906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
Best Lakes in Iron County Michigan
Summer in Iron County is centered around the water. Across the county, lakes surrounded by forest, quiet shorelines, and small Upper Peninsula communities create easy opportunities for boating, paddling, swimming, fishing, and relaxing outdoors.
With more than 200 lakes throughout the region, visitors can spend a full weekend exploring different parts of Iron County while still staying close to the water. Some lakes are better known for beach access and family recreation, while others offer quieter settings for kayaking, scenic drives, and peaceful summer afternoons.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or adding a lake stop to a larger Upper Peninsula road trip, Iron County offers a slower and more scenic summer experience built around the outdoors.
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Chicaugon Lake
near Iron River is one of the area’s larger lakes and a popular spot for boating, fishing, and summer recreation. The lake’s open water and wooded shoreline make it a scenic stop for families and visitors spending time outdoors during the warmer months.
Fortune Lake
Fortune Lake is home to Bewabic State Park and offers boating, swimming, paddling, camping, and shoreline recreation during the summer season.
The park includes a public boat launch, hiking trails, day-use areas, and both modern and rustic campsites surrounded by forest and lake scenery. Fortune Lake is part of the Fortune Lakes Chain and is a popular stop for visitors exploring outdoor recreation near Crystal Falls.
Ice Lake
Ice Lake offers a quieter setting near Iron River surrounded by forest and natural shoreline. The lake is well suited for kayaking, boating, fishing, and enjoying a slower-paced summer day on the water.
Pentoga Lake
Pentoga Lake near Iron River is connected to Pentoga Park and offers public lake access, camping, swimming, and boating opportunities surrounded by forest scenery.
The lake is a popular summer destination for visitors looking to spend time outdoors near the water.
Runkle Lake
Runkle Lake offers a quieter lake setting surrounded by forest and Northwoods scenery near Iron River. The lake is well suited for boating, fishing, paddling, and relaxing summer days near the water.
Where to Stay in Iron County
Make your trip easy by staying right here in Iron County. The Iron County Lodging Council represents locally owned hotels and lodging options that put you close to the area’s top attractions, events, trails, and outdoor recreation.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, attending a local event, or building a longer Upper Peninsula adventure, staying in Iron County means less driving, more time exploring, and comfortable places to unwind at the end of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer, Things to do, Travel Planning and tagged boating, camping, canoeing, crystal falls michigan, family fun, fishing, iron county michigan, iron river michigan, kayak, lakes, state parks, swimming.
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Rewarding Places to Stay in Michigan
AmericInn
by Wyndham
Chicaugon
Lake Inn
906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917
Lakeshore Motel
Ice Lake
906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Pioneer
Lodge
800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Ski Brule
Village
800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Tall
Pines
906-822-7713
1968 US 141 Highway
Amasa, MI 49903
Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide
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.