This Off-The-Beaten-Path Town In Michigan Is The Perfect Place To Escape

For an awesome, off-the-beaten-path getaway in Michigan, head to the Upper Peninsula and the historic town of Ironwood, Michigan. 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. We think it's one of the best small towns in Michigan!

Ironwood is located in the northern part of the Upper Peninsula, not far from Lake Superior and right on the Wisconsin border.

The historic downtown area of this Michigan small town retains a mid-century small-town vibe.

The community recalls its proud mining heritage - “iron” is in its name for a reason - through murals, monuments, and historical sites.

Businesses’ names also hint at the region’s history.

​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.

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 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.

You can even take a tour of the ​​Stormy Kromer factory while you’re in town. Be sure to book in advance, though.

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.

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.

Copper Peak, home to the largest ski jump in the Western Hemisphere, is an attraction for summer and fall visitors. It's a great day trip destination in Michigan.

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 surrounded by state and national forest land and rolling, rocky hills (hence the mining and skiing).

You’ll find hiking, biking, and off-roading trails throughout the area. This locale happens to have the highest concentration of waterfalls in Michigan, so there are plenty of them to chase.

Paddlers will enjoy both whitewater on the area’s rivers and flat water on its lakes.

You can even try your hand at paddling the largest lake in the world on nearby Lake Superior.

There is definitely something magical about this part of Michigan.

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. If you've been to this town, please tell us your recommendations for visitors to explore while they are here!

While you are preparing for your trip, you will find some great clothing and outdoor gear options for any time of the year at LL Bean.