24 hours) • FREE Daybreak® Breakfast • Computer kiosk with internet access • Business, Kitchenette & Whirlpool Suites available • Free Hi-speed WIFI Internet • Copy/Fax service available • Pets welcomed in designated rooms • Pizza • Beer • Wine • ATM

GREAT LUNCHES, BURGERS, ESPRESSOS, SMOOTHIES, SPECIALTY COFFEE, AND HOME-MADE DESSERTS!

122 Silver St., Hurley, Wisconsin

561-5500

OPEN 7-5 Monday-Saturday; 7-3 Sunday

WELCOME WINTER

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Winter Fun & Dining Guide – Page 11

“ penokeerise

Whitecap, Thunderhead and Eagles Nest mountains make up the ski resort. They are part of the ancient Penokee Range.

“

Whitecap Mountains

rom downhill skiing, to snowboarding, to cross country skiing, Whitecap Mountains has it all. Located in Iron County, Whitecap features 43 downhill ski runs, from double black diamond expert trails, to easy slopes for beginners, as well as a cross country skiing trail. The trail is groomed twice a day and leaves straight from the lodge. Weather depending, Whitecap would like to begin the ski season around Thanksgiving. Located on beautiful Weber Lake, near Upson and Iron Belt, ski-in and ski-out lodging and ski packages are offered for families or groups, with trail-side condominiums. Located on the western end of the Lake Superior Snowbelt, Whitecap is just west of Hurley and Ironwood. Whitecap is located 20 miles west of Hurley, off Wisconsin 77. Look for the Whitecap Mountains/Skye Golf turn-off immediately past the town of Iron Belt, then travel 3.5 miles on County E to the resort. Page 12 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

There’s a bunny hill with a rope tow and a polar bear bowl with a magic carpet lift for smaller skiers. The main lodge restaurant and bakery/deli are open during ski season, along with a full service ski and snowboard rental and repair shop and gift shop. Ski hill operators make snow nightly on the more challenging runs when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. Whitecap, Thunderhead and Eagles Nest mountains make up the ski resort, and they’re part of the ancient Penokee Range. There’s plenty of skiing for everybody at every skill level, and skiers report they like how the area for beginners is separated from the main ski traffic. Whitecap Lodge offers rooms and suites, many with kitchens and all with Wi-Fi access. There’s a swimming pool and huge hot tub for relaxation after a day on the slopes. The Davos Chalet can also hold groups up to 40 people. For more information, call 715-561-2227, or visit skiwhitecap.com.

Mercer – A Great Place To Visit

• 80 Room Hotel • Large Parking Lot • On Snowmobile Trail • Hot Tub

• Continental Breakfast • Nightly Food Specials • WIFI

715-476-2440

GreatNorthernMercer.com

A ROUND T HE C ORNER P UB (1 blk east of Hwy. 51 in downtown Mercer) 2633 Railroad St., Mercer, WI 54547 • 715-476-2472

BAR HOURS 11am - Close KITCHEN 11am - 11pm Daily Now Serving Breakfast 7-11am Wednesday-Sunday MONDAY’S - “All You Can Eat” Wings & Fries TUESDAY’S - Mexican Special WEDNESDAY’S - Smelt & Fries FRIDAY’S - “All You Can Eat” Fish Fry or Pub Chicken or COMBO of both!

With choice of Potato, Soup or Salad, Applesauce & Breadstick

Wolf’s Den Bar & Grill

SS Sport Store, Inc. SNOWMOBILE IN MERCER, WISCONSIN

• PARTS • SERVICE • SALES • RENTALS

Your Authorized ARCTIC CAT® Dealer! Mercer, WI • 715-476-2468 Hours: M-F 8:30 to 5:00; (Sat. 8:30 to 5:00 during trail season) Sun. 9:00 to 12:00 (noon)

– HOMEMADE PIZZA –

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CUSTOM LOG & RUSTIC FURNITURE

HANDCRAFTED CREATIONS

715-476-9154 • VISIT ON FACEBOOK 5079 US HWY 51, MERCER, WI 54547 Winter Fun & Dining Guide – Page 13

inclinedto

learn

Mt. Zion at Gogebic Community College

ocated on the campus of Gogebic Community College, Mt. Zion is the oldest winter recreation complex in Big Snow Country. Owned and operated by GCC, Mt. Zion is open to the public. This complex also serves as a laboratory for the college’s nationally recognized Ski Area Management program.

