A forested setting draws buyers to Iron River
In Iron River, residents and visitors alike enjoy the scenic views, outdoor adventures and quiet setting. The area first experienced substantial growth when early settlers discovered nearby iron ore deposits, attracting those seeking mining work. Lumber camps followed suit, using the nearby railroads to transport their goods. The two industries that relied heavily on the land largely came to a halt more than a century ago, but Iron River remains a place where residents are closely connected to the land. "The big draw of the area is the forest and the open space," says Stephen Remondini, an associate broker at Stephen's Real Estate and lifelong local of Iron River. "There are over 300 lakes throughout the county, so everyone is within a short drive of somewhere to boat or fish, too." The community of about 3,000 full-time residents is slowly shrinking. However, new people are still moving in – attracted to the area for more than just its natural surroundings. "I have a few friends in their 30s moving back to the area because they're done with the big city life and the cost," Remondini says.
Iron River's reasonably priced homes attract some seasonal residents
Bungalows, Cape Cods, and ranch-style homes from the first half of the 20th century are common, with prices ranging from $45,000 to $150,000. "Our homes are so much more affordable than other places that it affects the local real estate," Remondini says. "We have buyers coming up from Wisconsin cities since the prices here are way lower." Cabins and log homes, usually found near the forests and lakes of the surrounding county, are often used as vacation homes by anglers and hunters. "About 50% of the people who own homes here are only here seasonally," Remondini says. They range between $180,000 and $640,000, depending on location and size.
Skiing, hunting and fishing are popular in the area
Nature preserves, national forests, lakes and campgrounds are around the county, within an hour's drive of Iron River. "The outdoors are the brunt of why people come here," Remondini says. Ski Brule has downhill skiing and snowboarding, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in the forests during winter. "People hunt and fish throughout every season," Remondini says. "And you can bike, hike, camp and snowmobile." Back in the city, residents play baseball, tennis and pickleball at Nelson Field. The park, where the local schools play their sports, has a football field, a rubber track and a playground.
The elementary and high school share a campus
Stambaugh Elementary School serves students from prekindergarten through fifth grade and holds a B rating from Niche. West Iron County High School, rated B-minus, educates students from sixth grade through 12th grade. Both schools share a campus and are connected by an atrium. Across all grade levels, there is a one-to-one student-to-device ratio: kindergarteners use iPads in class, while older students each have a Chromebook. Through Michigan’s Schools of Choice program, students may attend any public school outside their home district.
A coffee shop and a grocery store are in town
The small shopping and dining strip along Genesee Street has local stores, including a gift shop, a boutique, an outdoor gear store and a drugstore. Contrast Coffee Co. moved along the main street from one location to another, adding more seating space for patrons to enjoy the shop's coffee, tea and light bites. Super One Foods and Dollar General are in town, and the nearest Walmart is in Iron Mountain. "It's only about 45 minutes away," Remondini says. "But most people just order stuff online if they can wait a few days for their items."
A rodeo has come to town for decades
The Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo has been running for almost 60 years at the arena in Bachman Park, with events like bull riding, steer wrestling, bareback horse riding, barrel racing and more. "It draws people from all over the country," Remondini says. The event takes place over one summer weekend, and the arena is used for more local events, like demolition derbies and the county fair.
Major employers are far away, but some residents work remotely
U.S. Route 2 and Michigan state highways 189 and 73 are the main roads serving the area. Iron Mountain lies about 45 miles southeast via Route 2. While some residents commute outside Iron River for work, many work remotely or are employed at Aspirus Iron River Hospital, according to Remondini. The closest airport offering international flights is Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
