Adventure Awaits Michigan Western Upper Peninsula

Lake Superior

LAKE SUPERIOR
Located 17 miles north of Ironwood.  You can visit Black River Harbor and Little Girl’s Point, two scenic areas in Ironwood Township, north of US2.  Lake Superior is the largest body of fresh water in the world.

The Ojibwe call the lake Gichigami, meaning “big water.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the name as “Gitche Gumee” in The Song of Hiawatha, as did Gordon Lightfoot in his song, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”. The first French explorers approaching the great inland sea by way of the Ottawa River and Lake Huron during the 17th century referred to their discovery as le lac superieur. Properly translated, the expression means “Upper Lake,” that is, the lake above Lake Huron.

BLACK RIVER HARBOR
Known for its spectacular waterfalls, idyllic beaches, scenic hiking trails and tranquil campground, the Black River Harbor Recreation Area is a popular destination throughout the year. Originating in Wisconsin, the Black River flows through forested areas of large pine, hemlock and hardwood trees. The River has a series of scenic waterfalls as it drops in elevation to meet Lake Superior. Tannin (tanic acids)from hemlock trees is what gives it its unique color.

The Harbor offers one of the area’s few access points to Lake Superior, with boating being a major summer time activity. The boat ramp can accommodate almost any craft trailered in. There is no launching fee. Boat fuel and snacks are available through the concessionaire. Parking for trucks and boat trailers is ample.

The National Black River Scenic Byway includes, Great Conglomerate Falls, Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone, and Rainbow Falls. As you visit our waterfalls, stop and take notice of the signs explaining the conglomerate rock formations.

Directions: From Hwy. US 2 in Bessemer take Powderhorn Rd North. When you come to the T in the road at the stop sign, make a left hand turn on Black River Rd. You will find all the waterfalls on this Road. This road is approximately 14 miles long, ending in the only Harbor & Marina operated by the USDA Forest Service in the lower 48 states.

Gabbro Falls/Bakers Falls
Great Conglomerate Falls
Potawatomi Falls
Gorge Falls
Sandstone Falls
Rainbow Falls

 

LITTLE GIRLS POINT
The Little Girl’s Point Park, established as a recreational facility by Gogebic County in 1920, is located at E1930 Lake Road in Ironwood, Michigan along the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. There are 29 electric (30-50 amp power), and 2 non-electric campsites available for nightly or monthly reservations. Little Girl’s Point County Campground features breathtaking views of Lake Superior as well as two pavilions with grills and picnic tables, walking trails, and recently updated playground equipment. Within the park boundaries, the mouth of Oman’s Creek offers boating access.

Camping, swimming, fishing, rockhounding, boating, and sightseeing are all ways to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of Lake Superior and Little Girl’s Point County Park. On most days the Porcupine Mountains are clearly visible to the west and the Apostle Islands are visible to the northwest. The sunsets are spectacular during the camping season and during the off-season winter months there are often massive ice formations along the shore of the beach.

Amenities available for day use include walking paths, access to the Lake Superior beach, playground equipment, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. The pavilion(s) can also be reserved for a fee.

 

After the park opens you may contact the park caretaker directly to make a reservation at (906)932-1913.