Stop in Iron Mountain while driving along the Michigan-Wisconsin border to discover a vibrant small town steeped in Italian culture and iron mining heritage.
While in town, you can savor diverse international cuisines, tour a World War II-era military museum and enjoy live entertainment in a historic theater. On a weekend morning, browse art, baked goods and produce from local vendors, with cash on hand.
The town is rich in 19th century iron mining history, and the former Millie Mine shaft is now a popular destination to watch evening bat flights. The site, fenced off with a cage over the open mine shaft to prevent falls and interference with the bats, offers bat lovers an opportunity to see swarms of bats, particularly in the spring and fall.
Iron Mountain is the sister city of Sassoferrato, Italy, a nod to the U.P. town’s tight-knit Italian American community, which traces roots to 19th century mining immigrants.
Spend the day unwinding in nature, camping or embracing summer sports at local parks and campgrounds in the Iron Mountain area.
“Where else in the U.P. can you travel back in time to see a WWII glider, shoot down the region’s most intense rapids or see some of the country’s best athletes prepare for the Olympics? Dickinson County takes you on a journey both historical and modern, from our museums to everyday fun rafting, golfing, skiing and more,” the Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association says.
Here’s what to know when visiting Iron Mountain.
Where is Iron Mountain?
Iron Mountain is a city of about 7,500 residents, located along the Michigan-Wisconsin border in the western Upper Peninsula.
Iron Mountain native Tom Izzo, a descendant of the city’s Finnish and Italian immigrant communities, has risen to fame as Michigan State University men’s basketball head coach. Steve Mariucci, Izzo’s fellow Iron Mountain native and childhood best friend, is an NFL analyst and was an NFL head coach for the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions for nine years.
Enjoy an evening show at The Braumart
Spend an evening at the historic The Braumart theater to enjoy live entertainment in the heart of downtown Iron Mountain.
Opened in 1925 as a movie theater, the venue switched to hosting live performances in the 1990s, and now features live music, theatre, dance and classic movies, per its website.
“The Braumart Theater opened in Downtown Iron Mountain in April, 1925. The Braumart name is a composite of the theater’s owners: August Brauns and Martin Thomas. Brauns and Thomas were key figures in Dickinson County’s public entertainment market,” the venue’s website says.
This summer, the lineup includes a comedy show, children’s theatre performances and a Wisconsin band’s concert.
Explore the great outdoors
Iron Mountain and its surrounding area offer several parks and campgrounds with space for outdoor recreation. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, fish, hunt or camp, there are plenty of options.
“Experience the vibrant outdoors of Iron Mountain, MI! Enjoy thrilling adventures like hiking scenic trails, mountain biking challenging paths, and exploring the region by ATV. Experience a thrilling rafting trip or cast a line for a rewarding fishing experience. Relax at a scenic campsite, or perfect your swing on one of the area’s picturesque golf courses. Iron Mountain offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and unforgettable memories,” the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area says.
In addition to nearby state parks and national forests, consider a stop at Iron Mountain City Park, Lake Antoine Park, Hanbury Lake Park or Summer Breeze Campground.
Discover World War II-era history at local museum
The World War II Glider and Military Museum in town takes visitors back in time with exhibits of World War II-era military aircraft, military uniforms, cars, gas station and more artifacts.
The museum is a nod to the World War II-era Ford Motor plant in nearby Kingsford, just south of Iron Mountain.
“During World War II, the Ford Motor Company’s plant in Kingsford built more Model CG-4A Gliders for the United States Army than any other company in the nation at less cost than other manufacturers. The glider featured in this museum is one of only seven fully restored CG-4A World War II gliders in the world,” the museum’s website says.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays. Admission costs $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and veterans, $5 for students and children under 5 get in free.
Grab a bite at local eateries
Downtown Iron Mountain features restaurants, cafes and bars serving up a variety of tasty eats and drinks.
Classic American fare can be found at Superior Bagels & Subs LLC, Iron Mountain A & W, S & J Foods food truck or B’s Country Cafe and Catering. Grab a slice of pizza at Blackstone Pizza, Antonio’s or Hunt Brothers Pizza.
Restaurants like Romagnoli’s, Kutsara Philippine Cuisine, Carlos Cantina, Spiro’s Downtown Restaurant or 151 Thai Bistro reflect the city’s international cuisine scene, from Italian to Mexican to Asian eateries.
If you’d like to grab drinks on an evening out with friends, head to the Wild Horse Saloon, Polly’s or Bimbo’s Wine Press.
For a sweet treat, stop at The Ice Cream Barn, Midnight’s Bakehouse, U.P. Sweets or even national chain Dunkin’. Grab your morning cup of joe at Moose Jackson Cafe or Contrast Coffee Co. or savor Asian-style boba drinks at Bes.Teas Tea Stand.
Browse fresh produce at farmer’s market
The Iron Mountain Farmers & Artisans Market provides an opportunity to shop from local vendors selling goods ranging from fresh produce to crafts, flowers and plants, baked goods, honey and maple syrup, per the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority.
“The FAM is a great place to enjoy a sense of community while supporting local vendors and downtown businesses,” the Downtown Development Authority’s website says.
The market typically features live music performances while you’re shopping, weather permitting. Be sure to bring cash, as most vendors opt for cash only payment.
The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays through Oct. 10.
Michigan Connect Editor Dan Basso contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tom Izzo’s from Iron Mountain, but there’s more to city. What to know
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jenna Prestininzi, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