Page 14 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

Mt. Zion is well known for very reasonable rates, numerous programs to teach children to ski and snowboard, and a snowtubing park. Mt. Zion has 10 slopes and trails that allow people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to ski or snowboard. There are is a chairlift and a pair of tow ropes. The tubing park includes three chutes and another tow rope so you don’t have to trudge back up to the top of the hill. Quality ski and snowboard rentals are available, as is access to the snack bar. There is also a free cross country ski trail for folks to use. In addition to group rates, GCC students are allowed to ski or snowboard for free, as are senior citizens 62 years and older. Students in the SAM program run the facility, learning snowmaking and grooming as part of maintaining the hill. The SAM program provides technical and academic study as well as internships at major ski resorts in the Midwest and others throughout the country. SAM students earn credits through onsite training classes such as ski area layout, snowmaking fundamentals, emergency response, slope grooming and classroom courses such as business. Graduates of the SAM program may choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in ski area business management through an agreement with Northern Michigan University in Marquette. For more information, visit gogebic.edu.

2015

2014

Gogebic County Fair Grounds Ironwood, Mich. Admission: $10/day Children 12 and under: Free

BOTH DAYS: Racing Starts at 9:00am 55+ Races Scheduled Heated Concession Area w/Restrooms and The Oval Office Bar

Cash Give-Away during TLR Cup Final!

VISIT: Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus INFO: 906-364-1845 WEB: www.IronwoodSnowmobileOlympus.com LODGING: Western UP Convention & Visitors Bureau www.explorewesternup.com Hurley Chamber of Commerce www.hurley.wi.com ENJOY RACING BOTH DAYS!!

Come To Our Model Home! 1 Mile South of Hurley on Hwy 51

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CUSTOM HOMES ~ ADDITIONS

Remodeling ~ Kitchens & Baths ~ Decks ~ Garages ~ Custom Tiling and More hoeft@hoeftconstruction.com • www.hoeftconstruction.com

Winter Fun & Dining Guide – Page 15

“

Look for special lantern-lit crosscountry ski events.

wilderness awaits Porcupine Mountains

ross-country skiing, snowshoeing and downhill skiing are all part of winter in the Porcupine Mountain State Park. The 92 square miles that make up the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park are a cross-country skiing paradise. Explore more than 87 miles of designated cross-country ski trails. Enjoy sweeping hilltop vistas of Lake Superior. Glide quietly through glades of thick hemlocks. See waterfalls transformed by the cold of winter. Snowshoers looking for a true back-country experience will love the Porcupine Mountains. The 60,000-acre State Park combines with hundreds of thousands of acres of national forest lands to form one of the Midwest’s largest true wilderness areas. Beginning Dec. 26 there is also lantern light crosscountry skiing on Saturday nights throughout the winter. The guided trek will stop halfway through for a bonfire and some warm refreshments. Page 16 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

Winter also features some great snowmobiling in the Porkies. There are more than 1,000 miles of snowmobile trails in the area. Camping, thought by many to be a summer experience alone, is also available in the winter at the Porkies. There are yurts accessible by trail. These sturdy tent-like structures that provide campers with a snug, weather-tight shelter. The 16-foot diameter yurts are available winter and summer, sleep four people and are equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, wood stove, axe, bow saw and cooking and eating utensils. Running water and electricity are not available but an outhouse is nearby and wood is provided for heat. For more information contact the Porcupine Mountain State Park at 906-885-5275 Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or visit porcupinemountains.com.

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endless trails Cross-country ski trails from Montreal to Mercer in northern Wisconsin’s Iron County and into the western Upper Peninsula offer access to a variety of terrain and scenery.

Except for the privately-owned ABR, trails are maintained and groomed by volunteers – equipment and fuel is a major expense for these local ski clubs. Daily use fees are deposited on

per adult, $5 per child, $1 per dog and $20 for however many in a vehicle. For more information and trail maps, visit skimecca.org.

Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails

Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails in Ironwood offer five loops totaling 25 kilometers of skiing for striders and skaters. Lake effect snow provides the area with snow that tends to arrive earlier, pile deeper and last longer than anywhere else in the Midwest. The rolling terrain offers trails for all levels of skiing from expert to novice. There are four marked snowshoe trails with 14 kilometers of expert to novice trails. All trails can be accessed at the chalet trailhead. There are also trailheads behind Aspirus Grand View Hospital and along Summit Road. Volunteers with the Wolverine Nordic Ski Club maintain and groom the trail system. The nonprofit group promotes Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking and lifelong physical fitness. The club also supports ski programs in the schools. The suggested trail donation is $10 a day and children ages 12 and younger ski free. A season pass/membership is available. There is a warming chalet located on Sunset Road with a view of the historic wooden ski jump structure that was part of the club’s original activities. There are cookies and hot chocolate available in the chalet. The chalet is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. during the ski season. Wolverine will host the Aspirus Grand View YooperBeiner snowshoe race on Jan. 16. For more information visit wolverinenordic.com, call 906-932-0509 or email at wolverinenordic@gmail.com. Maps and membership forms are available at wolverinenordic.com.

