{"id":5295,"date":"2019-10-21T10:32:53","date_gmt":"2019-10-21T14:32:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shaleewanders.com\/?p=5295"},"modified":"2021-12-31T14:24:23","modified_gmt":"2021-12-31T19:24:23","slug":"this-small-midwest-community-hides-some-of-the-countrys-best-hidden-adventures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shaleewanders.com\/this-small-midwest-community-hides-some-of-the-countrys-best-hidden-adventures\/","title":{"rendered":"This Small Midwest Community Hides Some Of The Country’s Best Hidden Adventures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Shalee\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

\n\t\tThis Small Midwest Community Holds Some Of The Country’s Best Hidden Adventures\n\t<\/h2>\n\t

October 21, 2019<\/p>\n\t\n

There’s something about a place that feels like home the moment you arrive.<\/p>\n

Less than four hours after landing in Ironwood, Michigan<\/a>, I’m standing in the middle of a black and red plaid street, surrounded by over three-hundred individuals (and dogs) wearing every shade and style of plaid you can imagine. Babies are sporting plaid onesies and pint-sized Stormy Kromer hats. Dogs are wrapped in plaid blankets. It was “Plaidurday” as they called it, and it seemed the entire community was out to play.<\/p>\n

It’s apparent here that the chilly northern temperatures are drastically warmed by those who call it home. In the moment I stepped out on the bustling downtown block, seemingly everyone turns to introduce themselves and welcome me to the community. I frantically jotted down notes in my phone, keeping up with the dozens of recommendations by the locals. There is no such thing as a stranger in Ironwood, I quickly come to learn. Only friends and those who are soon to be friends.<\/p>\n\n

Ironwood was originally founded as a mining town back in 1871. In the years since the mining boom, the town has evolved from a railroad and mining community to an outdoor adventure mecca. In my few short hours since arriving, I’ve discovered my search for adventure here won’t be a search at all. In the peak of fall colors, there’s more on my to-do list than my 48-hour limit allows.<\/p>\n

But all things must be paused until I take care of one last detail in the quest to become a true Yooper.<\/p>\n\n\n

Ironwood is home to the famous Stormy Kromer hat & apparel factory, an icon of life in the north. Owner Bob Jacquart bought the hundred-year-old company in 2001 and brought production of the hat to Ironwood. The caps, clothing, and even belts are 100% USA and Yooper-made. He greets me at the door and gives an impromptu tour of the facility. Even as the owner, Bob’s excitement for tours & the Stormy community is unmatched. The hallways are filled with photos, from hours-old babies sporting their first Kromer to entire family photos in matching caps. Bob knows every story behind every photo.<\/p>\n

With my Kromer on and camera ready, I look at my to-do list (which has grown exponentially since I landed mere hours ago). There’s a lot to do in a little time. I tighten my cap, ready to start my search for the perfect trifecta: adventure, bliss, and natural beauty in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.<\/p>\n\n\n

Ironwood is like Boulder, Colorado. But better.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With over 20 (and counting) miles of mountain biking trails, five ski resorts, over 100 kilometers of cross-country skiing, hiking, backcountry camping, waterfalls, and miles of Lake Superior shoreline, Ironwood is the kind of place where adventure finds you. Car rides with locals bring up casual conversations of “oh yeah, I’m on the national snowshoe racing team,” and “swimming in Lake Superior until October is totally normal!”<\/p>\n

The intense outdoor community reminded me something of Boulder, CO. However, what separates them speaks volumes. Ironwood is welcoming, less pretentious, and focuses vastly on the quality spent outside, not the competition surrounding it.<\/p>\n\n

Fueled by coffee, I spent an entire day running between trails in the Porcupine Mountains, racing to the top of Copper Peak, and jogging down waterfall trails. It’s impossible to explain everything there is to do when it comes to chasing adventure in Ironwood. So instead, I made you a checklist.<\/p>\n

\u2610 Climb Copper Peak<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Watch Sunrise at Lake of the Clouds<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Camp on Lake Superior at Little Girls Point County Park<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Go Mountain Biking<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Take a Guided Kayak Tour<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Buy a Stormy Kromer (and one for your dog, too)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Shred the Slopes at ALL FIVE Ski Resorts<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Visit Superior Falls<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Camp Backcountry in the Porcupine Mountains<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Take Side Road. Then Another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Visit Potawatomi & Gorge Falls<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Complete the Mountains of the Midwest Triathlon<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Take a Dip in Lake Superior<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Go on a Fall Color Tour<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/p>\n

