Iron Mountain, Michigan: The Midwest's Biggest Secret!

One of the most hidden of places in the United States is Iron Mountain, MI. Located nearly three hours from the Canadien border, Iron Mountain is in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan. This hidden gem has winter lows of nearly 30 below zero, but in the summer time, life is good! With an abundance of beauty and activities, this choice for a family vacation will not only be easy on the eyes but on the wallet as well.

Iron Mountain, MI is a little more than five hours north of Chicago, Illinois. Surrounded by the Great Lakes, you will never be at a loss of things to do. Beautiful water falls, campgrounds, museums, brewery's and even bat caves will fill your days with excitement. Here are just a few of the great adventures your family could enjoy.

PIERS GORGE

Located just minutes from Iron Mountain in a little town called Norway is one of the most challenging sections of white water rapids in the Midwest, United States. This section of the Menominee River boasts a ten-foot water fall, fierce canyon walls and beautifully powerful hydraulics that only a seasoned river rafter could appreciate.

For those a little less adventurous, a trail winds along the river with perfect visual access to all the joys of the rapids without the adrenaline.

FUMEE FALLS AND FUMEE LAKE

Even closer to Iron Mountain in the tiny town of Quinnesec are the Fumee Falls and Fumee Lake. The falls are located directly off of the major roadway (US 2) and are accessible on foot with picnic tables, water and public restrooms available.

The Fumee Lake is an area of actually two lakes that pride themselves on providing great biking, hiking and horseback riding on its five miles of shoreline. The area serves as a wildlife refuge and is the home to 137 bird species and 38 animal-reptile species.

CORNISH PUMP MUSEUM

The museum is the home of on 8 ½' WW II glider replica and a 725-steeple compound condensing engine. The engine is said to best the largest of its kind in the world and is able to pump nearly 4.5 million gallons of water daily. The pump raises 54' from the floor to the ceiling.

HOUSE OF YESTERYEAR

This simple museum will surprise you with its hidden treasures. Housing more than thirty vintage cars ranging in years from 1904-1949, hand powered vacuums, dog powered washing machines, foot operated dentist drills and farm equipment more than 150 years old. This museum is a must see for the historian in all of us.

PINE MOUNTAIN SKI JUMP

The home to an international ski jump competition each year, the Pine Mountain Ski Jump is best seen covered in winter snow. But, in Iron Mountain, that snow will still be around if you decide to visit for Spring Break most years. The 123.5 meter ski slide is the world's highest artificial ski jump. With skiers hitting speeds of 55-60 miles per hour on the slide and more than 65 miles per hour upon landing, this is an adventure for the adrenaline junkie in us all.

MILLIE MINE BAT CAVES

This 350-foot deep cave has a constant temperature of 40 degrees and is the home to seven species of bat from five different states and even Canada. These numbers make the Millie Mine Bat Caves the second largest known hibernating colony of bats in North America.

Iron Mountain, MI may be a diamond in the rough, but it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived. From cold, snowy days to warm, lovely summers, I miss the beauty and simplicity every day of my life. Take time to visit the Midwest's biggest secret, Iron Mountain, MI.