MECCA

MECCA in Mercer, Wis., grooms about 18 kilometers of trails across a combination of state, Iron County, town of Mercer and private land. The ski club dates back about 20 years. There are two trailheads, Little Turtle

Page 18 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

an honor system in boxes at the trailheads or warming houses. Conditions, amenities, trail markers and degree of difficulty vary widely. There are areas where cellphones do not work.

Uller Trail

Uller Trail runs through the Penokee Range, is billed as the most remote ski trail in Wisconsin. Skiing with a companion is recommended along this 30 km trail system described as “hilly and remote.” The Uller Trailhead is in Upson at Weber Lake at the base of Whitecap Mountains downhill ski resort, just off County E. The trail runs east into the Pence area, with another trailhead off Hoyt Road north of Wisconsin 77. The Penokee Rangers, a volunteer organization, maintains the trail and sets the track. Donations are accepted for trail upkeep. For more information, visit norwiski.com or skinnyski.com. A map is available at norwiski.com/trail_details.php?id=126.

Montreal Nordic Ski Trails

Trailhead and Cabin Trailhead, the site of the chalet built of logs cut and prepared by club members. The chalet has a changing room and wax bench, wood stove and hot chocolate. It is usually open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the ski season. The club’s annual candlelight ski is the last Saturday in January from 6 to 9 p.m. It will be at the Cabin Trailhead, loop around the Warm-Up Trail, the Cabin Trail, part of the Wolf Loop, and through the field. A bonfire and wood stove, hot chocolate and other refreshments will await skiers at the cabin. Trail use is free for this event. Volunteers groom trails as conditions allow. Hiking, snowshoeing and dogs are allowed only on untracked portions of trails. Suggested daily trail-use donation is $8

Montreal Nordic Ski Trails, in the former mining company town of Montreal, Wis. (just west of Hurley along Wisconsin 77), range from easy to quite difficult. Easiest access to this 15 kilometer trail system is from the old city hall parking lot, on Wisconsin 77, along the west branch of the Montreal River. The Penokee Rangers groom these trails. Donation boxes are located throughout the trail system. For more information, visit norwiski.com or skinnyski.com.

ABR Trails

ABR Trails are located in Erwin Township, just south of Ironwood, at E5299 W. Pioneer Road. Cross country skiers at the Active Backwoods Retreats will find trails groomed for

continued on page 20

Page 1

Winter Fun & Dining Guide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 19

from page 18

classic and skating styles that run through the woods and some along the Montreal River, in the area of Ironwood’s Norrie Park. More than 60 kilometers of trails are open to skiing, operated by Eric Anderson and Angela Santini. There’s also a snowshoe trail and opportunities for skijoring with dog teams. Lodging accommodations are available at the ski complex. Ski equipment may be rented or purchased at ABR’s ski shop. For more information or trail conditions, visit abrski.com or call 906-9323502.

Miners Memorial Hertiage Park

The Miners Memorial Heritage Park in Ironwood features a groomed, easy trail for for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park encompasses former iron ore mining locations within the city. The Miners Ski Trail (4.3 km) includes the the Aurora loop (1.6 km) and the Pabst loop (1.8 km). The Red Devil and Pabst Blue Ribbon snowshoe trails cover 4.5 km. The Miners trailhead begins at Lorenson Baseball Field off Ayer Street in Ironwood. Various activities of the annual Sisu Ski Fest are held at the park. For more information, visit fmmhp.com.

Western Gateway Trail

Winter silent sport enthusiasts will have one more option when exploring the western Upper Peninsula with the opening of the first phase of the Western Gateway Trail. The 2.5-mile section of trail runs from the Montreal River to roughly the Ironwood city limit. Open to snowshoeing and back-country cross-country skiing, the lack of a groomer means the trail will be difficult for traditional cross-country skiers. Trail supporters hope to find a volunteer groomer for future use. The trail runs mostly through wooded areas, however, the numerous intersections it crosses offer users multiple access points to tailor the length of the trail to any distance. The trail is the first part of a regional trail that is planned to run between the ski trails in Montreal Wis., and Sunday Lake in Wakefield. Supporters also hope to have the Western Gateway Trail connect to several trails running throughout Wisconsin and Michigan, including the Iron Belle Trail, which runs between Detroit and Ironwood.

