Local Treasures 

Museums, Monuments, Music and More

Iron County has a wide variety of art & cultural treasures that will wow music lovers, history buffs and anyone with a desire to challenge their cultural palettes. From historical sites, to art exhibits, to theater and musical performances, Iron County offers something for everyone.

Explore Iron County…

 

Iron County Historical Museum, Caspian

The Iron County Historical Museum is Upper Peninsula’s largest local museum and is located in Caspian, Michigan on nearly 10 acres of land. The former mine site has 26 buildings, over 100 major exhibits and includes two special art galleries. One of these galleries features the art of famous wildlife & landscape artist, Lee LeBlanc.

Crystal Theatre

This historic theatre built in 1927 is a picture of elegance and the home of a rare Steinway Model ‘D’ grand piano. This special place functions as a performing arts center where it hosts a wide variety of theatrical and musical guests. During the spring, summer and fall, there are performances every other weekend.

West Iron District Library

Located in downtown Iron River, the West Iron District Library is your friendly, local resource for fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, music, reference books, internet and printing access as well as engaging programs and events for the whole family.

Heritage Trail

There are many historical treasures that are easily accessible including Native American burial grounds, the Iron County Courthouse,

Harbour House, Mansfield Mine Disaster Site, Pioneer Church, Amasa Museum, Camp Gibbs CCC Camp, Iron County Historical Museum, and a variety of parks and trails.

Iron County Court House, Crystal Falls

The Iron County Courthouse, built in 1890, is listed on the State and National Register of Historical Places and is located on the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan Heritage Trail. A time capsule in commemoration of the year 2000 was buried and will be opened in 2040, the 150th anniversary of the Courthouse. The Courthouse has undergone a complete restoration/renovation after a successful bonding campaign. The vote was 1890 in favor and 918 against. Note: the 1890 approval vote. A good omen for Iron County’s project.

Harbor House Museum

The Crystal Falls Museum Society welcomes you to our beautiful Harbour House Museum.  The former Harbour family home was built at the turn of the 20th century and features a unique architectural steamboat style construction.   The two story building accommodates wrap-around porches on both levels with a marvelous view of the city.  The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites as “The Murphy Home.”.

The Windsor Center, Iron River

A former school building, this renovated historical site is a community recreational and cultural center. Throughout the year the Windsor Center hosts free showings of new release movies, a monthly Open Mic night featuring local music talent, community presentations, fitness classes, and other enrichment courses. For a complete listing of upcoming events visit the website.

Second Sunday Folk Dance, Crystal Falls

Starting in October every fall, this unique event is a series of monthly folk music concerts set in the dance hall at Fortune Lake Camp. It is the largest and longest running event of its kind, bringing in a wide variety of folk bands from all over the country. The event opens at 4 p.m CST with a set by local artists, White Water, followed by the featured guest act. The second half of the event is devoted to instructed dancing that is fun for attendees of all ages!

Covenant Point Bible Camp

Covenant Point is a year-round camp and retreat center with a Christian mission. The facility on Hagerman Lake includes lodging for 200 people and a dining facility to seat 125. They specialize in summer youth and family residential camps and back-country wilderness trips, serving over 750 campers every year. They are licensed in the state of Michigan and accredited by the American Camp Association. Additionally, we offer experiential education and team building services to schools and corporate groups. In 2016, they celebrated 90 years of ministry in Iron County.

 

Camp Batawagama

Camp Batawagama for four generations has been offering an unique experience for campers young and young at heart. Camp Batawagama is nestled in the woods on the shores of Indian Lake, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is a welcoming escape from the busy electronic age we find ourselves living in today. Camp Batawagama was established in 1945 by two Iron County educators who were committed to creating an outdoor education experience for young people; a place they could come to learn camping skills and how to work together all while sharing an appreciation for the wilderness.

 

Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp (FLLC) is located on beautiful Fortune Lake west of Crystal Falls, and is a four-season place of beauty that attracts thousands of visitors every year. They host a variety of summer camps, fall and winter retreats, community events, and educational programming. Groups are also welcome to conduct their own retreats in facilities ranging from rustic to high-comfort accommodations.

 

Lake Ottawa Recreation Area & Campground

This is an Ottawa National Forest recreation site that offers  hiking trails to Orville’s Bench on the Ge-Che trail. The site introduces visitors to one of the most breathtaking natural views in the County.  The pristine lake contains the remnants of some of the area’s earliest residents; prehistoric Indians dating back at least 2,000 years.

 

Apple Blossom Trail

This paved non-motorized pathway along the banks of the Iron River was originally the major corridor for the rail lines that hauled thousands of tons of iron ore fromApple_Blossom_Thumblocal mines to the steel mills of Chicago and Indiana. The site where Harvey Mellon first discovered iron ore in 1851 is along the route.Location: Trail Head located at the Iron County Chamber of Commerce; Access points in downtown Iron River or Caspian.

Select photos by Kevin Zini and Nina Graff