Crystal Falls Lodgings

CRYSTAL WATERS RESORT
(906) 875-3195; yellowpages.com/crystalwatersresort
Longtime guests at this attractive 5-acre resort on First Fortune Lake are delighted that the property has remained a resort. Repeat guests practically fill it in July and August, but spring and fall are more open. All 6 cabins have kitchens, and decks and picture windows looking out at the lawn and pleasant, sandy beach with a pier and floating diving platform. A deck, lawn chairs, and a bonfire pit are by the lake. Each cabin has a TV/VCR, microwave, gas heat, and a 14' boat on its own dock. (Motor rental and gas are available.) For no charge, guests can use the resort's canoes, kayaks, and a paddleboat. Guests can use phone in office.
     There's a fish-cleaning house with freezer. The lake, known for walleye, also has perch, bass, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. A path leads through the wooded back part of Bewabic State Park; it's a 20-minute walk to the park's developed area. Boaters can use the park boat launch, or a free launch off U.S. 2.
     Owners Harry and Wilma Kallies host an all-day bird watch held in May during the warbler migration. The Fortune chain of lakes is a hot spot of bird migration, especially at their resort and Bewabic. "It doesn't get any better than this," says a leader of the local Audubon Society. Loons nest on the lake; visiting loons are increasing. Eagles and ospreys nest on the Fortune Lakes, too.
     Most cabins have knotty pine interiors. Three have 2 bedrooms. Each has one king bed with twins. Some have twins. These are $575 a week in summer, $500 off-season, for 3 people. $75/extra person including children. Ask about larger cabins sleeping 7 and 10. Three-day rentals are available in non-peak seasons, typically $90-$155/night. Call in Dec. for summer. One mile from snowmobile trail.

EDGAR'S RIVERVIEW B&B
(906) 875-6213
This place enjoys a secluded setting in the woods on the Michigamme River within about five miles of two big reservoirs. Fishing on the premises is for bass, walleye, and northern pike. Feeders mean many birds and deer are constant visitors. All three guest rooms have river views, as does the deck. Edgar's is a blend of inn and homestay B&B. The three guest rooms ($85, $95, and for whirlpool room $105) are in their own wing, with a separate entrance.
   Richard and Danelle Edgar are genial, laid-back hosts. Ask Danelle, a city girl, about the challenges of real estate sales in Iron County. She's fully prepared with snowshoes, waterproof boots, and a snowmobile to get to those "secluded properties" away from any road and off the electric grid, too. Guests share most of the rest of the house with Richard, Danelle, and their two children. Guests are welcome to use the fridge and relax in the fireside gathering room with a tall stone fireplace and cathedral ceiling. It's decorated in mix of northwoods, country, Indian things, and a few hunting trophies. There's a full breakfast. Richard offers canoe rentals and spotting, and an informal guide service on his deck boat, for fishing and watching eagles. Guests can use cross-country skis and snowshoes. On snowmobile trail.

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