Page 20 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

sisu ski fest

t takes some sisu to take part in this challenging but fun race. The sixth Sisu Ski Fest is set for Jan. 9, 2015, in downtown Ironwood. Sisu is a Finnish word that means “special strength and stubborn determination to continue and overcome in the moment of adversity; a combination of stamina, courage and obstinacy held in reserve for hard times.” The “Finnish Line” is on Aurora Street in downtown Ironwood. The 42-kilometer Sisu full-marathon is the signature race with many also taking part in the 21K Heikki Lunta half-marathon. There are also Junior Sisu 3K and 5K races with a kids’ loppett fun race also. The junior races at Miners Memorial Heritage Park in

Ironwood on Saturday afternoon. The kids race is set for March with an exact date to be determined. It will be at ABR Ski Trails in Erwin Township, just south of Ironwood. Snowshoeing races will be held at Miners Memorial Heritage Park Trails in Ironwood. The timed events are 2K, 5K and 10K. That is set for Jan. 10, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. Registration may be done online or at the Ironwood Memorial Building on Jan. 8 from 4 to 10 p.m. The scenic race courses go by bluffs, rivers, mining areas and Hiawatha, the world’s tallest Native American statue. Results will be provided by a professional timing service. Visit sisuskifest.com for more information. A link to the registration form is available there.

Book Across the Bay

he popular Book Across the Bay will be held Feb. 13. Skiers and snowshoers trek 10 kilometers from Ashland to Washburn across the Chequamegon Bay. The race goes over the frozen surface of Lake Superior and is held at night with light provided by the stars in the sky and up to 1,000 candles in luminarias along the route.

The course is groomed for classic and skate style skiing. Racers are asked to park in Washburn and take a shuttle to Ashland. Buses will run from 2 to 5:30 p.m. The race starts at 6 p.m. at Maslowski Beach along U.S. 2 on the west side of Ashland. The finish line is in Washburn at Thompson’s West End Park. For more information, visit batb.org.

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“

Iron County offers more than 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

“

back country W

ith Hurley and Mercer serving as hubs, Iron County offers more than 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Called the Snow Capital of Wisconsin, annual snowfall often exceeds 200 inches. The county is the heart of excellent snowmobiling with trails connecting with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Vilas, Price and Ashland counties. With plenty of lodging and snowmobile rentals, the county comes alive with sleds during snowy winter weekends. Snow-blanketed forests filled with the sights and sounds of the Wisconsin Northwoods are what allure many snowmobilers to Iron County. The Iron County Forestry Department, along with the White Thunder

Page 22 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

Riders and the Mercer Sno Goers, groom some of the most scenic trails in the country. From the Iron Horse Trail in Hurley, the ride to Saxon and Gurney covers 12 miles, with places to stop for gas, food and refreshments along the way. A ride on Trail 2 to Saxon Harbor is a pleasant diversion for the avid snowmobiler. A journey on Trail 17 guides riders south out of Hurley along the Michigan border past beautiful Pine Lake. The trail crosses many rivers and creeks, offering excellent viewing of wildlife and the natural splendor common to Iron County. Trail 77 takes a southwestern course through the rich historic mining towns of Montreal, Pence and

Iron Belt, with a unique opportunity to view the Plummer Mine headframe, the only remaining such structure in Wisconsin. Heading further south, the trail leads to Mercer, the Loon Capital of the world and a bustling small town eager to welcome riders. From there, a choice trail of interest is Corridor 8, which travels west of Mercer, past the Lake of the Falls scenic area and the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. This trail meanders through beautifully wooded, wellgroomed trails. Also in the southern section of Iron County, Springstead, located on Trail 182, welcomes riders to enjoy wellmarked trails that wander through dense, snow-covered forests for a unique winter experience.

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ith the growing popularity of snowmobiling, there’s more competition for those winter recreation dollars, but the western Upper Peninsula has more than trails to offer and is usually unsurpassed when it comes to snowfall totals. The Gogebic Range has been hosting snowmobilers since the sport blossomed in the 1970s. The scenery is breathtaking, from Lake Superior to inland waterfalls, making the Gogebic County area a destination for many sled riders. There are groomed trails, unplowed logging roads and secluded national forest trails to choose from throughout the area. Trail grooming begins early and continues until the snow melts, or the calendar says the trails must be closed. In November of 2014, Ironwood received more than 100 inches of snow, in advance of the sled riding season, which opens after deer season. The groomers hit the trails daily in winter and offer daily updates on trail conditions. Watersmeet is the gateway to Big Snow Country, with

Page 24 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

professionally groomed cross country and snowmobile trails, along with winter lodging and dining, including a casino. The Watersmeet area snowmobile trails link with hundreds of miles of trails throughout the Upper Peninsula. Watch for deer and other wildlife on the trails and give the wild critters plenty of room to roam. Never run behind deer as they don’t have the lungs for long, fast running and they can get stressed out by the cold weather and deep snows of a Big Snow Country winter. Watch for groomers both day and night. Pull over, or at least slow down and wait for the groomer operator to signal the rider through. Snowmobilers should always stay on marked trails and never stray off to private property, as clubs can lose easements if landowners’ rights are not respected. Also, trespassing tickets may be issued. For a snowmobile report of Gogebic County trails, call 800-522-5657 any time. That’s the number for the Western Upper Peninsula Visitors and Convention Bureau, which is the authority for winter reports.

