Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has some pretty fantastic destinations. There’s just something about this area that makes it feel different than anywhere else. One of these destinations is Lake Gogebic State Park that oozes natural beauty. The park and the surrounding area has so much to offer!
The Park
Located right on Lake Gogebic near Ironwood, MI, this park is gorgeous. You can find a beach house, playground for the kids and boat launch to get out on the lake! You can enjoy metal detecting in the approved areas of this park to see what kind of treasure you can come up with! This park has been around for many years, and you can even visit a couple of gravestones that were uncovered long after the area was turned into a park. It’s not known for sure whom these graves belong to, as the information in the National Archives came up empty. The stones are marked “1822 JOHN KEY” and “1824 WHITH” but the only information anyone could come up with was possibly on John Key who is believed to have been a fur trader.
Trails
The Lake Gogebic Forest Trail winds for 2 miles past the lake and through the forest. On this trail you can hike in the warmer months and cross-country ski in the winter months. Once the snow falls, you’ll notice that all the snowmobiles come out. With a typical annual snowfall of about 300 inches, this is the most efficient way to get around. So take to the trails in a snowmobile for some fast, exhilarating fun!
Lake Gogebic
This is the largest inland lake in the UP and is exquisite all year round! When you visit during the summer, be sure to pack your swimsuit, as there are a lot of lake activities in which to partake! You can go swimming, take in some paddle boarding, or cruise around in a kayak or canoe!
Get out your fishing poles and get ready to catch dinner! This lake is home to jumbo perch, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, and whitefish. No matter what your level of expertise, you’ll have something to go after! And when you’re done, take it back to your campsite or use one of the grills in the park to create a delicious meal!
Camping
Boasting 127 campsites, some modern and some semi-modern, there’s sure to be one to fit your needs! While none are full hookups, they do offer electric and have a dump station as well as an area where you can fill your fresh tank! You’ll also find modern restrooms with showers!
In the Area
The beauty of the area will captivate you, from old mines and mountains to stunning waterfalls. It’s surely a sight to see! Check these places out!
Copper Peak
Ride 800 feet up in a chairlift and then take an 18-story elevator ride up to the observation deck of Copper Peak. It’s the only ski-flying hill in the Midwest and it once hosted many skiers who wanted the thrill of speeding down a ramp and jumping through the air! From the peak you can see three different states and sometimes even Canada on a clear day! This takes you so high up in the air you can see the entire area in one view.
Old Victoria Copper Mine
The UP was once a huge mining area as it’s rich in natural copper! One of the many mining towns was Old Victoria. In the late 1920s, the mine started to fail and the town began to shut down. Desiring to preserve the history of the area, some of the locals pooled their resources in the 70s to help save it from becoming a ghost town. It has since become a historic site where you can learn a lot about the area and the mining industry.
The Bergland/Matchwood Museum
Housed in an old ranger station, this museum features different themes in each room. You can learn about the founding family of the area, the logging era, and old school houses. Then you can make your way upstairs to learn all about the copper mining operations in the area. You can discover a lot about this small quaint area and its rich history!
Waterfalls
What’s better than a waterfall? Twelve waterfalls! There are 12 waterfalls within 12 miles of Lake Gogebic! Head to the east to find Bond and Agate Falls. To the northwest you can find Manebehzo, Nawadaha, and Nimikon Falls. Pack a picnic and head out to one of these majestic waterfalls! Be sure to bring your camera!
This alluring area is sure to charm you with all the fascinating views it has to offer. You’ll feel that you’re truly one with nature in and around Lake Gogebic State Park.
