Iron County Lodging Association

Category Archives: Travel Planning

Snow white Owl Perched on a Bent Branch staring at the camera enjoying the first snow
Experience the Magic of First Snow in Iron County, Michigan

The first measurable snow in Iron County signals the start of winter in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Forests, lakes, and trails transform into a quiet white landscape, marking the shift from fall color to crisp adventure. This will cover when the first snow typically arrives, what it means for travelers, and how to plan your early season getaway with confidence. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder, scenic solitude, or a cozy family stay, Iron County offers an early start to Michigan’s winter … read more Experience the Magic of First Snow in Iron County, Michigan

Why Your Next Iron County Getaway Should Be a Mid-Week Trip

Trade weekend traffic for tranquil lakes and open trails! Escape the Crowds: Discover the Magic of a Mid-Week Trip to Iron County We all know the feeling. The work week ends, and the desperate rush for a weekend escape begins. We battle traffic, jockey for reservations, and arrive at our destination only to find it just as crowded as the city we left behind. But what if there was a better way? What if the secret to a truly restorative … read more Why Your Next Iron County Getaway Should Be a Mid-Week Trip

Kayaking down the rapids, navigating rocks on a river in Iron County, Michigan, on a cloudy day.
Explore Iron County by Water: Kayaking and Canoeing in the U.P.

Paddle Lakes and Rivers Throughout Iron County Kayaking and canoeing are some of the easiest ways to experience Iron County during the warmer months. With hundreds of lakes, quiet rivers, and smaller inland waterways spread throughout the region, paddlers can find everything from calm beginner-friendly water to longer scenic river routes across Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula. Many visitors spend time exploring smaller lakes near Iron River, Crystal Falls, Alpha, and Caspian while combining paddling with fishing, swimming, scenic drives, and … read more Explore Iron County by Water: Kayaking and Canoeing in the U.P.

2026 Permit FREE Fishing, ATV/ORV Weekends

Michigan’s Free Outdoor Weekends for 2026 Explore over 100 miles of trails, 200 lakes, and 900 miles of rivers in Iron County Michigan.  Residents & non-residents can enjoy snowmobiling, fishing, and ATVing license/permit free EVERY year.  Mark your calendar for this year’s free weekends! And don’t miss out on June 13th-14th “three free weekend” where you can access state parks, boat access sites, lakes/rivers to fish, and ATV trails … permit/registration FREE! Snowmobiling: January 10-11, 2026 Free fishing: February 15-16 … read more 2026 Permit FREE Fishing, ATV/ORV Weekends

U.P. Championship Rodeo
Annual Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo

Experience the U.P. Championship Rodeo in Iron River The U.P. Championship Rodeo returns to Iron River, Michigan on July 10–11, 2026, bringing one of Iron County’s most established summer events back to the Iron County Fairgrounds. Known as the only PRCA sanctioned rodeo in Michigan, the event draws competitors, rodeo fans, local families, and summer visitors from across the Upper Peninsula and surrounding Midwest communities. For many travelers, rodeo weekend has become part of an annual summer tradition in Iron … read more Annual Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo

Rewarding Places to Stay in Michigan

Blue-Time-2-1-landscape-1bda4d794f0b78ad7a9dc76edd7e42f1-s2dm8kz6age4
AmericInn
by Wyndham

906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935

motel-2026-picture-1
Chicaugon
Lake Inn

906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917

Lakeshore-Motel-Ice-Lake-sun-over-water
Lakeshore Motel
Ice Lake

906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935

Pg-19_Inset_fireworks-landscape-76b9c76c809f50200abf168229bdde8c-nwgu45p89z7j
Pioneer
Lodge

800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935

lodge
Ski Brule
Village

800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935

tallpines
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.

×