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nowmobiling in Ontonagon County continues to grow in popularity, as visitors come from many states to enjoy the ride. The hub of snowmobiling in the south end of Ontonagon County revolves around the Bergland area and Lake Gogebic. The impact of the sport can be seen during the winter in front of gas stations, motels, bars and restaurants. Businesses in Bergland call the first snowfall each year “white gold.” The key to bringing snowmobilers back each year is great grooming and Gogebic Area Grooming is the snowmobile club which grooms more than 160 miles of trails. George Maves has been in charge of grooming for GAG for the past 26 years and oversees three groomers, seven operators and two mechanics. Grooming starts late in the afternoon and all night every night as long as there is snow. They groom both sides of Lake Gogebic, all the way to Presque Isle, Tula on M-28, the South Boundary Road to Ewen and the Norwich Road on 13. All three groomers work all night. “We start when the first snow falls and keep going until we are the only place left with snow, “ Maves said. The financial impact of snowmobiling business has been estimated by the Michigan Snowmobiling Association at $250,000 a mile. Bergland draws snowmobilers from many states, including Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Dakotas. “We even had some people from Pennsylvania,” Maves said. Page 26 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

The Gogebic Area Snowmobile Club is led by President Dale Kuivanen, Ken and Gail Scott, Mario Carmella and George and Carolyn Maves. Last winter was one of the best for the Bergland area. “We would like another winter like last year when the snow comes early and stays late,” Maves said. Snowmobile drag racing will return to Ontonagon this winter. The U.P. Championship Snow Drags will be held Jan. 9. The drag racing is part of a U.P. circuit which opens in Ontonagon and closes April 10 in Marquette. In between, 12 circuit races will be held in three different states. The races draw professional snowmobile drivers from across the country. Snowmobiling in Ontonagon is expected to pick up this winter with access to the main street (River Street) now available. Snowmobilers can also use Michigan Street, adjacent to River Street, which gives them access to gas stations, restaurants and stores. Snowmobile parking has also been arranged for easy access. With the abandonment of the railroad tracks from Rockland to Ontonagon, there will be a direct trail from between those communities. Previously those coming from Rockland had to go around and come in from the White Pine trail. The North Country Snowmobile Club grooms 110 miles of trails in north Ontonagon County covering South Boundary Road, Greenland, Porkies, White Pine and surrounding areas.

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Ice fishing

alleyes, northern pike and other gamefish can pose a feast or famine situation for fishermen through the ice. Northern pike are plentiful on the Gogebic Range and can be relatively easy to pull through the ice hole on a winter day, but walleyes can be more finicky. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources advises doing a little homework and finding a hotspot. Lake Gogebic and the Gile Flowage provide a lot of pike, but most anglers seek walleyes and panfish, as well. Most lakes in Gogebic County and Iron County, Wis., contain pike in solid numbers. Northern pike will suspend in the water column. They can be found along deep rocky bars, but for the most part are going to be associated with vegetation. Vegetation is where food generally is located in the form of baitfish and also provides concealment for a stalking predator, like northern pike. In most inland lakes, vegetation extends to depths of 10 to 15 feet. Find vegetation like skunk-weed and northern pike will be there, as well. Many anglers set tip-ups place with the bait a certain distance off the bottom. For example, say the water depth is 12 feet. Find bottom and set the bait one or two feet off bottom. If fishing in vegetation, a general rule is to think in halves. For 12 feet of water, place the bait at six feet. Page 28 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

Predators like northern pike cruise the water column. Even if they are near the bottom, they can find prey above them. In shallows, especially during early ice, northern pike will frequent water less than five feet deep. Place one tip-up shallow. Another simple way to catch pike is to use the bottom half of a rod, with a regular spincast reel. Simply stick the rod in the snow and place a bobber in the hole, adjusting the bait at the desired level. When the bobber begins bouncing as the pike takes the minnow or chub, let the fish make a run, then give the rod a firm jerk and the hook will be set. The drag should be set rather loosely and the fish will likely tire out faster than in the summer. Northern pike are usually active all day. Show up at noon and the fish should cooperate. They’ll take live bait or bite on dead smelt or chub heads. Fishermen should be careful when handling pike. Because their teeth are every bit as sharp as those of the musky, the ice can quickly turn red if the fish aren’t handled with gloves. Pike fillets in a skillet are second to none, but they require removal of troublesome “Y” bones. Learn to remove them or have an expert to do the job of cleaning the fish.

