For an awesome, off-the-beaten-path getaway in Michigan, head to the Upper Peninsula and the historic town of Ironwood. There, you’ll find history, adventure, and plenty to do. One thing you won’t find? Crowds. So, join us as we explore this beautiful part of the Great Lakes State and have it mostly to ourselves.

Ironwood is located in the northern part of the Upper Peninsula, not far from Lake Superior and right on the Wisconsin border.
Bryan Stumpf/Google Reviews
The historic downtown area retains a mid-century small-town vibe.
Travel Ironwood/Facebook
The community recalls its proud mining heritage - “iron” is in its name for a reason - through murals, monuments, and historical sites.
Sue Ann Jaffarian/Google Reviews
Businesses’ names also hint at the region’s history.
Copper Cup, East Cloverland Drive, Ironwood, MI, USA
jeff n sally c/TripAdvisor
​Copper Cup - a drive through java joint with excellent coffee - ​​​is one such example. The shop even roasts its own beans!
Traditional foods, like pasties, speak to the Upper Peninsula’s Finnish heritage.
Joe's Pasty Shop, West Aurora Street, Ironwood, MI, USA
Rigoni's Bakery, South Suffolk Street, Ironwood, MI, USA
John Vernetti/Google Reviews
And when it comes to these U.P. delicacies in Ironwood, you’re going to have to try both ​​Joe’s Pasty Shop and ​​Rigoni’s Bakery - the two contenders for the best in town. Locals are divided.
It’s the 21st century, so Ironwood definitely has a local brewery.
Cold Iron Brewing, South Lowell Street, Ironwood, MI, USA
Michael Roberts/Google Reviews
​​And Cold Iron Brewing also offers a nod to its home city - as well as offering up some tasty brews.
For more than a century, the Stormy Kromer cap - the ubiquitous Upper Peninsula headwear - has been manufactured in Ironwood.
Stormy Kromer Mercantile Co., Inc., Wall Street, Ironwood, MI, USA
Julie Ramsey/Google Reviews
You can even take a tour of the ​​Stormy Kromer factory while you’re in town. Be sure to book in advance, though.

Related Stories

On Your Way To The Beach, Enjoy A Meal At This Hidden Gem Fried Chicken Spot In Michigan

On Your Way To The Beach, Enjoy A Meal At This Hidden Gem Fried Chicken Spot In Michigan

 With Its Own Private Playground, This Incredible Restaurant In Michigan Is Perfect For Families

With Its Own Private Playground, This Incredible Restaurant In Michigan Is Perfect For Families

 There's A Treehouse Village In Michigan Where You Can Spend The Night

There's A Treehouse Village In Michigan Where You Can Spend The Night
As a more unusual point of pride, Ironwood is home to “Hiawatha,” which it claims to be, at over 50 feet tall, the world’s largest statue of a Native American figure.
Hiawatha, World's Largest Native American Statue, Burma Road, Ironwood, MI, USA
Carrie H./TripAdvisor
Ironwood is the largest town near several of the U.P.’s ski resorts, including Big Powderhorn Mountain - the “Ski Capital of the Midwest.” So, the town does get a little more crowded during ski season.
Travel Ironwood/Facebook
Copper Peak, home to the largest ski jump in the western hemisphere, is an attraction for summer and fall visitors.
Copper Peak, N13870 Copper Peak Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938, USA
Travel Ironwood/Facebook
In 2022, it was announced that the jump, itself, would be reactivated to host competitions.
Of course, skiing is not the only outdoor activity in the Ironwood area. The town is surround by state and national forest land and rolling, rocky hills (hence the mining and skiing).
Travel Ironwood/Facebook
You’ll find hiking, biking, and off-roading trails throughout the area, which happens to have the highest concentration of waterfalls in Michigan - so there are plenty to chase.
Paddlers will enjoy both whitewater on the area’s rivers and flat water on its lakes.
Travel Ironwood/Facebook
You can even try your hand at paddling the largest lake in the world on nearby Lake Superior.
Travel Ironwood/Facebook
There is definitely something magical about this part of Michigan.
Travel Ironwood/Facebook

A visit to this area should be on every Michigander’s bucket list – along with Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, which is not far from Ironwood.

Have you visited the Ironwood area? Tell us about your experience in the comments, and be sure to let us know about your favorite off-the-beaten-path destination in the Great Lakes State.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Ironwood, MI, USA