Spring comes late up here and all at once: the rivers run high with snowmelt, trout season opens the last Saturday in April, and the morels follow in the hardwoods. Here's a Friday-to-Sunday plan built around the places that are actually open.
Come from late April on. The trout opener is the weekend the county wakes up, and from then into June the rivers are full, the woods go green and the small towns settle into their warm-weather hours.
Some things wait a little longer. A Bit of Whimsy in Iron River starts its Saturday hours on May 1. Paddle rentals at Bewabic State Park start on Memorial Day. The Iron County Historical Museum opens its exhibits in June, and the Crystal Theatre starts its season that month too.
Early April is still winter at Ski Brule, snow permitting: its last posted day is the $100 Carload Day on Saturday, April 10, 2027. Whenever you come, pack waterproof boots and check the Iron River forecast the week before.
Spring evenings stay light a long while, so you'll roll into town with time to spare. Riverside Pizzeria on Genesee Street opens every day at 4. Bring cash, because the Iron River shop doesn't take cards.
For a sit-down dinner, Miners' Nine serves Wednesday through Saturday, 11 to 10, on the old Hiawatha Mine site, and it's open to the public. If you're coming in through Crystal Falls before 4 on a Friday, stop at Sommers Sausage Shop for something to take back to your room.
Start early. Contrast Coffee in downtown Iron River opens at 7 on Saturdays, and Seven Embers out on US-2 opens at 6, with the patio open once it's warm. Then pick one outing for the morning. Hover or tap a card for more.
The Brule, Cooks Run, the Fence, the Iron and the Paint.
MoreOpening day is Saturday, April 24, 2027 (check the 2027 Fishing Guide). Before you go, stop at Dark Waters Fly Shop, inside Contrast Coffee, and ask what's working. Call ahead for spring hours. Our trout guide has the streams and the rules.
Horserace Rapids is the spring stop.
MoreA short walk and a set of wooden steps take you to a clifftop view of the Paint River at Horserace. The road to Chicagon Falls washes out in spring, so if it's soft, stop driving and walk in. See our waterfalls guide.
May is morel month in Michigan.
MoreWalk the hardwoods slowly with a mesh bag. Morels you pick on public land are for your own table and can't be sold. Our morel guide covers where to look.
The Apple Blossom Trail, or the trails at Young's.
MoreThe Apple Blossom Trail runs about two miles between Caspian and Iron River from Nanaimo Park. For more miles, Young's has over 13 miles of trail around Scott Lake; check in at the pro shop. More in our hiking and biking guide.
Inland lakes open Saturday, May 15, 2027.
MoreCheck the 2027 Fishing Guide for the date. Our best lakes guide names the walleye lakes worth the drive, and the fishing guide has seasons and licenses.
Two public courses, no membership needed.
MoreYoung's plays 18 holes along Chicaugon Lake, and Miners' Nine is in Iron River. Neither posts an opening date, so call before you bring your clubs.
Have lunch at Logans' Place on Superior Avenue, which serves breakfast until noon on Saturdays and stays open until 7. Then walk over to the Harbour House Museum, a 1904 home open Saturdays from noon to 4, and up to the courthouse on the hill.
Finish a few miles away at Alpha Michigan Brewing on the Circle in Alpha. They bake pizza there, and on Fridays it's a pizza and two pints for $20. Check their hours before you go. From May 1, A Bit of Whimsy in Iron River is open Saturdays from 10 to 4 if you'd rather shop.
After a day outside, you'll want a real dinner and an early night. FireBrick Bar & Grill at Young's serves Thursday through Saturday from noon to 9. If you'd rather eat early, Kermit's Pizza Pub & Grill in Iron River opens at 11, but the grill closes at 6.
Breakfast first. Mr. T's Family Restaurant on US-2 opens daily at 6 and serves breakfast all day, and Contrast Coffee is open from 7 to 2 on Sundays. Seven Embers is closed Sundays.
Then walk it off at Bewabic State Park on Fortune Lake, where the trails pass the old Civilian Conservation Corps buildings. You'll need a Recreation Passport on your car. Take a different road home; our scenic drives guide has a few. Coming back in winter? Here's the winter weekend plan.
Six weekends in spring 2027 worth building a trip around. The fishing dates follow the usual rules; check the 2027 Fishing Guide before you book.
Horserace, Chicagon and the other falls, with the honest word on spring roads.
Waterfalls guide →
When they come up, where to look, and the rules on public land.
Morel guide →
Town trails, forest loops and the miles around Scott Lake.
Hiking & biking guide →
Rivers, lakes and where to rent a boat once the season starts.
Paddling guide →Opening days, size limits and the special trout-stream rules. The 2027 Fishing Guide comes out in early spring.
DNR Fishing RulesMore ways to spend April, May and June here, and the events calendar for what's on the weekend you come.
Spring Things to DoYes, from late April on. The rivers run high, the waterfalls are at their loudest, trout season opens and the trails are quiet. Early April can still be winter, so pack for both.
Most restaurants and coffee shops are open, including Contrast Coffee, Riverside Pizzeria and Logans' Place. A Bit of Whimsy adds Saturday hours on May 1, paddle rentals at Bewabic State Park start on Memorial Day, and the Iron County Historical Museum opens its exhibits in June. Call ahead, since small-town hours shift in spring.
The last Saturday in April, which is April 24 in 2027. Check the 2027 Fishing Guide to confirm, and see our trout fishing guide for Iron County streams.
Late April to mid-June, with May the best month. Morels picked on public land are for personal use and can't be sold. Our morel guide has more.
Memorial Day services across the county, the first paddle rentals at Bewabic State Park, the bass opener, and usually an anniversary party at Alpha Michigan Brewing (check the date). Our Memorial Day guide has the details.
For coffee, Contrast Coffee and Seven Embers in Iron River. For breakfast, Mr. T's in Iron River or Logans' Place in Crystal Falls. For dinner, Riverside Pizzeria (cash only), Miners' Nine, Kermit's and FireBrick at Young's.
Pick your weekend, book a room, and bring boots that don't mind mud. The rivers will be running when you get here.
Spring, Travel Planning and tagged spring, Travel Planning.
Morel Mushroom Hunting in Iron County, Michigan
Waterfalls in Iron County, Michigan
Christmas Tree Galleria in Caspian, MI
Trout Fishing in Iron County, Michigan
906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917
906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
906-822-7713
1968 US 141 Highway
Amasa, MI 49903
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.