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ice time Patrick O’Donnell Civic Center

he Pat O’Donnell Civic Center, located on the campus of Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, provides a location for community members to enjoy open skating during the winter months. The center, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2013, also hosted roller skating this past summer. The O’Donnell ice rink is home of the Ironwood Fighting Yoopers junior hockey team, and also offers a venue for numerous one-day events like concerts, circuses and home and trade shows. The center is supported by taxpayers’ millage and it was constructed primarily as a recreational center for youth of the Gogebic Range. The building contains around 28,000 square feet with an ice surface of 17,000 square feet. There is also bleacher seating for 1,000 people, plus additional seating for as many as 2,000, if required, at floor level for large gatherings. Open skating is already under way, with normal scheduled hours to begin the second week of November, running through mid-March. Page 30 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

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“

The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, and travels down main street in Ironwood.

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he center of Ironwood’s Jack Frost Festival every year is the Festival of Lights parade. The parade will be Friday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m., beginning at the Carnegie Library on Aurora Street and continuing through downtown Ironwood. The 21st annual Jack Frost Festival is themed “Christmas is On the Air” in honor of local radio personality Chuck Gervasio, who will serve as parade marshal. Gervasio has long been involved with the parade. The festival features a variety of holiday-themed activities in the days leading up to the parade, including dressing up the downtown in lights and decora-

Page 32 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

tions. The festivities begin in November with the tree lighting ceremony in the Depot Park in Ironwood, set for Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. Look for gingerbread making workshops in the weeks before the parade and a gingerbread house contest, with winners announced the night of the parade. After the parade, the Gogebic Range Concert Band will perform that evening at the Historic Ironwood Theatre. And as always, keep an eye out for Santa and Mrs. Claus.

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OLKIE’S BAR

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WINTER RENTALS AVAILABLE!

– NO OBLIGATION VISIT –

GIOVANONI’S

590 Easy Street • Ironwood, MI 49938 906-932-1511

“The Mall Without Walls”

• Hardware • Houseware • Small Appliances

• Lawn Equipment • Sporting Goods Department

Downhill & X Country Skis • Tools • Nifty Gift2:11 Shop Michigan State Police Wakefield 1.4 SF_Layout 1 5/1/15 PM •Page 1 Snowshoes & Snowboards

Creative Spirits 1.8 pg WF_CREATIVE SPIRITS 1/8 PAGE 10/18/13 12:37 PM Page 1

906-932-3332 Ironwood, MI 49938

CREATIVE SPIRITS Rubberstamping & More

Largest Stamping & Scrapbooking Headquarters in the U.P. Unique scrapbook papers for our area “2 redheads stampin’ & scrappin’ ” www.creativespiritsstamping.com Check us out on facebook

~ OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ~

303 Silver St., Hurley, WI

715-561-4141

Michigan State Police Wakefield Post #86 “Service With a Purpose Since 1917.” Serving Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties

Barber Road Stables 1.8 pg WF_Layout 1 10/23/15 2:25 PM Page 1

121 N. Lowell St. Ironwood, MI

Across from the Historic Depot

(906) 932-8442

BARBER ROAD STABLES

HAY RIDES FOR ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT EMERGENCY NEEDS CONTACT

906-224-9691 or 906-229-5372 Winter Fun & Dining Guide – Page 33

vroom vroom

Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus

he Ironwood Olympus snowmobile races are set for Jan. 2-3, 2016, at the Gogebic County Fairgrounds on the west side of Ironwood, on U.S. 2. The USSA races include the TLR Cup, which starts the six-race series at Ironwood. The final is 15 laps. Headwaters Polaris 1.2 pg HZ WF_Layout 1 10/31/14 9:03 AM Page 1 In 2014, drivers were racing between 102-106 mph in Ironwood. Over the summer, crews worked to make the track wider with more sweeping turns. “Could the fast and his-

Page 34 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

toric half-mile get any faster with wider, more sweeping turns?” organizers said, saying everyone will find out at these races. The event has also included several vintage classes. The Ironwood track is described as a “historic and very fast half-mile.” Ironwood’s 2015 event was named the TLR Cup Race of the Year. The race website is ironwoodsnowmobileolympus.com.

holiday parade Hometown Christmas

he 15th annual Hometown Christmas will be held Dec. 4-6 in Ontonagon. The organizing committee has lvania Outfitters 1.8 WF_SYLVANIA OUTFITTERS 2.5X2 WF planned a wide variety of festivities for all ages to enjoy. Friday night kicks of the weekend with judging of the holiday lighting contest and the youth dances for kids in grades 6-12. Some of Saturday’s events include

a children’s time with crafts, games and cookie decorating, a craft fair, the Reindeer Fun Run, fireworks, hayrides, tree trimming and Snow10/28/15 9:55 AMatPage ball Dance the1Eagles Hall. The weekend would not be complete without the annual Hometown Action North 1.8 SF_Layout 1 Christmas ReMax Parade. Santa will be at the fire hall following the parade to visit with the children. That’s where winners of the

Sylvania Outfitters, Inc. CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER

* 24 KM of “TIDD-TECH” GROOMED TRAILS FOR THE CLASSICAL SKIER Connects to an Additional 32 K of Ungroomed Ski Trails In the Sylvania Wilderness * SKI SHOP & SKI RENTALS * HOT & COLD DRINKS AND SNACKS AVAILABLE 1 Mile West of Watersmeet, Michigan On U.S. Hwy. 2

906-358-4766

Open Daily 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

contests and parade categories will be announced. Plans for other events are still being finalized. For more information, call 906-884-4837. Hometown Christmas is a nonprofit organization and relies solely 4/22/14 PM Page on the 3:39 kindness of 1donations and fundraising. Send donations to Hometown Christmas, 281 Tamarack Lane, Ontonagon, MI 49953.

