Summer Information For Central Upper Peninsula In Michigan






Mar 19, 10

Central Upper Peninsula
Michigan

History and Culture in a Beautiful Setting

The central region of Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers a wide variety of historical, cultural and recreational endeavors.

Outdoor enthusiasts will not be disappointed here. Miles and miles of trails, beautiful lakes and rivers, and thousands of acres of woods provide the perfect setting for a variety of activities.

Hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, camp or fish. Fishing enthusiasts can find challenges casting their lines into the Menominee, Michigamme and Sturgeon rivers, just to name a few.

There are hiking trails throughout the region, including those located in state and city parks. Fumee Lake Natural Area, Iron Mountain City Park, Riverside Park and Silver Lake Resort all offer a variety of trails ranging in length from one to nine miles.

If you're looking for some more excitement, try rafting Piers Gorge on the Menominee River. This is said to be the most challenging section of white water in the Midwest, plummeting down a 10-foot waterfall and tumbling through canyons.

Fumee Lake and Fumee Falls, near Quinnesec, are worth checking into as well. Picnic by the picturesque falls or hike, bike and horseback ride around the lake. This wild life recharge area has 137 species of birds, 270 species of plants and 38 species of animals and reptiles. Fishing, hunting and motors are prohibited at this time.

History and Mining

Several museums provide visitors a look at days gone by. The Menominee Range Historical Foundation Museum and the Cornish Pumping Engine & Mining Museum are both located in Iron Mountain.

The former public library, built in 1901, houses the Menominee Range museum. Several authentic, life-size displays depict life in the earlier days of Dickinson County and the Menominee Range, including a livery stable, barber shop and doctor's office.

The Cornish museum features the largest steam engine ever built in North America. The engine is patterned after the pumping engines used to take water out of the mines in Cornwall and is capable of pumping 3,400 gallons per minute. Other exhibits include mining equipment, geological specimens, historic photographs and artifacts.

Since mining is key to the area's history, you won't want to miss touring the Iron Mountain Mine. Guides take you through 2,600feet of underground drifts and tunnels to 400 feet below the surface. View lighted underground caverns and the world's oldest rock formations.