Ironwood offers outdoor adventure in a community-oriented setting
Carrying the motto of "Find Your North", Ironwood is situated in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, home to a population of around 5,000. Once a mining town, it's now known for its abundance of outdoor recreational options, especially in the winter. "Ironwood is centrally located to metro areas like Duluth, and it's only 20 minutes from Lake Superior. It's an outdoorsy community, since we've got so many ski hills and trails," says Karen Gullan, a local Realtor with Snow Country Real Estate who's been selling homes since 1982. "We're at the farthest western point in Michigan, right on the state line to Wisconsin. People move here looking to escape city life." Alongside its outdoor appeal, Ironwood is anchored by an active downtown scene that spotlights local businesses, emphasizing its community-oriented nature.
Diverse outdoor recreation, from ski hills to multi-use trails
Outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant in Ironwood, no matter the season. The community has several green spaces, the largest being Miners Memorial Heritage Park, situated at the heart of Ironwood. At 165 acres, it has the essentials that most main city parks provide, from a ball field, dog park and adjacent playground. "The memorial park is built where the old mines were. It has a ton of trails that people use for walking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, depending on the season," Gullan says, and points out that there are three major ski hills within a 14-mile radius of Ironwood. "There are also big waterfalls all over the area, and you can hike down to them right off the roads around town." Ironwood is the starting point of the Iron Belle Trail, a paved pathway that runs over 2,000 miles through Michigan and reaches Detroit. Maintained trails meant for motorized vehicles cut their way through town, which Gullan says are used for snowmobiling in winter and ATVs during summer.
Early 1900s homes dominate Ironwood’s residential landscape
The residential streets are quiet in Ironwood, lined with early 20th-century homes that have either been renovated or await a fresh update. While the community might not have the newest construction, the architecture is diverse, ranging from traditional National Folk styles to Craftsman homes and cottages. "Many people come here from the bigger cities, either getting a second home or retiring here," Gullan says. "Our population is small, and it feels rural. It's very much geared toward people who want to play where they live for a more affordable cost." Vintage properties under 1,000 square feet or needing renovation typically sell between $20,000 and $100,000. Larger, remodeled vintage homes and the rare modern home sell between $150,000 and $380,000.
Independent stores and eateries thrive in downtown Ironwood
Ironwood's commitment to integrating nature into every corner of the community extends to its downtown square, where pocket parks dot their way along the streets. In downtown Ironwood, the local is emphasized through independently owned boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Rigoni's Bakery has been in operation since 1972 when miners were stopping by before heading off to work, and today, it's still doling out fresh bread and pasties. It's one of many stops that have been serving the community for decades, alongside a couple of newcomers, such as Cold Iron Brewing. There are grocers and big-box stores such as Walmart on the north side.
The long-running Jack Frost Festival
Ironwood keeps a packed schedule with events around the community, and the Jack Frost Festival is a stand-out annual celebration. Starting at the end of November and ending in late January, the festival celebrates the winter months with light displays, snowmobile races and craft nights. Holiday movies are screened at the Historic Ironwood Theatre, non-profits run charity raffles and people gather from surrounding counties to participate in skiing competitions.
Ironwood's main school offers career programs and winter sports
The community has one central public education institution, the Luther L. Wright K-12 School, which is operated by Ironwood Area Schools. Luther L. Wright receives a B from Niche and offers several career and technical education programs in partnership with Gogebic Community College. "The community college has a very popular ski management program, since there are so many resorts in the Upper Peninsula," Gullan says. "The kids going to Luther learn how to ski and ice skate during gym class."
Commuting in and around the Midwestern region
Several major roads run around Ironwood's borders, including Route 51, also referred to as the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, and Highway 2. Spanning roughly 305 miles, Highway 2 is a key thoroughfare for the Midwestern region. The community has a small but central medical center, Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, near the northeast side. While regional airports are around Ironwood's immediate area, most will drive 114 miles to fly out of Duluth International Airport on major airlines.