1710 E Cloverland Dr. Ironwood, MI 49938 906-932-4110 – 888-734-4877

5211 Hwy 51 Mercer, WI 54534 715-476-2323 – 877-350-2323

www.RemaxActionNorth.com

Winter Fun & Dining Guide – Page 35

Project9_Layout 1 10/23/15 4:41 PM Page 1

STAY AND PLAY IN WHITE PINE, MICHIGAN

KONTEKA Black Bear Resort White Pine, Michigan

Featuring...

GAS & CONVENIENCE STORE

• Michigan Lottery, Keno • ATV Trail Permits • Fishing & Hunting Licenses

THE BLACK BEAR RESTAURANT Kitchen open 8am til 10pm (EST)

• Friday Fish Fry • Saturday Prime Rib • Sunday Breakfast Buffet 9-1 • 2nd Friday every month: Seafood Buffet!

THE BLACK BEAR LOUNGE

• Full service Bar • Dazzling Dance Floor • Giant Flat Screen Satellite TV

THE BLACK BEAR LANES 8 lane Bowling Alley

THE BLACK BEAR MOTEL

All Non-smoking rooms! Pets Welcome!

Also available on-site... WIFI, Verizon Extender, ATM, Gift Shop, laundry facility, convenient parking for all trucks & trailers

64 & Main - PO Box 675 White Pine, Michigan 49971

906-885-5170

www.thekonteka.com

Page 36 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

Porcupine Lodge, LLC offers a home away from home with 6 fully furnished condos. Each condo sleeps 1 to 8 people and comes with two spacious bedrooms.

Come stay at The Porcupine Lodge located in White Pine, Michigan, where the snow never stops falling. Just 10 minutes from the Porcupine Mountains. Our two bedroom condos are fully furnished and can accommodate up to 8 people for sleeping. Each condo has a fully equipped kitchen, full bath/shower combination and a washer and dryer. Enjoy cable TV, high-speed wireless internet connection, and an outdoor wood-burning sauna.

Come to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and enjoy the shorelines of Lake Superior, Lighthouse Tours, and miles of snowmobile, ATV and hiking trails, waterfalls galore and the beauty of Porcupine Mountains. We are just off of Trail 1 with easy access for snowmobiles to the beautifully groomed trails. Porcupine Lodge is a non-smoking facility. Sorry, no pets are allowed.

If you have any questions about the lodging accommodations and availability, please call us toll free at 1-800-865-9305 or email Linda at linda@porcupinelodgemi.com Porcupine Lodge, LLC 1033 Michigan Avenue, White Pine, MI 49971 Website: www.porcupinelodgemi.com

Toll Free Phone: 800-865-9305

consin. dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/deer.html. •Seventh annual Christmas Bazaar, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Ewen-Trout Creek school.

winter events

•Mercer Lioness Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mercer Community Center, Mercer, Wis. 715-476-2564. •St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church Hunters Chilifest and Pie Sale, Mercer.

Nov. 27

•22nd annual Boulder Junction Lioness Christmas Craft Fair, 9 a.m., 3 p.m., Boulder Junction Library. Includes hand-made items, lunch and drawing for the annual Christmas Cash raffle. 715385-3256

Nov. 28

•Christmas Walk Kids Day, 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., Boulder Junction Community Center. boulderjct.org or 715385-2400.

—2015— Nov. 15-30

•Firearm deer season in Michigan. michigan.gov/deer.

Nov. 18

•Ironwood tree lighting ceremony, 6 p.m., Depot Park.

Nov. 21

•Firearm deer season opens in Wis-

December

•Open skating offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m., Pat O’Donnell Civic Center, Ironwood Township.

Winter Fun & Dining Guide – Page 37

Dec. 1

•Snowmobile trails open in Michigan, weather permitting.

Dec. 4

•Tree of Love lighting ceremony, 6:30 p.m., Aspirus Grand View Hospital, Ironwood.

Dec. 4-6

•Jack Frost festival, Ironwood. Featuring Festival of Lights parade at 6 p.m., downtown Ironwood, Gingerbread house display, Gogebic Range Band Concert at the Historic Ironwood Theatre. •Hometown Christmas, Ontonagon. With children’s activities, craft fair and parade. ontonagonmi.org.

