The City of Ironwood, located in Gogebic County in the western Upper Peninsula, is quickly becoming the “discovered” jewel of the north! Commonly referred to as the “Western Gateway to Michigan”, Ironwood is realizing a renaissance that is returning the city to its historical place as the areas leader in shopping, industry and culture.
As with many of the communities of Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula, the decline and eventual extinction of the mining industry brought depression and despair to Golf Course the once wealthy Gogebic Range. While many communities would have simply thrown in the towel, the people of Ironwood and the surrounding area regrouped, and began the transformation that is still taking place today.
The economy of Ironwood, as well as Gogebic County, has evolved from being one Man and Boy Fishing dimensional, to a diverse and well-rounded market. While many think of the western UP as being in the wilderness, one-visit surprises most that choose to explore the area. In the summer there is fishing, biking, hiking, waterfalls (there are dozens) and the mother of all lakes, the majestic Superior. As the seasons change, the color of the northern hardwoods becomes more brilliant than words can describe. In winter there is snowmobiling, skiing at Powderhorn, Blackjack and Indianhead, as well as at Gogebic Community College, home to one of the countries premier ski hill management programs.
So come, enjoy the beauty of Ironwood and Gogebic County. As with the author, you may just find yourself looking for a new home.