But with grand adventure, comes deserving rewards. <\/strong><\/h3>\n

When I adventure, I tend to move at an eye-crossing pace. Ironwood reminds me beauty is found in the simplest moments of peace. From a moment of silence along a dirt road to a sunrise paddle among northern pines, I’m reminded to sit back and enjoy the view with good company. And the view is just a little sweeter when you kayaking guide breaks out a full breakfast spread on the beach, complete with a zesty homemade vegan brioche breakfast sandwich. That turns it from a good morning to the BEST morning.<\/p>\n\n

In my hunt for ice cream, happiness, and overall Yooper bliss, I found the best ways to indulge is to eat everything and soak in the sun as much as possible. Try each of these; you’ll come back filled with rejuvenated bliss & all the best calories. The best part? You’ll burn off what you eat.<\/p>\n

\u2610\u00a0906 Creamery<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Beach Day on Lake Superior<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Cold Iron Brewing<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Secluded Woodland Hike<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Sunrise Paddle & Breakfast with Whitecap Kayak<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Contrast Coffee Co.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2610 Indianhead Mountain – Big Snow Resort<\/p>\n\n

If there’s one thing Ironwood does best, it’s hospitality. <\/strong><\/h3>\n

From the moment I arrived to my final goodbyes, Ironwood’s hospitality came second to none. I’m happy to say it skyrocketed to #1 on the list of friendliest places I’ve ever been. For me, that alone is enough for a return trip.<\/p>\n

Before departing, I stop at Little Girls Point for a final seasonal farewell to Lake Superior. My feet brave the chilled waves for only a minute, but the water is my last contact with one of my favorite places in the world.<\/p>\n

It’s funny, after all these years and after all these new places, I have yet to find somewhere quite like the Upper Peninsula. It’s simple yet tough. It doesn’t answer to anyone else. Yet it’s filled to the brim with kindness and a rare warm-hearted nature.<\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>\n\n

Plan Your Trip to Ironwood <\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n

With a plethora of accommodations, including an extensive list of classic mom-and-pop style motels & cabins, campgrounds, and backcountry camping options, it’s easy to find the perfect fit for your adventure. Try the historic Classic Motor Inn motel or the opt-in for a backcountry permit within the Porcupine Mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And share your Ironwood adventures in the comments!<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\"Outdoor\n\t

At any given moment, Shalee is either lost, hunting for ice cream, or obsessively planning her next adventure.<\/p>\n

Born and raised in rural Michigan, she began exploring the shores of Great Lakes as a teen, often sleeping in her car to save money. Eventually, her urge to explore pushed beyond her Midwest borders. Today, Shalee shares her tips and stories to thousands of readers interested in adventure, outdoor, and sustainable tourism. Her pack now includes two spunky hiking cats<\/a> and her partner, Josh. Learn more about her here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n\t\tJoin the Adventure\n\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\"Blank\n\t\n\n\n\n

 <\/p>\n\t\n

\n\t
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shaleewanders<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n
\n \n Back home in WY\u2014 the cats think i smell weird an<\/span>\n \n\t <\/path>\n\t <\/svg>\t \"Back\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
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\n \n It\u2019s been so fun this year to watch another cat <\/span>\n \n\t <\/path>\n\t <\/svg>\t \"It\u2019s\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n \n The BEST fall weekend camping, canoeing, and hikin<\/span>\n \t <\/path><\/svg> \"The\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
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\n \n I know we\u2019re supposed to be all about fall at th<\/span>\n \n\t <\/path>\n\t <\/svg>\t \"I\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
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\n \n He would ride on the roof if we\u2019d let him. \n\n#ca<\/span>\n \t <\/path><\/svg> \"He\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
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\n \n If I\u2019m being 100% honest, the most disappointing<\/span>\n \t <\/path><\/svg> \"If\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n \n Don\u2019t ask me where this is IM NOT TELLING FIND I<\/span>\n \t \"Don\u2019t\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
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\n \n Fall in Montana is very much alive \ud83c\udf42\n\n#montana <\/span>\n \n\t <\/path>\n\t <\/svg>\t \"Fall\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n \n And none of them are in the Tetons\n\n#wyoming #back<\/span>\n \t <\/path><\/svg> \"And\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n\n\t
\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLoad More...<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n\t <\/path>\n\t <\/svg> Follow on Instagram<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/span>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\t \n\t<\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"ironwood\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This Small Midwest Community Holds Some Of The Country’s Best Hidden Adventures October 21, 2019 There’s something about a place that feels like home the moment you arrive. 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