Dec. 5

•Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST, Bruce Crossing VFW, with lunch and baked goods sale. Free picture with Santa at Settlers Depot from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. •Chequamegon Symphony Orchestra in concert, “J.S. Bach and Sons,” 7:30 p.m., Alvord Theatre, Northland College, Ashland, Wis. •52nd annual Garland City of the North Christmas parade, Main Steet, Ashland, Wis. 715-682-2500. •Santa comes to Loon Town, Mercer, Wis. mercercc.com, 715-476-2389. •Christmas Craft Walk, Ontonagon Area High School, Ontonagon.

Dec. 10

•”Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols,” Chamber Singers 25th annual Christmas concert, 7 p.m., Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Ironwood.

Page 38 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

Dec. 11

•Aspirus Ontonagon Christmas concert, 7 p.m., Ontonagon Theater of Performing Arts. ontonagontheater.org.

Dec. 12

•Denim and Desserts Theater presents “The Importance of Being Uncle Roscoe, 7 p.m., Presque Isle Community Center. •Mercer Candy Cane Parade, 3:30 p.m., mercercc.com, 715476-2389. •Sleigh ride, Advent walk and a visit from Santa, 6-8 p.m., Thomas’ parking lot. Presque Isle, Wis.

Dec. 13

•“Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols,” Chamber Singers 25th annual Christmas concert, 4 p.m., Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Ironwood.

Dec. 26-31

•Lantern-lit skiing and snowshoeing, Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park. One mile loop w/hot refreshments and campfire at warming shelter. 906-885-5275 or mi.gov/porkies.

Dec. 26-Jan. 16

•Mercer Sno-Goers annual poker run, Mercer, Wis., area. mercercc.com.

Dec. 27

•Candlelight snowshoe and ski, Miners Memorial Heritage Park, Ironwood

—2016— January

•Open skating offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m., Pat O’Donnell Civic Center, Ironwood Township.

Winter Fun & Dining Guide – Page 39

Jan. 1

Jan. 23

•Snowmobile Olympus parade, fireworks, downtown Hurley.

•Mercer Sno-Goers cookout, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dear Lodge, Mercer, Wis.

Jan. 2-3

Jan. 30

•Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus, vintage and professional snowmobile races, Gogebic County Fairgrounds, Ironwood. ironwoodsnowmobileolympus.com.

Jan. 9

•Sisu Ski Fest, with 42-kilometer full cross-country ski marathon, 21K Heikki Lunta Half-marathon, Junior Sisu 3K and 5K races. Beginning at ABR Ski Trails, Erwin Township, ending in downtown Ironwood.

Jan. 16

•Aspirus Grand View YooperBeiner snowshoe race, Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails, Ironwood Township. sisuskifest.com. •Mercer Sno-Goers Winter Blast, Vintage Sled Show and Trail Ride. 10 a.m. to midnight. Mercer, Wis., mercercc.com.

•Justin Donner Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament, Turtle Flambeau Flowage, near Mercer, Wis. Headquartered at Donner’s Bay Resort. 715-762-2956. •Candlelight Ski, 6-9 p.m., MECCA Trails, Mercer, Wis. Free trail use. Includes bonfire, hot chocolate and refreshments. skimecca.org.

February

•Open skating offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m., Pat O’Donnell Civic Center, Ironwood Township.

Feb. 6

•Soups On, noon to 1:30 p.m., Boulder Junction Community Center. 715892-6675. •Winter Extravaganza Snowshoe 5K Walk/Run, Gile Park, Gile Flowage.

Feb. 13

•20th annual Book Across the Bay, 6 p.m., 10-kilometer classic and skate-skiing event, travels from Ashland, Wis. to Washburn, Wis. batb.org. •Snowburst Winter Carnival, Porcupine Mountains winter recreation area. Including races, music, games and fireworks. •White Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club annual fundraising auction, Iron County Memorial Building, Hurley.

Feb. 20

•Mercer Lions Fishing Jamboree. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Carow Park, Mercer, Wis., mercercc.com.

Feb. 27

•Claus Kraetke Memorial Ice Fishing Jamboree, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Turtle Flambeau Flowage, near Mercer, Wis. 715476-2555.

March

•Open skating offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m., Pat O’Donnell Civic Center, Ironwood Township.

March 19

•Boulder Junction Lioness Club Easter Bunny Breakfast and Egg Hunt, 9 a.m., community center, Boulder Junction, Wis.

March 20

•St. Patricks’s Day Corn Beef Sandwich Luncheon, noon to 2 p.m., St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, Mercer. 715476-2697.

March 26

•Mercer Lions Easter Egg Hunter, 10 a.m., Mercer School.

Page 40 – Winter Fun & Dining Guide

worship