Points of Interests

WHAT'S WHERE & HOW FAR AWAY FROM IRONWOOD IS IT?

Porcupine Mountains           45 mi
Black River Scenic Byway   15 mi
Copper Peak Ski Flying Hill  15 mi
Little Girls Point                     17 mi

The Ottawa National Forest is huge indeed but Gogebic County Forest is one large forest too.  It has a total of 50,290 acres under its jurisdiction.  The majority of these lands consists of northern hardwoods, aspen and conifer and are productive or harvestable land with the balance being Hemlock stands, open areas, marsh, water, roadways, and certain lowland areas. 

All Gogebic County Forest land is open for use to the public.  There are many spectacular vistas, places of history, and remote areas to "get away and relax".  Areas such as these can be limited and are therefore precious resources to a great many of us.  Many pristine and scenic areas are buried deep within the forest, we invite the adventurous side in everyone to get out and visit the Gogebic County Forest lands.  Try and locate these unique places within the forest, it could be an experience you never forget.  But please remember, be respectful when you're on public land and whatever you bring into the forest please bring out, this is a resource we all have to share.

Within the County Forest there are six named lakes and miles of rivers and creeks.  The Forestry and Parks Commission also operates three campgrounds within the County Forest, which are Little Girl’s Point, Lake Gogebic County Park and McDonald Lake Campground.

Over the last several years, the Gogebic County Forestry and Parks Commission have greatly expanded its effort to provide the citizens of Gogebic County and the region with an increased awareness of the importance of forest resources.

This multi-use facility is located on the grounds of the Little Girl's Point County Park.  It has catered to weddings, reunions, school functions, etc.  The Lodge itself offers a great room with a large rock fireplace, modern kitchen facilities, modern bathrooms, and dormitories to accommodate 40 people.  Outside is a covered BBQ area, a fire ring, a horseshoe pit, a large mown lawn, and a walking path down to the shore of Lake Superior. 

Upon acquiring control of the facility in the spring of 2003, the Forestry and Parks Commission immediately began to line up renovations that it felt were necessary if the public were to continue using the facility.  The first project was to reset the exterior walls which were beginning to sag, as soon as that was done, a new roof was installed.  Other projects completed have been, installing a new ceiling, new lighting, placing paneling on the ceiling of the great room and on the walls of the dormitories, new bunks and mattresses have been placed in the dormitories, the rock fireplace has been repaired, a new concrete floor has been poured in the great room, and renovations have also taken place in the kitchen and bathrooms. 

CAMP SUPERIOR OUTDOOR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
The Gogebic County Forestry and Parks Commission continued its commitment to provide staff to support Camp Superior. This partnership with the Community Schools program provides staff that supports the outdoor learning experience by providing a "walk in the forest" for all students. This tour is conducted on County Forest land and is designed to enlighten young minds on the importance of trees and what they provide in their every day lives. Over 250 young people participate in this tour annually.

The Forestry and Parks Commission through educational support also host Gogebic County, Gogebic County Loggers Jamboree, Loggers Education for the Advancement of Professionalism Program (LEAP), Norrie and Bessemer Schools (Master Gardner Club) – 4^th Grade – 100 Students – Teachers and Parents, Yard and Home Show Booth & Display – participated with G.C.D., M.S.U. – 4H Club and 4H Camp – 85 Students, Boy Scouts – Summer Jamboree, and Eagle Scout projects, Harvesting equipment demonstration was held on County land. 

COPPER PEAK
The Copper Peak Sky Flying Hill (daily June-Sept.; weekends Sept.-Oct.) is North America's only ski-flying facility, and event sponsors for international competitions; for a great view of much of three states and Canada, take a chairlift up, then elevator to the top.

Copper Peak in the Black River Valley lies at the western fringe of the Porcupine forest, in the shadow of the long ridge known as Copper Peak.  A country road winds down its valley and through virgin hardwoods.  The river dropping steadily on its way from the rugged uplands down to Lake Superior to the mouth of the Black River where the road ends.

 Even before the Civil War geologist, surveyors and mining prospectors were well aware of “Chippewa Hill”, the location of Copper Peak Ski Flying Hill.  Evidence of copper out-crops allowed exploration of minerals by the Chippewa Mining Company as early as the 1850’s.  While this was part of the “copper rush”, the quantity did not warrant a full scale mining operation.   This was even before the Gogebic Range became active with people in mining camps and towns.  Settlements came around the 1880’s. 

 After the Chippewa Mining Company, the Old Peak Company then prospected Chippewa Hill in 1900.  During the exploration days, the hill was referred to as “Chippewa Bluff” or the “Old Peak.”

 A tunnel about 100 feet into the hillside was created by the Chippewa Mining Company and later the Old Peak dug a test pit there, there are four pits in all.  Evidence of these explorations remains today with three caves carved out of the hillside.   

The Michigan Historical Commission designated Copper Peak as a Michigan Historical Site (292) in 1974 because of its rich copper mining history.   

In 1969-70 the Gogebic Range Ski Corporation built the largest ski jump in the world on Chippewa Hill, which has now been renamed, Copper Peak. Through their vision, commitment, dedication and persistence they were able to serve some of the greatest ski flyer athletes in the world.

 It is interesting to note that during construction of the project, a 104 pound piece of native copper was unearthed.   Today, you can visit Copper Peak and enjoy a variety of activities.  County Road 513, which runs from Black River Harbor along Copper Peak to Bessemer, is essentially an old Native American Trail from Lake Superior to the lake country of Northern Wisconsin. 

Other scenic vistas of the area are Wolf Mountain, Alligator Eye, Lake Of the Clouds, Plymouth Lake, Blaska’s Bluff, Colby Hill, Wolverine Ski Jump, Newport Hill, Mt. Zion, Curry Hill, Bald Mountain, Montreal River Sandstone Cliffs, Geneva Mine area.