Iron Mountain Travel Guide, Michigan

Iron Mountain, MI US - Overview: Blessed By Nature

The city of Iron Mountain is one of the largest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula regions. With a population of 8,154 as per the 2000 census, the residents of Iron Mountain live in the lap of nature. Blessed with green forests, crisp-air and numerous streams, it is one of the few cities that have retained their flavor without compromising on growth.

Loved by wildlife

No other city could possibly pride itself in the harmonious co-existence of its residents and wildlife. Far from the present day condition of most metropolitan cities, it is easy to spot some lovely birds and animals in Iron Mountain. While there are exotic birds and animals that can be spotted more easily here than in the woods of other cities, Iron Mountain’s Millie Hill mine, which was shut down long ago, provides shelter to anywhere between 25,000 - 50,000 bats in the winters.

Discovery of Iron Mountain

Found in 1879 by Dr. Nelson Powell Hulst & James John Hagerman, who had bought some land and then explored its mining areas, Iron Mountain is home to Chapin Mine. Chapin Mine is one of the greatest iron mines in the world. It was because of its mining culture that migrants from parts of Italy, Sweden and Cornwall were attracted to this region to work and have left behind their own ethnic cultures and cuisines, which are now a part of this city.

Iron Mountain’s Sportsmanship

This city does not have nature in its favor only for landscaping purposes but also takes full advantage of its natural wealth. Well-maintained water bodies allow for sports like fishing, boating, white-water rafting and swimming. Come winter and the city is flocked by all kinds of snow-sport enthusiasts from amateurs to experts. It is home to one of the longest artificial ski jumps around the world, the Pine Mountain ski jump.

Golf is a popular sport in Iron Mountain having nine fantastic golf courses surrounded by water bodies and lush forests. Other sports predominant in these areas are hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking and biking.

Art

While Iron Mountain has created history with its mining industry and the popularity of the world’s largest steam engine which was designed in 1890, it is also known for its active participation in the field of arts and music, as well as in the organization of related events.

Among the structures, which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the 1896 built Dickinson County Court House and Jail Complex is very popular. Additionally, Chapin Mine Pumping Engine found place in the Modern Marvels Series of the World’s Biggest Machines hosted by History Channel.

With its wonderful atmosphere and so many places to see, Iron Mountain is blessed by nature and can be an ideal destination for you.